Top DAAD Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in Germany

Germany is one of the most popular study destinations among Indian students. It offers a high-quality education system and numerous financial aid opportunities. Among the many funding options available, DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst or German Academic Exchange Service) is a key provider of scholarships tailored specifically for Indian students.

With over 30 scholarship programs available for Indian students, DAAD supports aspiring students across diverse fields of study, helping them realize their dreams of studying in Germany. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or Ph.D., DAAD scholarships can ease your financial burden while offering opportunities to connect with a global network of scholars.

What is DAAD? 

The DAAD, or the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst in German), is the world’s largest organization dedicated to building international academic exchange. Its primary focus is providing funding opportunities for students and researchers from across the globe. Beyond financial support, the DAAD plays a pivotal role in promoting German higher education institutions and academic programs internationally. In 2023 alone, the DAAD funded over 140,000 students and researchers worldwide, and its mission is to continue offering financial support to students. The DAAD has a dedicated regional mission in India that works to promote education and exchange between Germany and India. As part of that, there are many scholarships that Indian students can avail themselves of to come to Germany and start their education. 

The DAAD offers various scholarships and funding depending on the level of degree, such as undergraduate scholarships, postgraduate scholarships, PhD, and language scholarships. In total, the DAAD offers 31 scholarships in 2024 for which Indian nationals are eligible.

We will aim to break down these scholarships into two categories: DAAD scholarships for Indian students planning to do their bachelor’s in Germany and DAAD scholarships for Indian students planning to do their master’s in Germany.

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DAAD Scholarships for Indian Students: Bachelor’s Programs in Germany

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Comprehensive Overview of Bachelor's Degree DAAD Scholarships

Baden-Württemberg Scholarship

Supports international academic exchange by funding students from Baden-Württemberg universities studying abroad and students from international universities studying in Baden-Württemberg.

• Eligibility: Students studying in or with partners of Baden-Württemberg.
• Amount: €600 to €1,400 per month.
• Duration: 3 to 11 months.

Erasmus+ Mobility Programme for Higher Education Students

Facilitates international academic exchange for students to study or undertake internships abroad in Erasmus+ programme countries.

• Eligibility: Students enrolled at higher education institutions participating in Erasmus+ with at least one year of study completed.
• Amount: Varies by country and institution.
• Duration: 2 to 12 months, with a maximum of 36 months for multiple stays.

Deutschlandstipendium

Provides financial support to high-achieving students in Germany, funded by the federal government and private sponsors.

• Eligibility: High-performing students at state or state-approved German institutions.
• Amount: €300 per month.
• Duration: Minimum of two semesters, up to the standard study period.

Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship

Supports gifted students committed to social democracy, providing financial and non-material support.

• Eligibility: Students from the Global South, post-Soviet states, and EU countries with strong academic performance and social involvement.
• Amount: €934 per month plus health insurance and a €160 family allowance (if applicable).
• Duration: Up to the standard period of study.

Max Weber Programme

Supports exceptionally talented students at Bavarian higher education institutions with financial and educational opportunities.

• Eligibility: Highly gifted students studying or planning to study in Bavaria, with sufficient German proficiency (B2/C1).
• Amount: €1,290 per semester plus funding for study projects abroad.
• Duration: Throughout the first degree and consecutive Master's courses.

Merit Scholarships for International Students at Universität Hamburg

Recognizes outstanding academic achievement and social engagement among international students and doctoral candidates.

• Eligibility: International students at Universität Hamburg with at least two semesters of enrollment.
• Amount: Up to €930 per month for students; €1,200 per month for doctoral candidates.
• Duration: Two semesters (12 months), with possible renewal up to three years.
  
  

DAAD Scholarships for Indian Students: Master’s Programs in Germany

Comprehensive Overview of Master's Degree DAAD Scholarships

DAAD Study Scholarships – Architecture

Supports international graduates in architecture-related fields to pursue a Master's or complementary studies in Germany.

• Eligibility: Graduates with a degree in architecture, interior design, urban planning, or related fields.
• Amount: Monthly stipend of €992, travel allowance, one-off study allowance, and insurance coverage.
• Duration: 10 to 24 months for Master’s; 1 academic year for complementary studies, starting October.

DAAD Study Scholarships – Fine Arts, Design, Visual Communication, and Film

Enables graduates in artistic fields to continue postgraduate education in Germany.

• Eligibility: Graduates with degrees in fine arts, design, visual communication, or film.
• Amount: Monthly stipend of €992, travel allowance, one-off study allowance, and insurance coverage.
• Duration: 10 to 24 months for Master’s; 1 academic year for complementary studies, starting October.

DAAD Study Scholarships – Music

Offers advanced education in music for international graduates.

• Eligibility: Graduates in music or those who have exhausted training options in their home country.
• Amount: Monthly stipend of €992, travel allowance, one-off study allowance, and insurance coverage.
• Duration: 10 to 24 months for Master’s; 1 academic year for complementary studies, starting October.

DAAD Study Scholarships – Performing Arts

Supports advanced studies in disciplines like drama, dance, and performance studies in Germany.

• Eligibility: Graduates in performing arts fields (e.g., drama, choreography, musicals).
• Amount: Monthly stipend of €992, travel allowance, one-off study allowance, and insurance coverage.
• Duration: 10 to 24 months for Master’s; 1 academic year for complementary studies, starting October.

Combined Study and Practice Stays for Engineers (KOSPIE)

Enables Indian IIT students to undertake project work with TU9 universities in Germany.

• Eligibility: IIT students in Engineering, Mathematics, or Natural Sciences with a CGPA of 8.5+, GATE scores, and confirmed supervision by a German professor.
• Amount: Monthly stipend of €861, insurance, travel subsidy, research allowance, and German language course.
• Duration: 7 months, typically from September to March.

Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS)

Supports professionals from developing countries to pursue postgraduate degrees in development-focused disciplines.

• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree, two years of work experience, and language proficiency (German or English).
• Amount: €992/month for Master’s, €1,300/month for PhDs, travel allowance, insurance, and family subsidies.
• Duration: 12 to 42 months, depending on the program.

Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Public Policy and Governance)

Prepares leaders from developing countries for roles in promoting democracy and social justice.

• Eligibility: Graduates in political science, law, economics, or public administration.
• Amount: Monthly stipend of €934, health insurance, travel allowance, and family subsidies.
• Duration: 12 to 24 months, including a 6-month German language course.

Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM

Supports exchange students for studying abroad and gaining international experience.

• Eligibility: Enrolled at a higher education institution in Baden-Württemberg or a partner institution abroad.
• Amount: €600–€1,400 monthly stipend.
• Duration: 3 to 11 months.

Carl Duisberg Fellowships (Medical Sciences)

Funds research stays, internships, or coursework for medical and related science students.

• Eligibility: Master’s or PhD students in medical sciences or related fields.
• Amount: Up to €10,000 per request.
• Duration: 2 to 6 months.

Jeff Schell Fellowship (Agricultural Sciences)

Supports students conducting agricultural research or projects.

• Eligibility: MSc or PhD students in agriculture-related fields.
• Amount: Up to €10,000 per application.
• Duration: 2 weeks to 6 months.

Otto Bayer Fellowship (Drug Discovery)

Funds research projects in natural sciences, pharmacy, and data science.

• Eligibility: Master’s or PhD students in fields relevant to pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare industries.
• Amount: Up to €10,000 per application.
• Duration: 2 weeks to 6 months.

DAAD Konrad Zuse School (Reliable AI - relAI)

Supports Master’s students specializing in Artificial Intelligence.

• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree holders accepted into AI-related programs at TUM or LMU.
• Amount: €934 monthly stipend, subject to income limits.
• Duration: 24 months.

DAAD Konrad Zuse School (Learning and Intelligent Systems - ELIZA)

Provides funding for AI studies in collaboration with German ELLIS partner universities.

• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree holders accepted into AI-related programs at partner universities.
• Amount: €934/month plus travel grants and family allowances.
• Duration: Up to 24 months.

Erasmus+ Mobility Programme

Supports international study and traineeship opportunities in Europe.

• Eligibility: Enrolled students who have completed their first year at a participating institution.
• Amount: Varies based on the destination country.
• Duration: 2 to 12 months per study cycle.

Evonik Foundation Scholarship

Funds research in the natural sciences aligned with annual themes.

• Eligibility: Master’s, Diplom, or doctoral students in the natural sciences.
• Amount: €250–€1,850/month, plus funding for resources and conferences.
• Duration: 6 months for Master’s; up to 3 years for doctoral theses.

Deutschlandstipendium

Provides financial support for talented students in all disciplines.

• Eligibility: Students enrolled at a state-recognized German university.
• Amount: €300/month.
• Duration: At least 2 semesters, up to the standard study period.

Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship

Supports students committed to social democracy values.

• Eligibility: Enrolled in a German higher education institution; strong academic performance.
• Amount: €934/month plus health insurance and child allowances.
• Duration: Standard study period as per BAföG regulations.

German Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung)

Recognizes exceptional academic and personal talent.

• Eligibility: High-performing students and high-school graduates.
• Amount: €300/month plus income-dependent grants.
• Duration: Standard study period, up to Master’s completion.

hochform Programme (STEM Students)

Provides mentorship and financial support to refugee students in STEM fields.

• Eligibility: First-semester Master’s students in STEM; C1-level German proficiency required.
• Amount: Covers travel costs, study expenses, and digital equipment grants.
• Duration: Master’s duration plus 2 extra semesters, if needed.

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship

Funds students aligned with green policy values.

• Eligibility: Master’s students in Germany with strong academic promise.
• Amount: Varies; consult Heinrich Böll Foundation’s website.
• Duration: Standard study period; renewable for 1 semester.

Human Rights Scholarship (Hertie School)

Covers tuition for a Master’s in International Affairs focusing on human rights.

• Eligibility: Bachelor’s graduates with an interest in global governance and politics.
• Amount: Full tuition (€37,500).
• Duration: 2 years.

Avicenna Studienwerk (Muslim Students)

Supports Muslim students and doctoral candidates committed to social projects.

• Eligibility: Master’s or PhD students in all fields except medicine; B2-level German required.
• Amount: €841–€1,190/month, plus healthcare and travel allowances.
• Duration: Up to 2 years.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)

Supports postgraduate and doctoral candidates from non-EU countries.

• Eligibility: Strong academic merit, German language skills (B2), and leadership potential.
• Amount: €934/month for graduates; €1,400/month for doctoral candidates.
• Duration: Up to 2 years for graduates; 3 years for doctoral candidates.

RWTH Business School Scholarship

Provides financial support for Master’s students in select RWTH programs.

• Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree holders with excellent academic records.
• Amount: €4,000 tuition discount.
• Duration: One-time award.

RWTH International Academy: High Potential Student Grant

Supports high-achieving Master’s students at RWTH Aachen.

• Eligibility: 1.7 GPA or higher (German grading), 12 months of professional experience.
• Amount: Covers 25% of tuition fees.
• Duration: Up to 24 months.

RWTH Women in Engineering Scholarship

Promotes female participation in engineering Master’s programs.

• Eligibility: Female students with 2.0 GPA or higher (German grading); 12 months of professional experience.
• Amount: Covers 25% of tuition fees.
• Duration: Up to 24 months.

SBW Berlin Scholarship

Supports financially disadvantaged, socially committed students in Berlin or Potsdam.

• Eligibility: Ages 18–30 with low household income and strong academic records.
• Amount: Covers accommodation, tuition, or monthly financial support.
• Duration: Varies based on scholarship type.

Universität Hamburg Merit Scholarships

Recognizes academic excellence in international students.

• Eligibility: Enrolled international students with strong academic and extracurricular achievements.
• Amount: Up to €930/month for students; €1,200 for doctoral candidates.
• Duration: 12 months, renewable up to 3 years in exceptional cases.
  
  

General Application Requirements for Indian Students Applying for a DAAD Scholarship

Applying for a DAAD scholarship is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail to ensure that all eligibility criteria and application requirements are met. Below is an outline of the general requirements for Indian students:

Academic Qualifications:

• To apply, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, typically lasting at least four years, though this can vary depending on the scholarship.
• For Master’s or PhD scholarships, you’ll also need to show strong academic performance in your previous studies.
• Make sure to gather all your transcripts and certificates from past schools. You'll need to get them officially translated if they’re not in English or German.

Language Proficiency:

• Depending on the course, proficiency in English and/or German is required.
  • English-taught Programs: A valid TOEFL or IELTS score is generally needed.
  • German-taught Programs: A TestDaF or Goethe Certificate demonstrating proficiency at the required level (usually B2 or C1) is mandatory.
• Some programs may waive these requirements if you have previously studied in English or German.

Work Experience (if applicable):

• Certain DAAD programs, such as development-related postgraduate courses, require at least two years of professional experience in a relevant field.
• A letter of reference from current or previous employers outlining roles and responsibilities is often required and adds more competence to the application.

Statement of Purpose:

• A well-written motivation letter is crucial, explaining:
  • Why you are interested in the program.
  • How the program aligns with your academic and professional goals.
  • Your plans for the future, particularly how you intend to contribute to your home country.

Recommendation Letters:

• Two or three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees are typically required.
• These letters should highlight your academic achievements, work ethic, and potential for success.

Research Proposal (for Research-based Scholarships):

• For doctoral scholarships or research-based programs, a detailed research proposal outlining the objectives, methodology, and relevance of the study is mandatory.
• The proposal must align with the research interests of the German university or professor.

Additional Documentation:

• A CV (Curriculum Vitae) in the Europass format emphasizing academic qualifications, professional experience, and extracurricular activities.
• A passport copy showing personal details.
• Proof of financial need or household income may be required for some scholarships.

DAAD-Specific Application Forms:

• Complete and submit the DAAD application form available on the official DAAD scholarship portal.
• Ensure that the program-specific forms and guidelines are followed meticulously.

Admission Letter (if applicable):

• For some programs, an admission letter from a German university may be required at the time of application.

Meeting Deadlines:

• DAAD scholarship deadlines depend on the program and institution, so it’s important to check the specific dates early and make sure you submit your application on time.

By meeting these general requirements, Indian students can significantly enhance their chances of securing a DAAD scholarship and pursuing their academic and career goals in Germany.

When Should Indian Students Apply for DAAD Scholarships?

Before setting a deadline to apply for your DAAD scholarship, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and narrow down the scholarships that best match your profile and academic goals. Ideally, start preparing your application documents at least 2 to 3 months before the scholarship deadline. This will give you ample time to complete any pending requirements, such as obtaining a language proficiency certificate, crafting a compelling motivation letter, and securing recommendation letters from your workplace or academic institutions.

Acceptance Rate for DAAD Scholarships

The acceptance rate for DAAD scholarships varies significantly across different programs and applicant demographics. While specific acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed, the competitive nature of these scholarships is evident from the high volume of applications received annually. For instance, in a recent application cycle 2020, over 5,000 international students applied for master's program scholarships in Germany, marking an increase of nearly 20% from previous years. This surge in applications underscores the selectivity of the process.

DAAD scholarships are particularly popular among Indian students. In a recent year, India was the most represented country among applicants for doctoral scholarships, with 207 applications—a more than 30% increase compared to 2019. This trend highlights the growing interest and recognition of DAAD scholarships among Indian scholars.

While exact acceptance rates are not specified, the substantial number of applications and the increasing interest from countries like India indicate that DAAD scholarships are both highly sought after and competitive. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a DAAD Scholarship for Indian Students

Step 1: Start Your Research
Begin by exploring the DAAD scholarship database to identify scholarships that match your academic level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) and field of study. Use filters to narrow your search by eligibility, funding type, and duration. Make a list of scholarships you’re interested in and note their deadlines and requirements.

Step 2: Reach Out for Guidance
If you have any questions about the scholarships or the application process, reach out to the respective DAAD office in India. DAAD provides excellent support through its regional offices in Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, and Delhi. The staff can help clarify doubts and provide advice tailored to your application. You can also attend DAAD seminars or webinars to gain insights into scholarship opportunities.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Carefully review the application requirements for your chosen scholarship and collect all the necessary documents, such as:

• Academic transcripts and certificates (translated into English or German, if necessary).
• Language proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, TestDaF, or Goethe-Zertifikat).
• Updated CV (in Europass format).
• Statement of purpose or motivation letter tailored to the scholarship.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• Research proposal (for doctoral or research-based scholarships).
• Passport copy and any additional documents specified in the scholarship guidelines.

Ensure all documents meet the specified format and upload requirements.

Step 4: Submit Your Application
Complete your application through the DAAD online portal or the application method specified for your chosen scholarship. Double-check your information and uploaded documents before submitting. Some scholarships may require you to apply directly to a German university as part of the process, so ensure you complete any additional university application steps if needed.

Step 5: Wait for the Response
Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email. The evaluation process may take several months, as applications are reviewed by selection committees. Keep an eye on your email for any updates or additional document requests.

Step 6: Find Out Your Results
Successful applicants will be notified of their results via email. If selected, you’ll receive instructions on the next steps, including acceptance of the scholarship and any preparatory requirements like German language courses or visa applications. If you are not selected, you can request feedback or consider reapplying in the next cycle after improving your application.