Scholarships, Intakes and Cost of Studying in Germany

Study Abroad > Study in Germany> Scholarships, Intakes and Cost of Studying in Germany

Planning your finances and timeline well in advance is just as important as choosing the right university when it comes to studying in Germany. Scholarships and Cost of Studying in Germany are key factors to consider, as scholarships can help reduce education expenses while understanding tuition fees, living costs, and visa requirements helps you prepare a realistic budget. This page also explains Germany’s Winter and Summer intake cycles, including when to apply, which deadlines to track, and how to plan your APS certification and language tests to avoid last-minute delays.

Scholarships to Study in Germany for International Students

Scholarships can significantly cut the cost of studying in Germany, from monthly stipends to fully funded programmes covering tuition, travel, and living expenses. Here are the main options available to Indian students.

DAAD Scholarships

  • Germany’s largest and most prestigious academic exchange body, funding master’s, PhD, postdoc, and research programmes
  • Indian students are eligible for a select set of DAAD’s 188+ programmes
  • Monthly stipend of around €934–€992 for master’s students, up to €1,300 for PhD candidates
  • Covers monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance, and study costs for fully funded options

Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)

  • National, merit-based scholarship co-funded by the government and private sponsors
  • Offers €300 per month, awarded on top of any other funding
  • Open to students at any degree level across hundreds of German universities, applied for after admission

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees (EMJMD)

  • EU-funded, fully funded scholarships for admitted students in joint master’s programmes across multiple European universities, including German institutions
  • Monthly stipend of around €1,400, among the highest available
  • Covers tuition, travel, and living costs

Political Foundation Scholarships

  • Includes Heinrich Böll Foundation, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), and Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung
  • Primarily support master’s and PhD students, often tied to specific academic or ideological focus areas
  • Stipends generally range from €850–€992 per month

University-Specific Scholarships

  • Many German universities offer their own merit or need-based scholarships, separate from national or EU programmes
  • Amount and eligibility vary by institution, usually covering partial tuition or living costs

What Can a Germany Scholarship Cover?

Tuition Fees – Full or partial coverage, especially relevant for private universities or programmes with fees

Monthly Living Stipend – Ranges from €300 to €1,400 depending on the scholarship and degree level

Health Insurance – Often included as part of fully funded programmes like DAAD

Travel Allowance – Covers flight costs to and from Germany, typically a one-time or round-trip amount

Study/Research Allowance – Additional funding for books, materials, and academic expenses

Visa and Residence Permit Support – Some scholarships assist with visa-related costs or documentation

Internship/Research Stipends – Separate funding for short-term research stays or mandatory internships tied to the programme

How to Apply for Scholarships in Germany

Step 1: Identify the Right Scholarship

Shortlist scholarships based on your degree level, field of study, and eligibility, DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Erasmus Mundus, or a university-specific option.

Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria

Review academic requirements, language proficiency, and any additional conditions, like work experience or age limits, specific to each scholarship.

Step 3: Secure Your University Admission

Most scholarships require proof of admission or enrolment, so apply to your university programme first, or alongside your scholarship application where allowed.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Gather transcripts, a Statement of Purpose, Letters of Recommendation, CV, and language proficiency certificates, exact requirements vary by scholarship.

Step 5: Write a Strong Motivation Letter

Tailor your motivation letter or SOP to the specific scholarship, highlighting academic achievements, career goals, and why you’re a strong fit.

Step 6: Submit Your Application Before the Deadline

Apply through the scholarship’s official portal, DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, or the university itself, well ahead of the deadline, since some close months in advance.

Step 7: Attend an Interview (If Required)

Some scholarships, like DAAD, include an interview round as part of the selection process.

Step 8: Await the Result and Confirm Acceptance

Once selected, confirm your scholarship acceptance and complete any follow-up documentation required before your stipend or funding begins.

Cost of Studying in Germany

The cost of studying in Germany varies depending on the type of institution, state, and study level. Public universities in Germany remain largely tuition-free, while private universities charge substantial fees. Understanding scholarships and cost of studying in Germany can help international students plan their finances, explore funding opportunities, and estimate their overall expenses. Beyond tuition, students need to budget for living costs, health insurance, and mandatory semester contributions.

Cost Component Approximate Amount
Tuition (Public Universities) Tuition-free for most programmes; applies by state, university, and programme (e.g., Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU students)
Tuition (Private Universities) €10,000–€30,000 per year
Semester Contribution €150–€350 per semester
Blocked Account (Visa Requirement) ~€11,904 per year (~€992/month)
Health Insurance €120–€130 per month
Monthly Living Costs €850–€1,200
Visa Fee ~€75
APS/uni-assist Certification Varies by applicant type
Language Proficiency Tests €150–€350

Intakes to Study in Germany

Germany runs two intakes a year, Winter and Summer, each with different programme availability and deadlines.

Intake Semester Start Application Window Programme Availability
Winter (Wintersemester) Mid-October May–July (varies by university) Primary intake; 1,200+ English-taught master’s programmes, nearly all subjects
Summer (Sommersemester) Mid-April December–January (varies by university) Limited intake; around 500 English-taught master’s programmes, fewer subjects

Key Points

  • Winter is the main intake, offering the widest range of courses, scholarships, and better alignment with Germany’s job market cycle
  • Summer suits students who’ve missed the winter deadline or need extra preparation time, though options are narrower
  • A common deadline across many public universities is 15 July for Winter and 15 January for Summer, though exact dates vary by institution
  • Some programmes, especially in engineering and sciences, are only offered in the Winter intake, missing it means waiting a full year
  • Private universities often follow rolling admissions, open for applications year-round

When Should I Apply to Study in Germany?

Timing your application right can make the difference between getting into your preferred programme and missing it by a full year. As a general rule, start preparing at least 6–9 months before your intended intake, since APS certification, language tests, and document evaluation all take time.

For Winter Intake (October start): Begin preparations around December–January, with applications typically due by 15 July

For Summer Intake (April start): Begin preparations around June–July, with applications typically due by 15 January

APS Certification: Start this process early, ideally 4–6 months before your application deadline, since processing can extend during peak seasons

Language Tests: Book your IELTS, TestDaF, or equivalent test at least 3–4 months in advance to allow time for a retake if needed.

Since timelines can shift by university and programme, working with an experienced consultancy like CanApprove helps you map out a personalised application calendar, so nothing slips through the cracks and your APS, language test, and university deadlines all line up correctly.

Listen to our CEO, Adv. Binoy P.R., share expert insights on immigration and visa pathways in Dhinamalar’s podcast.

FAQs About Scholarships, Intakes & Costs of Studying in Germany

Is studying in Germany free for international students?
Public universities are largely tuition-free, though this applies depending on the state, university, and programme. Baden-Württemberg, for instance, charges non-EU students.
How much does it cost to study in Germany?
Tuition is mostly free; expect €850–€1,200 a month for living costs, plus a semester contribution of €150–€350.
What is the average cost of living in Germany for students?
Roughly €850–€1,200 a month, covering rent, food, insurance, and transport, with costs varying by city.
How can I get a DAAD scholarship?
By meeting the eligibility criteria for your degree level, securing university admission where required, and submitting a strong application with transcripts, SOP, and recommendation letters before the deadline.
What does a Germany scholarship cover?
Depending on the scholarship, it can include tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance, and study or research costs.
What are the main intakes in Germany?
Winter (October) and Summer (April), with Winter offering the widest range of programmes and scholarship opportunities.

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