Is German proficiency a requirement for PhD scholarships in Germany?

No, German language fluency is not required for many scholarships in Germany. While certain programs may need competency, your knowledge of German may be disregarded if you are applying to an English-language program.

Are the German doctoral scholarships completely funded?

Some of the German Ph.D. scholarships for overseas students cover all costs, while others give recipients a sizeable monthly payment along with several other perks.

What are the prerequisites for Scholarships in Germany?

The majority of the awards are merit-based. Maintain your GPA, and you won't encounter any issues receiving your scholarship.

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

Yes, some scholarships apply to different fields of research studies but also specific field-related scholarships.

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

There are tons of scholarship options available in German universities and other government or private organizations. If you have maintained a good profile throughout your learning years then you won’t have any issues in acquiring a scholarship.

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

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 Content

1. Types of PhD Scholarships in Germany
2. Government Funded Germany PhD Scholarships for Indian Students
3. Non-Government Funded PhD Scholarships for Indian Students in Germany
4. University Provided PhD Fellowship in Germany

Check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities by connecting with our experts!

Country you aspire to study in

Year you plan to start in

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

Explore Destinations

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