Scholarships to Study in Germany for International Students in 2024

Germany has witnessed an impressive 26% surge in the number of Indian students over the past year, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office. Studying in Germany offers top-tier education, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes, often with minimal or zero tuition fees, although exceptions apply to private institutions and specialized programs. Moreover, graduates who choose to work in Germany can offset their previous tuition fees against their income tax.

Nonetheless, the cost of living in Germany, which averages around 867 euros per month, can be financially burdensome. As a result, many students seek financial assistance and scholarships. Fortunately, a plethora of scholarships is available to support international students facing financial constraints.

1. Government Funded Scholarships
2. Non-Government Funded Scholarships
3. Scholarships from German Universities
4. Course-specific scholarships for Germany
5. Frequently asked questions  

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Government-funded scholarships to study in Germany

It's not too difficult to apply for these government-funded scholarships offered by the German government. After considering the candidates' financial situation, they are given to them ranging between 150 euros to 800 euros per month for a period of 12 months. 

Some of the government-funded scholarships are:

1. DAAD Scholarships Germany
2. Erasmus Scholarship Program

Let’s understand the eligibility criteria and benefits provided by these scholarships in detail, but before that explore education loan options to study in Germany as well.

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DAAD Scholarship Germany

DAAD scholarships are open to students seeking a degree in engineering or science who want to complete their three-month internship program at a public German institution. Undergraduate students who are chosen will get 861 EUR per month to cover living expenses, as well as 1,050 EUR in travel aid and payments for health, accident, and personal liability insurance.

Eligibility criteria

• All International students are eligible to apply.
• Supports individuals with high academic achievements.
• Meeting of DAAD's language-related standards.
• The applicant must have been in his country of residence for at least a year at the time of application if he wishes to travel to Germany for up to six months.
• Two years of demonstrable professional experience in a related field, work in research, and a teaching or graduate assistantship.
• The applicant must have earned his bachelor's degree within the last six years in order to meet the minimum 6-year academic requirement.
• The applicant must have earned his most recent degree in his country of residence if he intends to stay in Germany for more than six months.

Benefits

• Flat-rate travel reimbursement;
• Health protection
• Insurance for accidents and personal liability
• Research Support
• Family Advantage
• Monthly rent assistance
• Funds for a language preparation course

Erasmus Mundus Scholarship Program

One of the world's most generous scholarships is the Erasmus scholarship. 2,450 applicants were selected for this scholarship program for the 2023–24 intake. It is the largest scholarship provider in the EU and is funded by the European Commission. The main aim of the Erasmus Scholarship program is to provide Financial aid to International students to study in the countries that come under the European Union. You either stand to gain a joint degree, which is a certificate of completion issued on behalf of two or more institutions of higher learning or multiple degrees (i.e., at least two diplomas from the consortium's affiliated higher education institutions)

Eligibility criteria

The student must,

• Possess a bachelor's degree (first degree), be in his final year of undergraduate study, or have already graduated before the start of the master's program in Germany.
• He may also apply If he can prove that he has the learning capacity of a bachelor.

According to national laws and customs in the nation conferring the degree, this must be legally recognized.

Benefits

• Covers participation costs
• Contribute to travel, German student visa and a living allowance
• Can be applied directly to the institution running their chosen program  

Must Read: How to open a German blocked account?

Non-Government funded scholarships to study in Germany

Other than the government, outside organizations are funding these scholarships. They all have distinct requirements for eligibility.

Some of the Non-Government funded scholarships are:

1. Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship for International Students
2. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship
3. Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Program
4. Mawista Scholarship
5. The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship

Let’s discuss the above-mentioned scholarships in detail below:

Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship for International Students

Each year, the Heinrich Böll Foundation awards scholarships to about 1500 undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate students from all disciplines and countries who are enrolled in universities, universities of applied sciences or universities of the arts.

Eligibility criteria

• Proof of the required level of German language (B2 or DSH 2)
• Excellent school grades and academic standing; if requested, first graded proofs of academic achievements
• Social engagement and interest in politics
• Convincing justification for applying to the Foundation

Benefits

• Encourages political education across the world
• Promotes socio-political commitment,
• Promotes democratic will, and international understanding.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship

International master's degree candidates and recent graduates are given scholarships by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung to support their studies and research at German universities. By doing this, they actively encourage intercultural communication, the creation of global networks, and the globalization of research and higher education.

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Eligibility criteria

• Good knowledge of the German language (B2-level)
• A university degree, as the program does not provide support for bachelor studies
• Above-average academic performance
• Be no older than 30 when applying
• Plan to study a minimum of three semesters at a university in Germany

Benefits

• University staff and representatives mentored
• Join the multifaceted seminar program
• Become a member of their buddy program and a local university group

Deutschlandstipendium National Scholarship Program

Scholarships are given out in accordance with a student's remarkable academic performance, civic involvement, social responsibility, and personal accomplishments, such as overcoming difficulties or challenges from his or her social or cultural upbringing.

Eligibility criteria

Deutschland Stipendium funds can be awarded to both foreign and domestic students studying at public or state-recognized institutions in Germany.

• Studying or starting to study at any German university or college.
• Students who are enrolled part-time and prospective students who are waiting for admission are also deemed eligible.
• A language proficiency certificate in either German or English.

Benefits

• Available at all German public and state-recognized universities
• Awarded for at least two semesters
• Can be applied by first-semester and higher-semester students from any nationality

Mawista Scholarship

The MAWISTA firm offers a scholarship to students who want to bring their children along with them to Germany. This award is intended to help a student study abroad while also helping them to care for their child. The applicants are primarily evaluated based on their personalities and backgrounds. The length of study or the academic grade point average is not taken into consideration when reviewing the applications. A student who is committed to completing their degree is sought after by the MAWISTA firm. A one-time payment of 3,000 EUR (INR 2,64 Lakhs) is given to the beneficiary.

Eligibility criteria

• Student with a child wishing to pursue their studies abroad
• The student must need financial aid to finish their study.
• Additionally, the student's motivation for receiving the funding would be investigated.

Benefits

• Helps in managing the educational expenses
• Helps in managing the child's expenses 
• Cover the living expenses in Germany  

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Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship program 

One of the FES's founding beliefs has been the development of fresh talent. The first scholarships were offered to outstanding young people from working-class backgrounds who were actively participating in the fledgling democracy of the Weimar Republic.

Therefore, for the FES, factors such as applicants' academic success, social and political activity, and personal opinions all play a significant role in the selection process.

Eligibility criteria

The FES supports

• Post Graduate programs (PhD)
• All academic subjects 
• Students from public or state-approved universities, as well as from polytechnic/applied science universities (FH)

Benefits 

• Scholarship doesn’t need to be repaid 
• Funds the health insurance cost
• Scholars with a child receive a family allowance  

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Scholarships by German universities for international students

There are various German Universities that offer scholarships as financial aid to their students. A few of those universities' scholarships are:

1. Heidelberg University Scholarships 
2. Kofi Annan MBA Scholarships for Developing Country Students
3. Universitat Hamburg Merit Scholarships
4. Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Scholarship  

Let’s know more about these scholarships.

Heidelberg University Scholarships 

Heidelberg University provides a range of scholarships for international students. One of those scholarships is the Amirana Scholarship for international students belonging to developing countries to study dentistry or medicine at the university. 

Kofi Annan MBA Scholarships for Developing Country Students 

Scholarships for up to five international students from developing nations to attend the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) in Berlin for a full-time, one-year MBA program. The ESMT Women's Academic Scholarship is one of the school's additional MBA awards accessible to female applicants.

Universitat Hamburg Merit Scholarships

Scholarships for all deserving overseas students who have been enrolled in their program for at least two semesters, regardless of their degree level or subject. Those students should be prepared to participate in Universität Hamburg's internationalization as these scholarships take applicants' financial necessity into account.

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences Scholarship

Scholarships for international students enrolling in a master's program at the institution (for all areas barring design, public health, and public management).

Course-specific scholarships to study in Germany 

According to GyanDhan database of students admitted to German universities in the year 2023, engineering and technology courses are the most preferred with 48% students opting for them, followed by 23% who choose MBA. There are numerous course-specific scholarships that are awarded by various universities. Course-specific scholarships are scholarships based on the nature of the educational course that the student is planning to pursue. Let's list below a few of those course-specific scholarships:

1. Undergraduate scholarships to study in Germany 
2. Masters scholarships to study in Germany 
3. PhD scholarships to study in Germany   

Undergraduate scholarships to study in Germany 

In Germany, there are various scholarships available for undergraduate studies. These may be fully or partially supported, depending on the hosting institution. If you're looking for a list of scholarships available to Indian students who want to study in Germany, take a look at the list below.

1. Hani Zeini Scholarship
2. Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship
3. Jared J. Davis Grant
4. Women Techmakers Scholars Program
5. Jane M Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
6. (ISC²) Women in Information Security Scholarship  

Masters scholarships to study in Germany 

In Germany, there are numerous master's scholarships. Here is a list of some of the most well-known. Exclusive scholarships for Indian students to study in Germany are also included on the list.

1. Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarship
2. K. C. Mahindra Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
3. Inlaks Scholarships
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship
5. Education for Sustainable Energy Development (ESED)
6. FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship

PhD Scholarships to Study in Germany 

You will come across various scholarships for PhD in Germany. Several bodies sponsor them, and the scholarship amount and eligibility vary substantially. The well-known PhD scholarships offered in Germany are listed below. You can look at them and apply for the positions for which you qualify. 

1. Ph.D. Completion Scholarship
2. Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship for International Doctoral Students in Germany
3. Amelia Earhart Fellowships for Women
4. Max Plank Society Research Scholarships in Germany
5. National Overseas Scholarship
6. DAAD Scholarships in Germany for Development-Related Postgraduate Courses  

Must Read: 2024 academic year deadlines for German universities 

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In conclusion 

Students can find different scholarships by conducting an online search, visiting the universities' official websites, or browsing the DAAD directory of scholarships. Since there is a good likelihood that Indian students would discover that the cost of living in Germany is far greater than that of India resulting in scholarships for Indian students to study in Germany can be quite helpful.

Read Also

• How to Get Germany Permanent Residency ?
• Part-Time Work Options in the Germany
• MBA in Germany and What it Takes 
• Cost of Living in the Germany
• Study in Germany - A Starter Guide for International Students
• Study Abroad Scholarships for Indian Students
• Free Education In Germany

Frequently asked questions