PhD Handbook

PhD Scholarships in Germany: From Eligibility, Benefits to Phd Stipend in Germany for International Students

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Rohan Deshmukh
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Germany is highly known among international students because of its practical emphasis on education and culture, and, it’s free of college fees degree programs at public universities. But the expenditure on learning in Germany is not confined to university fees. Foreign university students are required to pay for their lodgings, meals, extra living costs, and course materials. Even though international students looking for financial aid have a variety of possibilities, the best choice is to secure a decently sponsored scholarship in Germany.

In this blog, we will talk about the various PhD scholarships in Germany, the PhD requirements in Germany for international students that must be fulfilled to obtain a scholarship, and the PhD stipend in Germany that you will receive.

Table of Contents

Types of PhD Scholarships in Germany

There are essentially three types of PhD scholarships in Germany: 

  • Governmental Financial Aid
  • Assistance by Non-Government Organizations
  • German University Fellowship

Potential aspirants can receive fully funded PhD in Germany for international students thanks to several scholarships. PhD stipend in Germany varies among different scholarships. Each of the above-mentioned scholarships for international students in Germany have different benefits and eligibility criteria. Let's examine the top choices in each category to decide what is the best option for PhD in Germany for Indian students with scholarships:

Government Funded Germany PhD Scholarships for Indian Students

Foreign students may apply for government-funded scholarships to study for a Ph.D. in Germany. Since every scholarship has a unique set of requirements, one must check out their specific sites to discover further. Following is the list of Government funded PhD scholarships for international students in Germany:

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

Germany's principal source of research funding is the DFG. Ph.D. money is provided to universities' designated centers for continuous ph.d. training. Students may apply for opportunities funded by this list.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Qualified Ph.D. holders from all fields of study employed by German research organizations.

Amount/Benefits

  • 1365 EUR/month
  • Expatriate allowance
  • Travel funding
  • Publishing fees

Read: Studying in Germany Cost

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)

The DAAD, also known as the German Academic Exchange Service, sponsors about 100,000 students and researchers, both in Germany and abroad.

  • Research funding for Ph.D. programs in Germany is available to international students pursuing a Ph.D. at a German university. A maximum of four years is awarded for scholarships.
  • To pursue a Ph.D. in their native country with support from German academics and universities, students are awarded research funding for bi-nationally sponsored PhDs and have the option to spend up to two years conducting research in Germany.
  • Students who want to conduct research internships in Germany for a short period can apply for short-term grants.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Germany-based full-time program with attendance requirements
  • completed their bachelor’s degree, in the last 6 years.
  • Two years of work experience

Can speak English or German depending on your degree program.

Amount/Benefits

  • Research funds for Ph.D. in Germany: 850-1000 EUR/month
  • Bi-nationally supervised Ph.D.: 1200 EUR/month
  • Short-term: 850-1200 EUR/month

Read: PhD Programs & Universities in Germany

StipendiumPlus

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research distributes money through StipendiumPlus, which normally supports 4,000 Ph.D. students annually.

The StipendiumPlus network consists of 13 distinct financial activities. Most try to assist candidates coming from particular national or political backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Funding is available for doctoral candidates whose dissertation topics have potential.

Amount/Benefits

  • 1350 EUR/month

Non-Government Funded PhD Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany

Numerous organizations additionally provide a specific full scholarship for Ph.D. students at universities in Germany in addition to the awards funded by the government. Let's examine the numerous options for PhD in Germany for Indian students with scholarships:

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships

Foreign students may register for Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung or KAS Scholarships if they wish to get admitted to a Ph.D. program in Germany. The incentive is awarded for one year.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be enrolled in a doctoral program at one of the German universities that cooperate with KAS
  • When applying, candidates need not be older than 30
  • A B2 level in German language proficiency is required
  • The candidate ought to be actively involved in volunteer activity

Amount/Benefits

  • 1,200 EUR/month

Suggested: MBA Scholarships in Germany

Heinrich Böll Foundation

The Heinrich Böll Foundation awards several scholarships at various academic levels to both German and international applicants. The organization, on the other hand, primarily awards financial aid to students who desire to study STEM subjects, especially in courses that have a strong emphasis on environmental science.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Level DSH OR B2 in German

Amounts/Benefits

  • 1325 EUR/month

Fraunhofer Society

The Fraunhofer Society is a network that assists students with their specific Ph.D. projects over the course of a typical three-year agreement. They focus on scientific, engineering, and technological applied research. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • All certificates and diplomas from institutions of higher learning, final exam certificates, and record transcripts.
  • A certificate for passing the DSH 2 test.
  • German C1 university's telc European Language Certificate.
  • Suitable research field and a current resume

Amounts/Benefits

-

Read: Education Loan for Germany

University Provided PhD Fellowship in Germany

German universities offer their funding in addition to working with research institutions and giving out government grants. Let us go through some university-funded scholarships in Germany below:

Ludwig Maximillian University Munich

One of Munich's top-ranked universities is LMU. In this method, you work with a professor or peer to supervise the completion of your doctoral thesis.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Acceptance letter for doctoral studies
  • European Language Certificate from telc German C1 University Certificate of DSH 2 Exam
  • Appropriate Research Area with an Updated CV

Benefit

  • 650 EUR/month (short-term program)

Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University is among the handful of German universities that offers academic scholarships and research funding for Ph.D. programs. You can select chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, or sustainability-related study topics. Doctoral candidates at Heidelberg University have access to a variety of funding options.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Master's degree.
  • Copies of the preceding institute's original transcripts.
  • A letter of confirmation from your supervisor or colleagues.
  • 79 on the TOEFL.
  • 6.5 on the IELTS scale.
  • PTE ranking of 53.
  • 1181 on the GTEC.

Amount/Benefits

  • 10,607- 11,526 EUR/semester

Freie University of Berlin

One of the most well-known German universities offering Ph.D. degrees is the Freie University of Berlin. Under the guidance of a professor, a doctorate can be pursued with research areas available across the Free University campus. 

Eligibility Criteria

  • Master's degree.
  • Preceding institute's original transcripts.
  • A letter of confirmation from your supervisor or colleagues.
  • 60 on the TOEFL.
  • 4.5 on the IELTS scale.
  • DSH 2 certificate
  • Telc C1 exam

Amount/Benefits

  • 1,200 EUR/month
  • 100 EUR/month (additional travel allowance)

Read: Tips to Fund Education in Germany

One must finish their study and make plans in advance if one wants to be qualified for well-funded scholarships in Germany. Be mindful of the German scholarship registration deadlines and begin the process early to avoid any issues. Become a Yocket Premium member and connect with our knowledgeable staff of counselors if you have any questions about PhD in Germany for Indian students with scholarship. 

Know More About Studying in Germany

Reasons to Study in Germany

Education System in Germany

MBA Scholarships in Germany

Free Public Universities in Germany

Best Cities in Germany for International Students

PR in Germany

 

Frequently Asked Questions About PhD in Germany for Indian Students with Scholarships

Is German proficiency a requirement for PhD scholarships in Germany?

Are the German doctoral scholarships completely funded?

What are the prerequisites for Scholarships in Germany?

Are there distinct scholarships available for various Ph.D. fields?

Is it easy to get a Ph.D. scholarship in Germany?

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