Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany

Germany has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian students willing to pursue higher education. Over the last five years, the number of Indian students pursuing their studies in Germany has more than doubled. As per the latest figures released by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, it has increased by 15.1% in the last year and as many as 49,483 Indian students enrolled and pursued their studies in Germany during the 2023-2024 winter semester.

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Why is Germany an Attractive Study Destination?

Germany has become a preferred study destination and it is attributable to several key factors. They as under:

  • Germany is renowned for its strong academic reputation, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. 
  • It offers an added advantage of minimal tuition fees at public universities.
  • Germany offers high-quality education at a fraction of the cost compared to countries like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
  • Indians make up the largest group of international students at the German universities. 
  • Overall, engineering remains the first choice for Indian students pursuing career options in Germany.
  • Most of the students seek to pursue engineering that accounts for 60% of their enrollment.
  • Law, management, and social studies follow with 21% and Mathematics and natural sciences represent 13%, while other subjects make up 5%.
  • Enrollment at higher education institutions is divided between universities and universities of applied sciences.
  • Universities account for 56% of the total enrollment, while universities of applied sciences make up 44%.
  • A higher education entrance qualification is required to enroll at any of Germany’s universities of applied sciences.
  • Germany’s public universities waive tuition fees for both domestic and international students, requiring a nominal semester fee to cover administrative costs and costs incurred on transportation, and student services.
  • As an international student on a study visa, they are allowed to work while pursuing their studies. Students may work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without the need of obtaining prior approval from the Federal Employment Agency. During semester breaks, there are no restrictions on how many hours you can work.

Witnessing the trend of growing influx of students, various scholarships are offered to Indian students helping them to alleviate financial burdens and encourage academic achievement. These scholarships, offered by German universities, government organisations, and foundations, provide financial assistance and, in some cases, additional benefits such as mentoring and internships. We are making a sincere attempt to provide comprehensive details on top scholarships available for Indian students to pursue their higher studies in Germany.

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany: End of Study Scholarship

Technische Hochschule Koln – TH Koln (German University) offers the End of Study Scholarships to international students who are already pursuing their studies at the university. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Federal Foreign Office, the scholarship aims to extend financial support to students in preparation for their final year to enable them to fully concentrate on their studies. This scholarship is available to select Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at the university.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants must be foreign nationals holding non-German educational qualifications, implying that they cannot possess German citizenship. They should not be enrolled as exchange students or students of German language courses.
  • Applicants should be enrolled at TH Köln pursuing a university degree. 
  • Candidates must be in the final stage of their degree program and, on the basis of their previous grades, they should have a strong likelihood of graduating within 12 months from the start of the scholarship, i.e., 1st March or 1st September. 
  • Additionally, applicants are required to live in Germany while completing their final thesis.

Benefits:

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Scholars with care obligations (single parents, people with children/relatives in need of care, in particular) can receive up to €556 per month. Scholars with health impairments can receive up to €992 per month.

In both cases, the scholarship can be received for a maximum of 6 months. Students can apply for both the Bachelor’s and Master’s thesis program.

Required Documents:

  • Letter of motivation (download format from official website)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Proof of social/intercultural/voluntary commitment done during studies at TH Köln (if applicable)
  • Proof of care obligations (if applicable)
  • Proof of health impairment (if applicable)
  • Current academic transcripts with grades
  • List of not completed modules/exams with estimated completion date
  • Copy of the thesis registration from the examination office (if applicable)
  • Economic details (download format from official website)
  • Proof of financing of studies (if applicable)
  • University enrollment certificate
  • Resident permit copy
  • Passport (with personal information)

Application Process:

  • Visit the official website and download the application form. Fill it with the required details.
  • Attach all the required documents in a single PDF file in the given order.
  • Send the PDF and the completed application form to the following address:

TH Köln

Buddy4Study - Education Loan

Department of International Affairs

Lis Ohlsen

E-mail: lis.ohlsen@th-koeln.de

Phone: +49 221 8275 3826

Application Timeline:

The scholarship is made available to a limited number of students twice every year, with deadlines on 15th December and 15th June, respectively. The payment of the scholarships is subject to the provision of funds by the DAAD and the Federal Foreign Office.

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany: Einstein Fellowship

The Einstein Fellowship is offered by the Einstein Forum and the Wittenstein Foundation. The fellowship is intended for exceptional young scholars seeking to work on a project that is unrelated to their prior research. In keeping with Albert Einstein’s example, the fellowship aims to assist those who are interested in producing exceptional work in their field of expertise and interdisciplinary approaches.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants must be below 35 years.
  • They should hold a university degree in humanities/social sciences/natural sciences.
  • Applicants should display themselves as outstanding thinkers who wish to pursue a project in a different field from that of their previous research.

Benefits:

The fellowship covers five to six months of accommodation in Einstein’s own summerhouse’s garden cottage in Caputh, Brandenburg, which is close to Potsdam and Berlin’s universities and academic institutions. In addition, the fellows will receive reimbursement for travel expenses and a stipend of €10,000.

Required Documents:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • A two-page project proposal
  • Two letters of recommendation

Application Process and Timeline:

The required documents should be submitted by email to the following email address:

fellowship@einsteinforum.de. The applications for 2025 have been closed and students are advised to visit the official website for details about the upcoming session.

Contact Details: Einstein Forum, Am Neuen Markt 7, 14467 Potsdam, Germany.

Number – 0331-27178-0

Email – einsteinforum@einsteinforum.de

Also Read: Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Japan

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany: Hamburg University Scholarships

The University of Hamburg currently provides 3 scholarships which are dedicated to international students. They are as under:

Merit Scholarship: Up to €930 monthly funding for meritorious international students currently enrolled and pursuing studies at the university (maximum tenure 2 years).

Degree Completion Grant: Up to €930 for international students successfully completing their degree.

DAAD’s Hilde Domin Programme: Funding for students facing risk in continuing their studies.

Application Process:

Eligible applicants can apply on the official website of the university. They must check the dates for the scholarship they are applying for beforehand.

Required Documentation:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Letter of motivation
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Marksheets and certificates of previous qualifications
  • German language proficiency proofs
  • Other required documents

Contact Details: University of Hamburg, Mittelweg 177, 20148 Hamburg.

Number – +49 40 42838-3311

Email –  stipend-internationalstudent@uni-hamburg.de

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany: Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is an organisation established by the government of the Federal Republic of Germany. It is funded by the Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development as well as other national and international partners. The foundation offers various opportunities to international students and professionals with recognisable contributions:

Benefits:

Alexander von Humboldt Professorship: Up to €1,80,000 towards exceptionally qualified and established research professionals.

Carl-Zeiss-Humboldt Research Award: €1,00,000 to researchers in STEM with significant contributions in their field.

Fraunhofer-Bessel Research and Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award: €45,000 to researchers engaged in research with outstanding scientific achievements.

German Chancellor Fellowship: Monthly fellowship grant of up to €2,700 and other benefits for international graduates.

Humboldt Research Award: €60,000 for internationally recognised researchers.

Humboldt Research Fellowship: Monthly amount of €2,700 plus additional benefits for experienced postdoctoral researchers.

International Climate Protection Fellowship: Monthly fellowship grant of up to €2,700 and other benefits for international post-doctorates and prospective leaders in a climate-relevant field.

German Research Chair at AIMS: Up to €835,000 in funding for researchers in the field of mathematics with outstanding international records and experience.

Reimar Lüst Award: Award of €60,000 for highly respected scholars of humanity and social scientists.

Application and Timeline:

The application process and dates can be found on the official website, and the application process is online.

Contact Details: Humboldt Foundation Berlin, WissenschaftsForum, Markgrafenstr. 37, 10117 Berlin, Germany.

Number – +49 228 833-0.

Email – info@avh.de

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany: DAAD Scholarships

Every year, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports more than 1,00,000 students and researchers, both from Germany and internationally, making it the largest funding organization of its kind in the world. These scholarships are primarily intended for graduates, doctoral candidates, and post-doctoral researchers. 

Typically, the scholarships include a monthly stipend and a flat-rate travel allowance. In many cases, DAAD also offers its scholars health, accident, and personal liability insurance. Depending on the scholarship program, additional benefits may be available, such as a one-time research grant, family support, or funding for language courses. A list of all the scholarships can be found in the official DAAD “scholarship database”.

Contact Details: 403, Shah Sultan, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru – 560052, India.

Number – +91 (96) 86276419.

Email ID – info.bangalore@daad.de

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany: Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship

The Deutschlandstipendium provides financial and non-material support to high-achieving students at participating German universities. It consists of €150 per month from private sponsors, matched by the Federal Government, thus totalling €300. Recipients may also benefit from mentoring and internships made available by the sponsors and participating institutions. The scholarship is awarded by universities without regard to income or nationality and does not affect BAföG grants. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of individual universities. Details about the scholarship and its availability can be found on the official website.

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany: Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships

The Heinrich Böll Foundation grants scholarships to approximately 1500 graduates and doctoral students of all subjects and nationalities per year for pursuing their degree in the universities, universities of applied sciences, or universities of the arts. Applicants must have excellent academic records. He should be socially and politically engaged with an active interest in the basic values of the foundation: ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, self-determination and justice. They also must have at least B2 Level or DSH2 knowledge of the German language. The scholarship application deadline is 1st March and 1st September, with the application portal opening 6 weeks before the deadline.

Contact Details: C-20, First Floor, Qutub Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110016, India.

Number – +91 (11) 2685-4405, 2651-6695, 2696-2840.

Email – In-info@in.boell.org

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany: Heidelberg University Scholarships

Heidelberg University provides a range of scholarships for international students, such as the Amirana Scholarship for international students belonging to developing countries to study dentistry or medicine at the university. Information about individual scholarships can be found on the official website of the university.

Contact Details: Heidelberg University, Grabengasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg.

Number – +49 6221 54-0.

Email – info.india@fes.de

Besides, some of the most relevant scholarship programs have been listed for the benefit of Indian students. They are as follows:

  • Erasmus fellowship and scholarship program that allows students from their home country to get first hand experience with modern education and cover their tuition fees and living expenses. 
  • Friedrich Ebert Scholarship that pays for pursuing a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.
  • Graduate School Scholarship Program (GSSP), a German scholarship program that provides students with a monthly stipend and a yearly research grant. This fellowship is intended for students interested in pursuing a PhD project at a reputable German university.
  • Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung Scholarship, a fully financed German scholarship program that includes health insurance and a family stipend, specifically for overseas students who are fluent in German. This scholarship covers all available German courses.
  • ERP Study Scholarship is meant for Students with a Bachelor’s degree in economics having earned two years of work experience and willing to finish their Master’s degree and research. 
  • European Management School (EMS) Study Scholarship is dedicated to students with an excellent academic record and a social involvement who want to improve their personality, management, and business abilities. Students will receive a 50% tuition discount and additional possibilities of working at a top global business organization.
  • Kofi Annan MBA Program is intended for students who aspire to be a leader. Students get a two-year MBA scholarship under this initiative.

Last but not the least, it is now well known that Germany stands out as one of the top three global destinations for its education system, offering affordability, accessibility, and excellence. Public universities in Germany waive tuition fees for both local and international students, while private universities also remain financially viable. The aforementioned scholarship programs offer Indian students a promising educational journey to secure a brighter future for themselves.

Also Read: Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Australia!

Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany: FAQs

Why has Germany become an attractive study destination for Indian students?

Germany is preferred for its strong academic reputation, particularly in STEM fields, minimal tuition fees at public universities, and high-quality education at a lower cost compared to countries like Canada, the USA, and the UK.

What percentage of Indian students pursuing higher education in Germany choose engineering?

Around 60% of Indian students pursuing higher education in Germany choose engineering as their field of study.

How many Indian students enrolled in German higher education institutions during the 2023-2024 winter semester?

A total of 49,483 Indian students enrolled in German higher education institutions during the 2023-2024 winter semester.

What are the work regulations for international students on a study visa in Germany?

International students on a study visa can work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year without prior approval. During semester breaks, there are no restrictions on working hours.

What is the percentage distribution of enrollment between universities and universities of applied sciences in Germany?

Universities account for 56% of the total enrollment, while universities of applied sciences account for 44%.

What is the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG)?

The Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) is a German state-funded program that provides financial assistance to students pursuing studies in Germany.

I don’t see an application link for the scholarship I want to apply for, what does this mean?

Most scholarship opportunities are available for a limited period of time. If the scholarship deadline has passed, students should wait patiently for the next application window.

Is it possible to receive a full scholarship in Germany as an Indian student?

Many providers offer full scholarships for international students, including Indians, for study in German institutions. Candidates have to meet the necessary conditions for the scholarship opportunity and display a working knowledge of the German language.

Is learning German mandatory for receiving German scholarships?

Although not every scholarship demands its candidates to learn the language, a working knowledge of German is essential for pursuing studies in Germany as it helps smoothen the learning process with better understanding, comprehension, and communication skills.

Can Indians get free education in Germany?

Germany is known among other countries for its inexpensive and often free delivery of education. While it is true that German institutions are known to offer education for free, the cost of living in Germany can be expensive from an Indian perspective. This is where scholarships can help students with their financial needs so that they can fully focus on their studies and enjoy the free education in Germany.

Disclaimer

  1. Source of Information: Buddy4Study app compiles details on scholarships/fellowships from government websites and private scholarship sources. Links to the official sources accompany each listing detail pages.
  2. Non-affiliation: The Buddy4Study app is not associated with any government entity in India or elsewhere. When featuring government scholarships, we rely on publicly accessible information from central and state government websites in India.

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