Scholarships in Germany at a glance
Quick read
- Most public universities in Germany charge little or no tuition, so German scholarships mainly pay a monthly living allowance.
- DAAD is the biggest funder. Its EPOS programme pays €934 a month to graduates with two years' work experience on development-related master's courses.
- The Heinrich Böll and Friedrich Naumann foundations pay €992 a month to eligible master's students from outside the EU.
- The Deutschlandstipendium is open to international students once enrolled; check the official site for the current monthly amount.
- Even with a scholarship, the visa needs proof of €11,904 for the first year unless the award covers it.
Germany is different from other study destinations: tuition at most public universities is free or low, apart from TUM and universities in Baden-Württemberg, which charge non-EU students. That means scholarships are designed to cover living costs rather than fees, and many pay a fixed monthly amount.
The awards below are real, current programmes open to Indian students. Many have deadlines a year before you start, so check them as soon as you choose your intake.
Types of scholarships in Germany
- 01
DAAD scholarships
Germany's academic exchange service funds master's and PhD students through programmes like EPOS and research grants. Its database lists every option by subject and level.
- 02
Foundation scholarships
Political, church and private foundations fund students with strong grades and social or political engagement. Some interviews are in German.
- 03
University awards
The Deutschlandstipendium and university-specific grants, such as TUM's, for students already enrolled.
- 04
EU and Indian funding
Erasmus Mundus joint master's with German partners, and Indian trusts for postgraduate study abroad.
All scholarships in one table
| Scholarship | Type | Level | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) (opens in a new tab)German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) | Government | Master's (and some PhD) | €934 a month for graduates (€1,300 for doctoral candidates) |
| DAAD scholarship database (opens in a new tab)German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) | Government | Master's, PhD and research stays | Varies by programme; check each listing |
| Deutschlandstipendium (opens in a new tab)Federal government with private sponsors, awarded by each university | Government | Bachelor's and master's | €300 a month |
| TUM Scholarship for International Students (opens in a new tab)Technical University of Munich | University | Bachelor's and master's | €500–€1,500 per semester, based on merit and proven financial need |
| Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarship for international students (opens in a new tab)Heinrich Böll Foundation | Foundation | Master's and PhD | €992 a month for master's students, plus up to €100 towards health insurance; tuition of up to €10,000 a year may be covered |
| Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom scholarship (opens in a new tab)Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom | Foundation | Master's and PhD | €992 a month for master's students (€1,500 for PhD students), plus possible health insurance contributions |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung scholarships for international students (opens in a new tab)Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung | Foundation | Master's and PhD | Monthly stipend plus extras; check the official page for the current amount |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's scholarships (opens in a new tab)European Union (Erasmus+, through university consortia) | European Union | Master's | Full scholarships for outstanding applicants; what they cover is set by each programme, so check its own page |
| K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad (opens in a new tab)K.C. Mahindra Education Trust | Foundation | Master's and PhD | Interest-free loan scholarship of up to ₹10 lakh for the top three, and up to ₹5 lakh for others |
| J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship (opens in a new tab)J N Tata Endowment (Tata Trusts) | Foundation | Master's, PhD and postdoctoral | Loan scholarship; the amount is decided case by case after an interview |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship (opens in a new tab)Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation | Foundation | Master's | Full or part scholarships given as repayable, interest-free financial assistance (amount not fixed) |
| National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) (opens in a new tab)Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India | Government | Master's and PhD | Tuition, maintenance and other allowances, paid through Indian Missions abroad; amounts are in the scheme guidelines |
Values are as published by each provider on the date of our research. Most awards are competitive and limited in number, so none of them is guaranteed.
Government scholarships in Germany
- GovernmentMaster's (and some PhD)
DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Value
- €934 a month for graduates (€1,300 for doctoral candidates)
- Who can apply
- Graduates from developing and newly industrialised countries (check DAAD's list of eligible countries for India), with at least two years' professional experience and a bachelor's in the upper third of their class.
- Deadline or window
- Set by each eligible course; you apply directly to the course, not to DAAD
- GovernmentMaster's, PhD and research stays
DAAD scholarship database
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Value
- Varies by programme; check each listing
- Who can apply
- Graduates and researchers, including Indian applicants. Filter the database by country, level and subject to see what fits.
- Deadline or window
- Varies by programme; check each listing
- GovernmentBachelor's and master's
Deutschlandstipendium
Federal government with private sponsors, awarded by each university
- Value
- €300 a month
- Who can apply
- High-achieving students already enrolled at a participating university, including international students. Apply through your university.
- Deadline or window
- Set by each university, usually once a year
- GovernmentMaster's and PhD
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India
- Value
- Tuition, maintenance and other allowances, paid through Indian Missions abroad; amounts are in the scheme guidelines
- Who can apply
- Low-income, meritorious students from the Scheduled Castes, De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, landless agricultural labourers and traditional artisans. 125 awards a year, 30% for women. Income, age and marks limits are in the scheme guidelines.
- Deadline or window
- Apply on the NOS portal (nosmsje.gov.in) when the yearly call opens; check the official page
Get a scholarship shortlist for your profileShare your marks, test scores and budget, and our counsellor will match you to Germany scholarships you can realistically win.
University scholarships in Germany
- UniversityBachelor's and master's
TUM Scholarship for International Students
Technical University of Munich
- Value
- €500–€1,500 per semester, based on merit and proven financial need
- Who can apply
- International students at TUM with a strong academic record and proven financial need (low income).
- Deadline or window
- Set by TUM each semester; check the official page
European Union scholarships
- European UnionMaster's
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's scholarships
European Union (Erasmus+, through university consortia)
- Value
- Full scholarships for outstanding applicants; what they cover is set by each programme, so check its own page
- Who can apply
- Master's students from all over the world, including India, applying to a joint master's run by a group of European universities. Not every programme offers scholarships. Many joint programmes include German universities as partners.
- Deadline or window
- Most programmes take applications between October and January for the following academic year
Trusts and foundations (including Indian trusts)
- FoundationMaster's and PhD
Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarship for international students
Heinrich Böll Foundation
- Value
- €992 a month for master's students, plus up to €100 towards health insurance; tuition of up to €10,000 a year may be covered
- Who can apply
- Non-EU students with a first degree from abroad who come to Germany for a master's; other income is offset against the award.
- Deadline or window
- Check official page
- FoundationMaster's and PhD
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom scholarship
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
- Value
- €992 a month for master's students (€1,500 for PhD students), plus possible health insurance contributions
- Who can apply
- Non-EU master's and doctoral students in Germany. Applications and interviews are in German.
- Deadline or window
- 30 April and 31 October each year
- FoundationMaster's and PhD
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung scholarships for international students
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
- Value
- Monthly stipend plus extras; check the official page for the current amount
- Who can apply
- International master's students and graduates already studying in Germany, who apply online. The official page does not state the monthly amount; check it for the current figure.
- Deadline or window
- For students already in Germany: June to 15 July each year
- FoundationMaster's and PhD
K.C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
K.C. Mahindra Education Trust
- Value
- Interest-free loan scholarship of up to ₹10 lakh for the top three, and up to ₹5 lakh for others
- Who can apply
- Indian citizens with a first-class degree (or equivalent diploma) from a recognised university, starting a postgraduate programme at an overseas university. Final-year students can apply with proof of a first class before the end of June. At least 50 awards a year.
- Deadline or window
- The 2026 round closed on 30 April 2026; the next round usually opens early in the year
- FoundationMaster's, PhD and postdoctoral
J N Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship
J N Tata Endowment (Tata Trusts)
- Value
- Loan scholarship; the amount is decided case by case after an interview
- Who can apply
- Indians who have completed their undergraduate studies at a recognised Indian university, going abroad for higher studies. Selection is on merit only.
- Deadline or window
- The 2026–27 form window ran from 5 January to 29 March 2026; expect a similar window in early 2027
- FoundationMaster's
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Postgraduate Scholarship
Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation
- Value
- Full or part scholarships given as repayable, interest-free financial assistance (amount not fixed)
- Who can apply
- Merit-based, for Indian students of academic excellence going on to postgraduate study in India or abroad. Check the official page for fields and other conditions.
- Deadline or window
- Applications are closed for now; check the official page for the next call
Scholarship calendar for 2027 entry
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| October to December 2026 | Search the DAAD database. Note EPOS course deadlines, which are often 10–12 months before the start. |
| October 2026 | Friedrich Naumann deadline (31 October); the next one is 30 April 2027. |
| October 2026 to January 2027 | Erasmus Mundus deadlines for September 2027 programmes with German partners. |
| January to April 2027 | Indian trusts open: J N Tata, Narotam Sekhsaria and K.C. Mahindra. |
| After enrolment (from October 2027) | Apply for the Deutschlandstipendium and university grants such as TUM's. |
Eligibility and documents
What selectors usually look for
- Very good grades; foundations and DAAD usually look for the top 20–30% of your class.
- Admission, or an application in progress, to a German programme.
- Work experience for some DAAD programmes (two years for EPOS).
- Social, political or community engagement for foundation scholarships.
- German language skills for some foundations and German-taught courses.
Documents to keep ready
- APS certificate
- Bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate
- Language certificates (English and, if needed, German)
- Motivation letter
- CV in European format
- Two references
- Proof of work experience (for EPOS)
- Admission letter or application confirmation
How to apply, step by step
- Search the DAAD database for your subject and level, and list the deadlines.
- Check whether you apply to DAAD, the foundation or the course itself.
- Prepare a motivation letter that links your studies, your experience and your plans.
- Ask for references early; many awards need two academic references.
- Submit before the deadline and prepare for an interview if you are shortlisted.
- Once awarded, use the award letter as proof of funds for the visa if it covers living costs.
Want help with your scholarship essay?Our counsellor will review your statement and references so they match your course application.
Tips to improve your chances
- 01
Plan a year ahead
DAAD and foundation deadlines often come 10–12 months before the course starts.
- 02
Show engagement
German foundations care about volunteering, student leadership and social impact as much as grades.
- 03
Learn some German
Even basic German helps with foundation interviews, part-time work and everyday life.
- 04
Count the semester fee
Public universities charge a semester contribution of a few hundred euros, which scholarships usually do not cover.
Scholarships in Germany: FAQs
Do I need a scholarship to study in Germany?
Not for tuition at most public universities, which is free or low. Scholarships help with living costs, which you must prove for the visa.
Can Indian students get DAAD scholarships?
Yes. Indian students can apply for several DAAD programmes, including EPOS for development-related master's courses.
Is the Deutschlandstipendium open to Indian students?
Yes, once you are enrolled at a participating university. You apply through your university.
Does a scholarship replace the blocked account?
If the award covers your living costs at the required level, the award letter can count as proof of funds. Ask the German mission for its current rules.
Are there scholarships for bachelor's students?
Fewer. Most awards are for master's and PhD students. Bachelor's students can apply for the Deutschlandstipendium once enrolled.
Sources
- DAAD: EPOS programme (opens in a new tab)
- DAAD: scholarship database (opens in a new tab)
- TUM: scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- Heinrich Böll Foundation: financial support (opens in a new tab)
- Friedrich Naumann Foundation: scholarships (opens in a new tab)
- Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung: foreign students (opens in a new tab)
- Deutschlandstipendium (opens in a new tab)
Researched on 26 Oct 2026. Scholarship values, eligibility and deadlines change every year; always confirm on the official page before you apply.