Top 10 scholarships for Indian students wishing to study in Germany

Studely
June 9, 2026

Germany has become one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students, thanks to its high-quality education, low or non-existent tuition fees, and the large number of scholarships available. If you're planning to pursue higher education in Germany in 2025, here are the top 10 scholarships that can help you fund your plans.

Do you want to study without paying high tuition fees? Germany has the solution.

Do you dream of building your academic future without accumulating debt from tuition fees? Germany is among the preferred destinations for Indian students, thanks to its world-class education, over 1,100 programs taught in English, and the absence of tuition fees in most public universities.

Whether you want to study engineering, business, or computer science, you can access high-level programs while keeping your expenses low. After graduation, international students can also stay in Germany for up to 18 months to look for a job.

With the presence of major international companies in cities like Berlin, Munich and Frankfurt, a safe environment, an excellent public transport network, and a significant Indian student community, Germany offers all the necessary conditions for success.

1. DAAD Scholarships (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) is one of the main funding organizations for international students in Germany.

Most popular programs

Excellence scholarship for undergraduate students

Aimed at students with excellent academic results, it covers:

  • Tuition fees
  • A monthly allowance of €861
  • Travel expenses

Research scholarships for master's students

These scholarships are particularly for students in:

  • Engineering
  • Social sciences
  • Humanities

They offer up to €1,200 per month, health insurance, and sometimes German language courses.

Doctoral scholarships

Doctoral students can receive:

  • €1,350 per month
  • Funding for up to 4 years
  • Additional support for scientific conferences and workshops

Tips for a successful application

  • Start the process at least six months in advance
  • Obtain strong letters of recommendation
  • Develop a clear and coherent study plan

2. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung supports international students with excellent academic records and a strong social or political commitment.

What the scholarship covers

  • €934 per month for Master's students
  • €1,200 per month for PhD students
  • Health insurance support
  • Training, seminars, and networking opportunities

Eligibility requirements

  • Excellent academic performance
  • Community or civic engagement
  • Minimum B2 German level
  • Admission to a German university

3. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship

The Heinrich Böll Foundation supports students committed to the fields of:

  • Environment
  • Democracy
  • Human Rights
  • Social Justice

Benefits

  • €934 per month for Master's students
  • €1,200 per month for PhD students
  • Health insurance and additional allowances
  • Access to a vast academic and professional network

Students generally need to demonstrate a B2 German language level or higher.

4. Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung funds students who are particularly committed to social and civic issues.

What the scholarship covers

  • Up to €934 per month for Bachelor's and Master's students
  • €1,200 per month for PhD students
  • Additional allowances for books, health insurance, and family

Requirements

  • Strong academic record
  • Demonstrated social commitment
  • Minimum B2 German level

5. Erasmus+ Program

The Erasmus+ program is one of the most well-known international mobility programs in the world.

Benefits

  • Monthly financial aid
  • Tuition fee waiver at the host institution
  • Language support
  • Specific aid for certain students

The program also includes the prestigious, fully funded Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees.

6. RWTH Aachen Scholarships

RWTH Aachen RWTH Aachen offers several financial aid programs for international students.

Types of aid available

  • Merit-based scholarships
  • Emergency aid
  • International mobility scholarships
  • Specific programs for high-potential students

Note that the university generally does not charge tuition fees, only a semester contribution of approximately €300.

7. University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships

TheUniversity of Hamburg offers scholarships for high-achieving international students.

Amounts

  • Up to €930 per month for Bachelor's and Master's students
  • Up to €1,200 per month for doctoral students

Scholarships are generally awarded for two renewable semesters.

8. Deutschlandstipendium

The Deutschlandstipendium is one of Germany's most prestigious scholarship programs.

What you receive

  • €300 per month
  • Professional support
  • Networks of partner companies
  • Mentoring programs

Selection criteria

  • Academic excellence
  • Community Involvement
  • Remarkable Personal Journey

9. Jacobs University (Constructor University) Scholarships

The Jacobs University Bremen (Constructor University) offers numerous merit-based scholarships to international students.

Amounts

  • Between €2,500 and €15,000 per year
  • Up to €12,000 per year for certain master's programs

Nearly 90% of students receive some form of financial aid.

10. Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation funds Indian students wishing to pursue higher education at top universities worldwide.

What the scholarship covers

  • Up to USD 100,000
  • Tuition fees
  • Accommodation
  • Health insurance
  • Travel expenses

Requirements

  • Be an Indian citizen
  • Be under 30 years old
  • Have an excellent academic record
  • Be admitted to a recognized university

Final tips for applicants

  • Start your research as early as possible
  • Carefully prepare your cover letters
  • Request multiple letters of recommendation
  • Check for financial aid offered directly by German universities
  • Strictly adhere to application deadlines

The best scholarships are often highly competitive. Thorough preparation and a comprehensive application will significantly increase your chances of securing funding for your studies in Germany.

Studely
June 9, 2026