Germany is one of the most popular destinations for pursuing an MS and offers several prestigious scholarships for international students.
While public universities charge little or no tuition fees, scholarships such as DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, and German foundation grants help cover living expenses, travel, health insurance, and other study-related costs.
Whether you plan to study Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Biotechnology, Business Analytics, or another STEM field, understanding the available scholarship options can help you choose the right funding opportunity.
Top Scholarships for MS in Germany
Germany offers several scholarships for international students pursuing an MS, helping cover living expenses, travel, and other study-related costs.
While public universities charge little or no tuition fees, these scholarships provide valuable financial support through fully funded awards or monthly stipends.
Below are some of the most popular scholarship options for MS students:
It offers fully funded and partial scholarships for postgraduate studies across various disciplines, covering living expenses through monthly stipends, health insurance, travel allowances, and other study-related costs.
Benefits
Depending on the scholarship programme, students may receive:
Monthly stipend (latest published Master's stipend: approximately €992 (≈ INR 1 L) per month, subject to programme updates)
Health, accident, and personal liability insurance
Travel allowance (where applicable)
One-time study allowance
Research allowance for selected programmes
German language course support (if applicable)
Who can apply?
Applicants generally should:
Hold a recognized Bachelor's degree.
Demonstrate strong academic performance.
Meet the admission requirements of the selected German university.
Satisfy the language requirements of the chosen programme.
Meet programme-specific conditions such as relevant work experience for selected scholarships (for example, EPOS).
Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship for MS in Germany
The Deutschlandstipendium is a national merit-based scholarship for high-achieving students at participating German universities.
Jointly funded by the German Federal Government and private sponsors, it supports talented students regardless of nationality or financial background.
The scholarship is awarded based on merit, does not consider family income, and does not require repayment.
Benefits
Students may receive:
€300 (≈ INR 32,000) per month
Funding for at least two semesters (renewable based on university rules)
Networking opportunities
Mentorship programmes
Industry interaction
Career development support
Who can apply?
Applicants generally should:
Be admitted to or enrolled at a participating German university.
Demonstrate outstanding academic performance.
Show leadership potential, social commitment, or extracurricular achievements, depending on university selection criteria.
Each university manages its own application process and selection timeline.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarship
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarship is a fully funded European Union program for international students pursuing a master's degree across multiple European universities, including Germany.
It covers tuition fees, travel, visa costs, and a monthly living stipend, with students typically studying in at least two participating countries and graduating with a joint or multiple degree.
Benefits
Depending on the programme, the scholarship may cover:
Full tuition fees
Monthly living allowance of up to €1,400 (≈ INR 2 L)
Travel costs
Installation allowance
Visa support (where applicable)
Health insurance
The exact funding package varies by programme.
Who can apply?
Applicants generally should:
Hold a recognized Bachelor's degree.
Meet the admission requirements of the selected Erasmus Mundus programme.
Demonstrate strong academic performance.
Meet the required English language proficiency standards.
Apply directly through the official programme consortium.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship supports outstanding international students pursuing full-time master’s degrees at state-recognized universities in Germany.
It is designed for applicants with excellent academic records and strong social, political, or environmental engagement, especially in areas such as ecology, sustainability, human rights, and democracy.
Benefits
Depending on eligibility, scholars may receive:
Monthly financial support
Additional allowances where applicable
Participation in seminars and workshops
Leadership development opportunities
Networking with scholars and professionals
Who can apply?
Applicants generally should:
Hold a recognized Bachelor's degree.
Receive admission to a Master's programme in Germany.
Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
Show commitment to democracy, sustainability, human rights, or social responsibility.
Meet the Foundation's German language requirements.
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship supports academically talented international students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees at recognized German universities.
It is designed for students who show leadership potential and a strong commitment to democratic values.
Benefits
Selected students may receive:
Monthly scholarship stipend of €992 (≈ INR 1 L)
Health insurance subsidy (where applicable)
Family allowance for eligible scholars
Leadership training programmes
Mentoring
Networking opportunities
Who can apply?
Applicants generally should:
Hold a university degree.
Secure admission to a recognized German university.
Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
Show voluntary or community engagement.
Meet the required German language proficiency specified by KAS.
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Scholarship supports international students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe pursuing master's degrees in Germany.
It is designed for students committed to democracy, equality, and social justice, and offers financial assistance along with academic and professional development support.
Benefits
Eligible students may receive:
Monthly financial support of €934 (≈ INR 1 L)
Health insurance contribution (where applicable)
Family allowance of €160 (≈ INR 17,000) per month
for eligible applicants
Seminars and leadership workshops
Academic mentoring
Professional networking opportunities
Who can apply?
Applicants generally should:
Be admitted to a recognized German university.
Demonstrate strong academic performance.
Support the Foundation's social democratic values.
Meet the required language requirements.
KAAD Scholarship for MS in Germany
The KAAD (Catholic Academic Exchange Service) Scholarship is a fully funded program for students from developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East who wish to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD in Germany.
Benefits
Depending on the programme, students may receive:
Monthly living stipend
Tuition support (where applicable)
Health insurance
Travel allowance
German language course support
Academic mentoring
Who can apply?
Applicants generally should:
Hold a recognized Bachelor's degree.
Be from an eligible developing or emerging country.
Demonstrate strong academic performance.
Have relevant professional experience where required.
Show willingness to return to their home country after completing their studies.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarship for MS in Germany
Securing an MS scholarship in Germany generally requires strong academic performance, language proficiency, admission to an eligible program, and the required supporting documents.
However, the exact eligibility criteria vary by scholarship. Below are the common eligibility requirements for international students:
Academic Requirements for Scholarship for MS in Germany
To secure a scholarship for a Master's in Germany, you need a strong academic background.
Most funding organizations assess your previous academic performance along with the relevance of your bachelor's degree to the chosen MS programme.
Applicants generally should:
Hold a recognized bachelor's degree in a relevant subject with a high GPA (e.g., minimum 7.0 CGPA or top 10% class rank).
Meet the admission requirements of the German university.
Have consistently good academic performance.
Submit official academic transcripts and degree certificates.
Demonstrate research aptitude for research-oriented programmes.
Meet any programme-specific requirements such as work experience (if applicable).
Some scholarships, such as DAAD EPOS, may require relevant professional experience in addition to academic qualifications.
English and German Language Requirements for Scholarship for MS in Germany
To secure a scholarship for an MS in Germany, applicants usually need to prove English or German proficiency, depending on the program and scholarship requirements.
While English-taught programs do not mandate German for admission, holding at least a B1 level significantly strengthens your scholarship application.
Common language requirements include:
English-taught programs generally accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English qualifications.
German-taught programs usually require TestDaF, DSH, Goethe Certificate, or telc Deutsch Hochschule.
Some scholarship providers may also require German language proficiency, even for English-taught programs.
Always check the university's admission requirements and the scholarship guidelines before applying.
Additional Eligibility Requirements for Scholarship for MS in Germany
Besides academics and language proficiency, scholarship providers may consider several additional factors.
Depending on the scholarship, applicants may need to provide:
Admission letter or proof of application to a German university
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Research proposal (for selected programmes)
Work experience certificates (where applicable)
Proof of leadership or community engagement
Passport copy
Some scholarships also expect applicants to demonstrate their future career goals, motivation to study in Germany, or commitment to contributing to their home country after graduation.
Who Cannot Apply for Scholarship for MS in Germany?
Eligibility restrictions vary by scholarship programme. Applicants may not qualify if they do not meet the basic requirements specified by the funding organization.
Common situations where applicants may be ineligible include:
Not meeting the academic eligibility requirements.
Applying without admission to an eligible Master's programme (where required).
Failing to satisfy the language requirements.
Missing mandatory documents.
Applying after the scholarship deadline.
Not meeting programme-specific conditions such as work experience or nationality requirements.
Applying for scholarships that restrict applicants who have already completed an equivalent Master's degree.
Note: Always review the eligibility criteria of the individual scholarship before submitting your application.
How to Apply for Scholarship for MS in Germany
Applying for an MS scholarship in Germany requires early preparation, typically 12-18 months in advance.
The application process differs depending on the scholarship provider. The process involves finding suitable funding on the DAAD Scholarship Database, securing university admission, and submitting a strong application highlighting academic excellence, a detailed motivation letter, and language proficiency.
Follow these general steps to apply for scholarships for MS in Germany:
Step 1: Research Suitable Scholarships
Start by identifying scholarships that match your academic background, country of residence, field of study, university, and career goals.
Useful scholarship databases include:
DAAD Scholarship Database
Deutschlandstipendium
Erasmus Mundus Catalogue
Individual university scholarship pages
Step 2: Apply for Admission
Most scholarships require applicants to first obtain admission to an eligible Master's programme.
You should:
Choose your preferred university.
Submit the university application.
Upload academic documents.
Meet language requirements.
Receive an admission or conditional offer letter.
Step 3: Prepare Scholarship Documents
Keep the required documents ready before applications open.
Step 4: Submit Scholarship Application
Application methods vary depending on the scholarship.
For example:
DAAD Scholarship: Students submit applications through the respective DAAD programme portal or follow programme-specific application instructions.
Deutschlandstipendium: Applications are submitted directly to the participating university.
Erasmus Mundus: Applications are submitted through the official programme consortium.
Foundation Scholarships: Students apply through the respective foundation's scholarship portal after meeting the required eligibility conditions.
Step 5: Interview (If Required)
Some scholarships include interviews during the selection process.
Questions usually focus on academic achievements, motivation, career goals, leadership potential, research interests, and social engagement.
Step 6: Accept the Scholarship Offer
Successful applicants receive an official scholarship offer containing:
Scholarship value
Benefits included
Funding duration
Renewal conditions (if applicable)
Terms and conditions
Applicants should carefully review the offer and accept it before the specified deadline.
Documents Required for Scholarship for MS in Germany
Applying for a master’s scholarship in Germany requires a comprehensive set of academic, professional, and personal documents.
While requirements vary by program, most applicants should prepare the following:
Personal Documents
Valid passport
Passport-size photographs
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Academic Documents
Bachelor's degree certificate
Academic transcripts
Admission letter (if required)
Language Documents
IELTS / TOEFL / PTE scorecard
German language certificate (if applicable)
Supporting Documents
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
Research proposal (where applicable)
Work experience certificate (if required)
Internship certificates
Extracurricular achievements
Note: Ensure all uploaded documents are Complete, Clear and legible, submitted before the deadline and in the format specified by the scholarship provider
Scholarship deadlines for an MS in Germany vary depending on the funding organization and the university.
Some scholarships follow a fixed annual schedule, while others have different deadlines for each participating programme or institution.
However, major German scholarships require applications quite early, often between July and October of the year preceding your intake.
Below is how the application timeline works:
Scholarships for MS in Germany
Deadlines
DAAD Study Scholarships
Varies by programme (many applications open between August-October)
DAAD EPOS Scholarship
Depends on the participating university (generally August-October)
Deutschlandstipendium
Varies by university (Usually before the Winter Semester)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarship
Usually between October-January
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
Two application rounds annually: 1 March and 1 September (recent application cycles)
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship
Varies by country and programme
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship
Multiple application windows depending on programme
KAAD Scholarship
Deadlines differ by partner committee and programme (Country-specific)
Note: Students should always verify the latest dates on the official scholarship website before applying.
How to Check Scholarship Status for MS in Germany
To check your scholarship status for a Master's (MS) in Germany, log in to the exact application portal where you initially submitted your application (e.g., the DAAD Scholarship Database or your specific German university's portal).
Most organizations update applicants through their online application portal or by email. Follow these general steps:
Step 1: Log in to the Application Portal
Visit the scholarship portal where you submitted your application and sign in using your registered credentials.
Step 2: Open Your Application Dashboard
Navigate to the application dashboard or scholarship section to view your submitted application.
Step 3: Check Your Current Status
Your application may show updates such as Application Submitted, Under Review, Shortlisted, Interview Scheduled, Selected, or Not Selected.
Step 4: Monitor Your Email
Most scholarship providers also send important updates through your registered email address.
Check your inbox and spam folder regularly for Interview invitations, Requests for additional documents and Final scholarship decisions.
Step 5: Contact the Scholarship Office
If no update is available after the expected timeline, you may contact the scholarship provider or the university scholarship office for assistance.
H2: Common Reasons for Rejection of Scholarship for MS in Germany
Scholarships for an MS in Germany are highly competitive. Even academically strong applicants may not be selected if their application does not fully meet the requirements.
Some common reasons for rejection include:
Not meeting the academic eligibility criteria.
Applying after the application deadline.
Incomplete scholarship application.
Missing or incorrect supporting documents.
Weak Statement of Purpose (SOP).
Poorly written motivation letter.
Insufficient language proficiency scores.
Failure to meet programme-specific requirements.
Lack of relevant work experience where required.
Applying for an ineligible programme or university.
Carefully reviewing the scholarship guidelines before submission can significantly improve your chances of success.
Conclusion
Germany remains one of the most affordable destinations for an MS, and scholarships make it even more accessible for international students.
With low or no tuition fees at public universities, scholarships can help cover living expenses, travel, health insurance, and other study-related costs.
Government funded scholarships such as DAAD, merit-based programmes like Deutschlandstipendium, international opportunities such as Erasmus Mundus, & foundation scholarships from Heinrich Böll Foundation, KAAD offer excellent funding opportunities.
Applying early and to multiple scholarships can improve your chances of receiving financial support.
You can apply for government, university, and foundation scholarships after meeting the eligibility requirements. Most scholarships require strong academic performance, admission to a German university, and supporting documents such as an SOP, CV, and recommendation letters.
Which is the best scholarship for MS in Germany?
The DAAD Scholarship is one of the most popular options. Other well-known scholarships include Deutschlandstipendium, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarships, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship, KAS Scholarship, Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship, and KAAD Scholarship.
Is the DAAD Scholarship fully funded?
Many DAAD scholarship programmes provide comprehensive financial support, including a monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance, and other benefits. However, funding varies depending on the specific programme.
Can Indian students get scholarships for MS in Germany?
Yes. Indian students are eligible to apply for several scholarships, including DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, Deutschlandstipendium, Heinrich Böll Foundation, KAS, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and KAAD, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
How much CGPA is required for a scholarship for MS in Germany?
There is no universal CGPA requirement. Most competitive scholarships prefer applicants with a consistently strong academic record, though exact requirements vary by scholarship and university.
Can I get a scholarship without IELTS?
Some universities and scholarship programmes may accept alternative proof of English proficiency or waive language tests under specific conditions. Applicants should check the admission requirements of their chosen university.
Is work experience mandatory for scholarships in Germany?
Not for all scholarships. However, programmes such as DAAD EPOS generally require relevant professional work experience, while many merit-based scholarships do not.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship in Germany?
Yes. Students may apply for multiple scholarships if they meet the eligibility requirements. However, some funding organizations may have restrictions on receiving multiple scholarships simultaneously.
When should I start applying for scholarships for MS in Germany?
It is advisable to begin researching scholarships at least 8-12 months before your intended intake, as many applications open well before university admissions close.
Do scholarships in Germany cover living expenses?
Many scholarships provide a monthly stipend to help cover accommodation, food, health insurance, and other living expenses. The exact amount depends on the scholarship programme.
Can you get a 100% scholarship for MS in Germany?
Yes, some organizations and providers offer 100% scholarships in Germany for MS; however, the actual funding may come down to around 85-90%, with students paying nominal charges. Fully funded scholarships are also available at institutions in some cases. Apply after carefully viewing all these parameters.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4665 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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