The German higher education system is well-established as one of the best in Europe, but did you know that it’s also one of the most affordable? The German university system is underpinned by a philosophy of affordable and accessible higher education. The German government, corporations, universities, and some private organizations have subsidized education in Germany; therefore, state-funded institutions charge no tuition fee not only for native students but also for international students there. However, you still need to pay for your living expenses which come out to be approximately € 8,000 to €11,000. To know the break-up of the read our dedicated article on cost to study in Germany. One way to earn back the living expenses in Germany is to work part-time. All international students are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Besides, you may plan to fund your higher education with Scholarships in Germany. Please note that you would need to apply for the scholarships in Germany separately. 

There’s plenty of financial support available for both domestic and international students. In fact, the body responsible for promoting German higher education and supporting students (the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst, or DAAD) is one of the largest in the world. There are several scholarships, grants, and bursaries available which can help international students financially to study in this country. Proper planning and finding the right scholarship for which a candidate is eligible is crucial. Few points that you need to consider while applying for scholarships in Germany are mentioned below:

• Your scholarship application has to be directly submitted to the organization providing the scholarship/funding. Some exceptions do include the Deutschlandstipendium or Erasmus funding program. You should thus prepare to tackle the application requirements for various German universities, courses, and scholarships.
• Direct applications before the deadlines are always recommended for aspirants.
• You have to fill up scholarship application forms while providing your application statement mentioning why you should get the scholarship and how you can contribute to the institution or local community.
• Along with checking out the eligibility criteria for various scholarships in germany, make sure that you explore the possibilities of study grants

Government-funded scholarships in Germany

1. DAAD Scholarship Germany

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) undoubtedly offers the most popular scholarships to international students for undergraduate, postgraduate as well as Ph.D. programs in Germany. This organization is responsible for promoting international academic relations mainly through student exchange programs.

DAAD offers numerous scholarships to study and do research projects in Germany. Students of all nationalities are eligible with an above-average academic degree for these scholarships and are selected based on their academic proficiency and at least two years of professional experience. The DAAD scholarships’ amount and duration vary depending on the institutions and also on the extent of the chosen study program.

2. Erasmus Scholarship Programs in Germany

Erasmus+ scholarships are one of the beast and largest grants to study in Europe. The complete ERASMUS+ scholarship program is regulated by the European Commission. More than 4,000 higher education institutions from nearly 37 countries participate as Erasmus + Partner countries. In order for you to get the scholarship in Germany, you should be enrolled at a higher education institution and both your home university as well as the German university must have signed the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education. The grants will cover the enrollment, travel, as well as basic living costs.

Non-government scholarships to study in Germany

3. Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships in Germany for International Students

This scholarship is for international students who have completed bachelor’s/master’s in their home countries and seek higher education in Germany. The eligibility criteria include interest in political aspects and a stellar academic record. Students from developing nations are automatically preferred with varying scholarship amounts. A monthly stipend of €1,200 (for three years) may be available for PhD students. Master or postgraduate students may get €861, if selected. 

4. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships in Germany

Every year the Heinrich Böll Foundation announces around 1,200 scholarships for Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. programs in Germany. These scholarships are given to international students as per the guidelines issued by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and the Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt). Both German and international students planning to study Bachelors, Masters or Ph.D. programs in Germany are eligible for Heinrich Böll Scholarships. The applications for this scholarship are opened twice a year. Eligible student receives € 850 per month for Master’s Program and € 1000 per month for the Doctoral program, in addition to 100€ mobility allowance per month and other individual allowances (excluding tuition fees).

5. The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to promote social democracy through academic financial assistance. The scholarship is available for foreign applicants who are studying or doing their doctorate in Germany at a state or state-recognized university of applied sciences. These students are expected to have above-average academic achievements. This is a good option for those in the fields of social sciences, politics, or humanities.

To be eligible for this scholarship you must demonstrate exceptional German language skills even if the course you are taking is in English. The places are limited since only 40 people per year, coming from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, will be taking this funding programme. Scholarship holders in undergraduate courses will receive a monthly amount of 830€. Those in master degree programmes will receive 850€ per month as well as health insurance costs.

6. SBW Berlin Scholarship

The SBW Berlin Scholarship is currently opened to international students. This scholarship is one of the best scholarships for masters in Germany, and it is for master’s study and is fully funded. A full scholarship includes the funding of tuition fee, accommodation in the in-house student apartments, and a monthly allowance for living expenses. SBW Berlin Scholarship supports young talented people who have been socially committed in volunteer work in their home countries. It believes that education is key to improve living conditions in the poorer countries of the world.

7. DeutschlandStipendium National Scholarship in Germany

The Deutschland Stipendium provides monetary and non-material provision to students from across the globe. This excellent scholarship offers the best of both worlds to talented international students. Half of the Deutschland Stipendium is funded by the German government and the other half are contributed by the private organization and individuals. Students receive a scholarship worth € 150 per month, provided by the German government, private organizations or public-private partnership firms. The most proficient student receives an amount of € 300 per month under this scholarship program. The scholarship is awarded for two semesters but it may also be valid for the time which covers the standard period of study.

8. Bayer Foundation Scholarships in Germany

Bayer Foundation supports students aspiring to study in Germany with five fellowship programs in biology, medical science, agricultural science, non-academic professions, and chemistry. Students of all nationalities having outstanding academic achievement are eligible for these scholarships.

Documents Required to Avail Scholarship in Germany for Indian Students 

Here are some standard documents required to apply for scholarships in Germany for Indian students: 

• Offer letter from the university
• Resume
• LOR (Letter of Recommendations)
• Statement of Purpose
• Transcript of all previous educational qualifications
• Transcripts of language proficiency tests and other entrance

Tips for getting scholarships in Germany

Almost all publicly funded German universities provide free education for non-EU international students, except niche or specialized educational courses. International students only have to pay nominal semester, administrative, and related fees at public universities. Applying for scholarships is a way to cover some part of your living costs and other miscellaneous expenditures. A scholarship will give you some extra funding to buy study materials and books, take excursions for academic/research purposes, cover accommodation, travel, and other costs, and pay for food. 

Some private universities charge tuition costs, although they may offer discounts/waivers for eligible students. A majority of sponsorships are financed via public money. Civil society organizations offer several grants in Germany. Sponsors are usually religious, educational, research, and political foundations/associations. They usually get state funds under various schemes. 

If you are looking for a scholarship in Germany, do not miss out on DAAD. It is an association of higher education institutions and student organizations. DAAD is one of the biggest such funding bodies worldwide, backing 145,000+ learners annually. They also support more than 60,000 international students per year (within this tally). 

There are many other organizations offering scholarships and grants. Talent support funding comes from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Scholarships are mostly granted based on academic performance, merit and community/social engagement of candidates in Germany. It means that scholarship providers in Germany usually look for aspirants with proper academic credentials, community, volunteering and research experience, internships, and other achievements. Some foundations are strongly committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants. They often take factors like the financial and social circumstances of candidates into account. 

Make sure that you state your reasons for applying for the scholarship clearly in your application statement. Mention why you deserve the scholarship and also what you can contribute to the local community. Try improving your grades from now onwards while also participating in community activities, outreach programs and co-curricular activities. Check the eligibility criteria carefully before applying. One good thing about applying for a scholarship in Germany is that there are options for every type of course.