10 Best Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Germany (2025)

Looking to Study Without High Tuition Costs? Germany Has You Covered

Want to launch your academic career without the burden of high tuition fees? Germany is one of the top study destinations for Indian students, offering world-class education, over 1,100 English-taught programs, and little to no tuition fees at public universities.

Enjoy top programs in engineering, business, or computer science—without worrying about loan repayments. After graduation, international students can stay up to 18 months to work in Germany’s strong job market.

With global companies in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, a safe environment, excellent public transport, and a growing Indian student community, Germany offers everything you need to thrive.

DAAD Scholarships (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)

Finding the right scholarship can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—but the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) makes it easier than ever. Specifically designed for international students, DAAD offers a wide range of scholarships at every academic level, including options tailored to Indian students.

Scholarship Options You Shouldn’t Miss:

• Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship

For high-performing bachelor’s students, this scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend of €861, and travel expenses. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic background and proficiency in English or German.

• Master’s Research Grants

Ideal for students in fields like engineering, social sciences, or humanities. These grants offer up to €1,200/month, health insurance, and language courses in Germany. Applications typically open in August and close by October—start early!

• Doctoral Fellowships

Doctoral candidates can receive €1,350/month for up to 4 years, along with additional funding for workshops, conferences, and family allowances. A completed master’s degree and a well-developed research proposal are required.

Tips to Maximize Your Chances:

• Start your application at least six months in advance.
• Request strong recommendation letters from professors familiar with German academic standards.
• Write a clear and goal-oriented study plan that outlines your academic interests and long-term ambitions.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship

The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship supports talented international students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and a commitment to social or political engagement. Funded by one of Germany’s major political foundations, this scholarship offers more than financial support—it provides access to an international network of future leaders.

Who Can Apply?

The KAS Scholarship is aimed at students from developing or transition countries, including India, who plan to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree at a German university. Fields such as law, political science, economics, journalism, international relations, and social sciences are especially encouraged.

What Does It Cover?

• Monthly stipend:
  €934/month for master’s students
  €1,200/month for PhD students
• Health insurance allowance
• Family support (if applicable)
• Access to exclusive seminars, mentorship, and networking opportunities
• Language courses and intercultural training

Eligibility Criteria:

• Excellent academic record
• Demonstrated interest in political or social engagement
• Strong German language skills (minimum B2 level, even if your program is in English)
• Admission or application to a German university
• Age limit: generally under 30 at the time of application

Application Tips:

• Submit a strong motivation letter explaining your interest in social change and leadership.
• Highlight any past community involvement, student leadership roles, or civic projects.
• Prepare for an interview if shortlisted.
• Applications are accepted once per year, usually with a deadline in July.

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship

The Heinrich Böll Foundation offers scholarships to international students committed to academic excellence, environmental sustainability, social justice, and democracy. Funded by the German Green Party, the foundation supports students who not only perform well academically but also demonstrate strong civic engagement and values aligned with the foundation’s principles.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is open to students from all disciplines and nationalities pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree at a state-recognized German university. Priority is often given to applicants from countries in the Global South, the EU Neighbourhood, and conflict regions.

What’s Covered?

• €934/month for master’s students
• €1,200/month for PhD candidates
• Health insurance and other allowances (travel, family, study)
• Access to events, political education seminars, and a vibrant network of scholars and activists

Eligibility Criteria:

• Excellent academic performance
• Proven commitment to green values (e.g., environmental action, human rights, democracy)
• German language proficiency (usually B2 or higher)
• Enrollment or application to a German university

Applications are usually accepted twice a year, with deadlines in March and September. Applicants must go through a multi-stage selection process, including written documents and an interview.

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Scholarship is designed to support talented international students who are socially and politically engaged. Backed by Germany’s oldest political foundation (aligned with the Social Democratic Party), this scholarship promotes social justice, democracy, and equal opportunities in higher education.

Who Can Apply?

International students from the Global South, as well as countries in Eastern Europe and the CIS region, who are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree at a state-recognized German university. The program is especially open to those with a clear interest in social issues and a track record of civic involvement.

What’s Covered?

• Up to €934/month for undergraduate and master’s students
• €1,200/month for doctoral students
• Additional allowances for books, health insurance, and family (if applicable)
• Free participation in seminars, workshops, and political education programs

Eligibility Criteria:

• Strong academic record
• Demonstrated commitment to social democracy or community service
• Good knowledge of German (minimum B2, even if your course is in English)
• Already admitted or in the process of applying to a German university

Applications are open year-round for international students, though deadlines vary depending on the program level. A personal interview is part of the selection process.

Erasmus+ Program

The Erasmus+ Program is the European Union’s flagship initiative for education, training, youth, and sport, offering international students the chance to study, train, or gain experience abroad. It promotes cross-cultural learning, academic exchange, and professional development across Europe and beyond.

Who Can Apply?

Erasmus+ is open to students enrolled in higher education institutions (bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD level) from EU countries and partner countries worldwide. Applicants must be studying at a participating institution and be selected by their home university to take part in an Erasmus+ exchange.

What’s Covered?

• Monthly grant to help with travel and living expenses (varies by destination)
• Tuition-free exchange at host universities
• Language preparation and support services
• Special funding for students with fewer opportunities or disabilities

Eligibility Criteria:

• Enrolled in a recognized higher education institution
• Good academic standing
• Nominated by your home university
• For some master’s programs under Erasmus Mundus, a separate application is required and selection is highly competitive

The Erasmus+ program also offers Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs)—prestigious, fully funded programs where students study in at least two different countries and earn a joint or double degree.

RWTH Aachen University Scholarships

RWTH Aachen offers a range of scholarship opportunities for international students—including merit-based awards, targeted grants, and emergency support.
Students also report that RWTH currently does not charge tuition fees for international students—only a semester social fee of about €300

Tips for Applicants

• Deadlines vary: Master’s scholarships (e.g., Women in Engineering or High Potential) usually align with Master’s program deadlines—typically March 1 (non-EU) and July 15 (EU)
• Emergency and mobility grants have specific application windows (STIBET I by May 15; PROMOS in March & September)

RWTH Aachen’s diverse funding landscape ensures that high-achieving, socially engaged international students—from short-course attendees to doctoral candidates—can find tailored financial support to help realize their academic ambitions.

Hamburg University Merit Scholarships

The University of Hamburg offers merit scholarships to support high-achieving international students who are enrolled in full-time degree programs. The scholarship provides up to €930/month for undergraduate and master’s students and €1,200/month for doctoral candidates. Funding is typically awarded for two semesters and can be renewed. The program also recognizes applicants with strong academic records and a commitment to social or intercultural engagement. Students must have completed at least two semesters at the university (or one semester for master’s and doctoral students) and must not be eligible for BAföG (German federal student aid).

Students also report that the University of Hamburg does not charge tuition fees—only a semester contribution of around €300, which covers public transport and student services.

Tips for Applicants

• Application deadlines: April 15 (for funding starting in October) and October 15 (for funding starting in April)
• Selection is highly competitive: prepare strong documentation of your academic record and extracurricular engagement

Deutschlandstipendium

Deutschlandstipendium is a prestigious nationwide scholarship initiative that awards €300/month to high-achieving students at German universities—half financed by the Federal Government and half by private sponsors such as companies, foundations, alumni, or individuals. It supports exceptional academic performance, social commitment, and in some cases overcoming personal challenges. Funding runs for at least two semesters and can continue until the end of your standard study period.

Eligibility Criteria:

Students across all disciplines (except doctoral candidates) are eligible, regardless of nationality or income, and may combine it with BAföG. Many scholarship holders also benefit from mentoring opportunities, networking events, and direct engagement with sponsors

Tips for Applicants

• Application is handled per universe institution—check your university’s portal for exact deadline windows (typically in early autumn or spring).
• The selection process usually involves a two-stage evaluation: first on grades, then “soft factors” like volunteer work or personal adversity.
• Extracurricular engagement matters: Reddit users note that combining high grades (~1.3/GPA) with social commitment significantly boosts chances .

Jacobs University Scholarships

Jacobs University Bremen (now Constructor University) offers a wide range of merit-based scholarships to support talented international students pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies. Scholarships are automatically considered upon admission, with awards ranging from €2,500 to €15,000 per year. EU applicants are guaranteed a minimum of €4,000 annually, and selected master’s programs such as Data Engineering, Data Science for Society & Business, and Supply Chain Management offer scholarships of up to €12,000 per year. In addition to scholarships, the university provides a flexible tuition deferral plan (Study@Ease), allowing students to repay part of their tuition after graduation based on income.

What’s Covered?

• Annual merit-based scholarships (€2,500–€15,000)
• Guaranteed minimum funding for EU students
• High-value awards for selected master’s programs
• Income-based tuition deferral after graduation

Eligibility Criteria:

• Admission to an undergraduate or master’s program at Jacobs University
• Strong academic record and leadership potential
• No separate application required for most scholarships
• Early application (by June 1) recommended for best funding opportunities

With nearly 90% of students receiving financial aid, Jacobs University offers a highly supportive financial environment for international students aiming to study in Germany.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships provide Indian students with generous financial support to pursue postgraduate studies at top universities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. Valued at up to USD 100,000, the scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and one-way travel. Candidates must be Indian citizens under the age of 30, hold a good first degree from a recognized Indian institution, and have secured admission to a full-time master’s, MPhil, or doctoral program at a leading university abroad. The scholarship is not available for certain subjects, including business studies, computer science, engineering (except at Imperial College London), medicine, public health, and fashion design. The selection process includes a review of academic merit, interview performance, and evidence of exceptional talent in the applicant’s field.

What’s Covered?

• Up to USD 100,000 for tuition, living costs, and travel
• Health insurance for the duration of study
• Support for master’s, MPhil, and PhD programs
• Additional funding available through university partnerships

Eligibility Criteria:

• Indian citizen with a valid passport
• Under 30 years of age at the time of application
• First-class undergraduate degree from an Indian university
• Admission offer from a leading institution abroad
• Field of study must be eligible under Inlaks guidelines

The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship is one of India’s most competitive and prestigious international funding opportunities, enabling exceptional students to access world-class education and contribute meaningfully to their fields.

Final Tips for Applicants

• Start early: Most scholarship deadlines fall between September and April.
• Prepare strong applications: Focus on academic excellence, motivation letters, and references.
• Check university-specific funding: Many German universities offer their own scholarships for Indian students.