Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany 2026
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Table of Contents
- Types of Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
- Bachelor's Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
- Master's Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
- MBA Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
- Scholarships for Ph.D. in Germany for Indian Students
- Documents Required to Get Scholarships in Germany for Indian Students
- How to Get Top Scholarships in Germany for Indian Students?
- Start Your Journey: Find the Perfect Scholarship for Indian Students in Germany
Germany is one of the top locations for Indian students for its free public universities and reputation in the academic world. The best scholarships for Indian students in Germany 2026 offer fully and partially funded options by DAAD, individual universities, and private foundations. With more than 43,000 Indian students in Germany as of 2024, competition for scholarships is rising.
Scholarships like DAAD EPOS, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships, and university-specific grants cover living costs, research assistance, and travel. These require documents of academic achievement, statement of purpose, and language tests. Let's explore the most popular funding options in Germany for 2026.
Types of Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
Indian students in Germany have access to a range of scholarships that are suited to fund their academic courses. These scholarships are provided by various institutions, each with distinct eligibility and advantages. Here are the types of scholarships available in Germany.
- Government-funded Scholarships: Supported by the German government or affiliated agencies, these scholarships often target international students through programs like DAAD and Erasmus+.
- University-specific Scholarships: Offered directly by universities, these awards can be based on academic excellence or financial need, designed to attract and support talented students.
- NGO Scholarships: Non-profit organizations provide funding to promote education and research, with well-known examples including the Heinrich Böll Foundation and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.
- Corporate Scholarships: Large companies fund scholarships to encourage skilled graduates in their industries, such as those provided by Bayer and Bosch.
Also Read: How to Study in Germany for Free as an International Student
Government-Funded German Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
Government scholarships in Germany are offered by the German government or its agencies, with the primary funding body being the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
1. DAAD Scholarship Germany
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers the DAAD Scholarship in Germany for international students seeking to study in the country. These DAAD scholarships provide a total of 215 scholarships and funding opportunities to support international students in their academic pursuits in Germany.
Scholarship Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
Scholarship Amount |
Duration |
Graduate School Scholarship Program |
Doctoral candidates and young academics and scientists who have completed a Master's/Diploma/Bachelor's degree. |
Monthly allowance: 1,200 EUR; Annual research allowance: 460 EUR |
up to 4 years |
Bilateral Exchange of Academics |
Traveling to a German institution for a short-term research stay |
Monthly allowance: 2000 |
Can be claimed once in three years |
Development-Related PG Course |
Beginning PG-level course in the field of development; Minimum 2 years of work experience |
Monthly allowance: 934 EUR (master’s); 1200 EUR (Doctoral) |
12 to 36 months |
DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Program |
Doctoral/postdoctoral students working in the field of Aeronautics, Space, Transportation, and Energy |
Monthly allowance: 1,760 EUR- 2760 EUR |
up to 36 months |
2. Erasmus+ Scholarship Programs in Germany
The entire ERASMUS+ scholarship program is overseen by the European Commission, encompassing over 4,000 higher education institutions across nearly 37 countries as Erasmus+ Partner countries.
Eligibility Criteria |
Scholarship Amount |
Duration |
Enrolled at a higher education institution; Home and German university signed Erasmus Charter for Higher Education |
Monthly stipend: €1100 – €1500; Tuition fee waiver Traveling allowance Airfare for international travel |
12 to 24 months (Joint master’s program: 1 to 2 years, 60 – 120 ECTS) |
3. Deutschland Stipendium Scholarship in Germany
The Deutschland Stipendium is a unique scholarship with half of its funding from the German government and the other half from private organizations and individuals.
Eligibility |
Scholarship Amount |
Duration |
Students from across the globe |
€150 per month (provided by the German government, private organizations, or public-private partnership firms) €300 per month (for the most proficient student) |
At least two semesters, extendable until completion of studies |
Quick Read: DAAD Scholarship in Germany: 2025 Key Updates
Non-Government-Funded German Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
Non-government-funded scholarships are available for Indian students aspiring to study in Germany. These scholarships are offered by private organizations, foundations, and institutions.
1. Bayer Foundations
The Bayer Foundation offers fellowship support to students, enabling them to pursue their educational aspirations in Germany. The foundation's goal is to provide brilliant individuals with the chance to unlock their potential, advance their careers, and push boundaries through comprehensive support and opportunities.
There are 3 different types of Scholarship Programs by Bayer Foundation, which are listed below:
Scholarship Program |
Eligibility Criteria |
Scholarship Grants |
Carl Duisberg Medical Science Fellowship |
Enrolled in a Ph.D. or MSc in data science or natural science |
€10,000 |
Otto Bayer Fellowships for Drug Discovery Science |
Enrolled in graduate-level programs towards an MSc or PhD in data science or pharmacy |
€10,000 |
Jeff Schell Fellowships for Agricultural Sciences |
Enrolled in a UG program leading to MSc or Ph.D. in Data Science or Natural Science |
€10,000 |
2. Heinrich Boll Scholarships for International Students
The Heinrich Boll Foundation provides approximately 1,200 scholarships annually to both German and international undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students enrolled in any subject at a German higher education institution.
Level of Study |
Eligible Candidates |
Scholarship Grants (Monthly Amount in USD) |
Undergraduate & Graduate (Germany/EU nationals) |
Students educated in Germany and EU nationals (not educated in Germany) |
Up to 713 (Monthly) + 330 (Book Money) |
Undergraduate & Graduate (Non-EU nationals) |
Non-EU nationals (not educated in Germany) |
934 (Monthly) + Various individual allowances |
Doctoral (Germany/EU nationals) |
Students educated in Germany and EU nationals (not educated in Germany) |
1484 (Monthly) + 110 (Research Costs) |
Doctoral (Non-EU nationals) |
Non-EU nationals (not educated in Germany) |
1319 (Monthly) + 110 (Mobility Allowance) |
3. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships
This scholarship caters to undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. students and actively encourages intercultural dialogues, the establishment of international networks, and the globalization of universities and research.
Level of Study |
Eligible Candidates |
Scholarship Grants (Monthly Amount) |
Funding Duration |
Master's or Postgraduate students |
All PG & Ph.D. students under 30 with a good academic record are eligible |
A monthly scholarship of €861 |
2 years |
Ph.D. students (After obtaining admission to doctoral studies at a German university) |
A monthly scholarship of €1200 |
3 years |
4. The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung was established in 1925 and named after Friedrich Ebert, Germany's first democratically elected President. The Scholarship prioritizes academic excellence and personal growth while remaining committed to socio-political objectives.
Scholarship Grant |
Eligibility |
€650 per month (basic) |
Students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe |
€1,000 per month (for graduate scholarship program) |
Those who wish to pursue UG and PG studies in Germany |
€276 family allowance, if applicable |
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Total refund for health care costs |
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Any income exceeding €400 is credited against the scholarship |
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5. Mawista Scholarship
MAWISTA, a German-based health insurance company, specializes in offering health insurance for academic stays and expatriates. Apart from its primary services, MAWISTA also provides sustainability grants to support students in effectively executing their sustainability projects.
Scholarship Grants |
Eligibility Criteria |
Selection Criteria |
Total amount: 6,691 USD (for one year) |
No specific eligibility criteria - Open to students willing to pursue a degree abroad with a child. |
5 applicants selected from all applications; One applicant chosen based on public votes |
Monthly stipend: 557 USD (for 12 months) |
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Usable for tuition fees, travel, and accommodation in Germany |
Quick Read: How to get a scholarship to study abroad after 12th
Bachelor's Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
There are numerous scholarships available for undergraduate studies in Germany, offering both partial and full funding depending on the host institution.
Below are the top scholarships for a bachelor's degree in Germany.
Name of Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Scholarship Grants |
Hani Zeini Scholarship |
Students enrolled in any program are eligible |
USD 1000 |
CCSE Undergraduate Scholarship |
Must be focused on pursuing a degree focused on cyber security or information assurance |
USD 1000 - USD 5000 |
Western Union Foundation Global Scholarship Program |
Applicant must hold admission in an accredited post-secondary institution seeking an undergraduate degree |
USD 2500 |
QS Undergraduate Scholarship |
Applicants must be going to study at a university featured in a QS ranking in any position |
USD 5000 |
Golden Key Graduate Scholar Award |
You should be a Golden Key International Honour Member and be in your senior or final year of the UG progra,m either part-time or full-time |
USD 2500 |
Must Read: Top Tuition-Free Public Universities in Germany for Indian Students in 2026
Master's Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
Germany offers a wide range of Master's Scholarships for Indian students, making it an attractive destination for higher education. From government-funded scholarships to university-specific and private organization grants, Indian students have numerous opportunities.
The table below gives an overview of the German master's scholarships for international students
Name of Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Amount (in EUR) |
Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarship |
Applicants should be Indian citizens with excellent academic records. |
Tuition fee waived (Awards scholarships as Interest fee loans) |
K. C. Mahindra Scholarship for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad |
Be an Indian National and secure admission for a PG course in any recognized international university |
4 Lakhs - 8Lakhs INR |
Harvey Fellowship |
All Christian students are eligible |
EUR 16,000 $16,000 as initial stipend and can be renewed for up to two years. |
Inlaks Scholarships |
All Indian students, including ones with formal training in music or final year visual arts students, are also eligible |
EUR 100,000 |
GyanDhan Scholarship |
Academic merit makes you eligible |
EUR 100,000 |
Lady Meherbai D. Tata Education Trust Scholarship |
All Indian women with a good academic record and graduated from a UGC-accredited university. |
3 Lakhs - 6 Lakhs INR |
FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship |
The applicant should be female and must pursue a PG program emphasizing finance |
USD 20,000 |
Check Out: Study at Best Public Universities in Germany in 2026
MBA Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
MBA scholarships in Germany for Indian students offer both partial and full funding options, thus ensuring an affordable education. While public universities offer tuition-free MBA programs, private institutes may charge tuition fees ranging from 15 to 30 lakhs INR.
Below are the top scholarships for MBA students
Name of Scholarship |
Eligibility |
Amount (in EUR) |
HHL Women in Business Scholarship |
Female candidates with excellent academic background & GMAT score of at least 650 |
Tuition Fee reduction of up to EUR 14,500 corresponding to 50% of the total tuition fee |
Frankfurt School MBA Scholarships |
Awarded to women and those with GMAT/GRE score equal to 85 percentile are eligible |
Partial tuition fees |
Women in Business Scholarship |
All women are eligible to apply |
EUR 7500 |
Mannheim School of Business Scholarships |
This is a merit-based scholarship |
EUR 5000 |
Asia Scholarship |
For international students from different regions & all students of ESMT Berlin are eligible |
25% off on tuition fees |
Suggested Reading: MBA in Germany Without GMAT in 2025-26
Scholarships for Ph.D. in Germany for Indian Students
Germany provides an exceptional environment for intensive research and advanced studies, with a rich cultural and academic legacy. With over 500 universities and 108 Nobel Laureates, Germany has become an attractive destination for doctoral studies.
Scholarship Name |
Types of Scholarships |
Scholarship Grants |
Ludwig Maximillian University Munich |
1. Bavarian American Academy scholarships (BAA) 2. Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) scholarships 3. STIBET Mentoring Scholarship Program 4. Bayerisch-Tschechische Hochschul Agentur (BTHA) |
Tuition Fees Waived |
Technical University of Munich (TUM) |
1. TUM-GS Bridge Financing Grant 2. Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) scholarships 3. Euraxess Germany scholarship |
€500 and €1,800 per semester |
Heidelberg University |
1. German Academic Exchange Service(DAAD) grants 2. Austin E. Knowlton Memorial Scholarship 3. Endowed scholarships |
$20,000 per year |
Free University of Berlin |
1. Elsa Neumann Scholarships 2. DRS Postdocs Fellowships 3. German Academic Exchange Service(DAAD) grants |
Tuition Fees Waived |
University of Freiburg |
1. DAAD scholarship 2. State Graduate Funding 3. University Completion Scholarships for the Completion of Dissertation Projects in DFG Research Training Groups |
€300 per month |
Also Read: PhD in Germany For International Students: A Complete Guide for 2025-26
Documents Required to Get Scholarships in Germany for Indian Students
To apply for scholarships in Germany, Indian students must present a complete and well-organized set of documents. These documents help scholarship providers assess eligibility, academic merit, and overall intent. Below are the essential documents you will need to prepare.
- University Admission Letter: Proof that you have been accepted into a German university.
- Academic Certificates and Marksheets: Attested copies of all previous academic qualifications from high school to your latest degree.
- Language Test Results: Official score reports of English (like IELTS/PTE) and German proficiency tests, if required by the program.
- Recent Passport-size Photos: Standard-sized, formal photographs as per the scholarship body’s specifications.
- Valid Passport: A clear, up-to-date copy of your passport to verify your identity and nationality.
- Updated Resume/CV: A summary of your academic background, work experience, and achievements.
- Letters of Recommendation: Well-written references from professors or employers highlighting your strengths and suitability.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): A focused essay explaining why you want to study in Germany and how it aligns with your academic and career goals.
Quick Read: Cost of Studying in Germany: All You Need to Know
How to Get Top Scholarships in Germany for Indian Students?
Securing a scholarship in Germany involves more than just good grades, it requires planning, research, and a strong personal profile. With a wide range of funding options available, applicants must tailor their approach to meet eligibility and stand out. Here is how you can improve your chances of getting a scholarship in Germany.
- Choose your program and degree level: Be clear on what subject and degree type (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) you are applying for to narrow down relevant scholarships.
- Research universities that fit your goals: Look for German institutions offering strong programs in your field, as many scholarships are university-specific.
- Explore all scholarship options: Consider DAAD, university-based, corporate-funded, and NGO scholarships depending on your profile and objectives.
- Meet language requirements: Proficiency in English or German is often mandatory. Ensure you have valid test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF.
- Showcase practical experience: Highlight internships, research projects, or volunteering work that aligns with your academic and career direction.
- Write a compelling motivation letter: Clearly explain your academic goals, career plans, and why you are a strong fit for the scholarship.
- Collect strong recommendation letters: Ask mentors or professors who know your work well and can speak to your academic potential and character.
- Present a complete and clear profile: Include relevant achievements, skills, and academic history in a well-structured application.
- Network with others: Talk to alumni, current students, and professionals who have secured scholarships for useful advice and insights.
Start Your Journey: Find the Perfect Scholarship for Indian Students in Germany
In conclusion, scholarships for Indian students in Germany open doors to limitless possibilities in higher education. Whether it's pursuing an MBA, Master, or Ph.D. program, scholarships play a crucial role in shaping the future of talented individuals.
As you navigate, don't forget to leverage the power of GetGIS Immigration consultant to fulfill your study abroad dreams. We are a team of experts who will help you discover the best scholarship opportunities tailored to your needs and aspirations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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