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DAAD Scholarship Eligibility for Indian Students: Everything You Need to Know

Studying abroad opens a new world of opportunities, which includes new perspectives, vibrant campuses, international networks, and better job opportunities. Sometimes deserving students fall behind, considering the costs involved. This is where DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst), one of the most valuable scholarship opportunities, helps students. But before applying, one must understand the DAAD scholarship eligibility for Indian students. This article covers who can apply, the requirements for application, and the necessary starting steps.

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Why Indian Students Should Get a DAAD Scholarship?

The DAAD is Germany’s national agency for academics and international exchange. For Indian students, it proves to be a prestigious scholarship for various reasons.

You get a strong brand name with global recognition.
You receive scholarships that help to cover tuition costs, living expenses, travel costs, and health/accident insurance.
You also get the opportunity to attend top German universities with access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
The DAAD office present in India will assist you and help you connect with other DAAD alumni and related events.
You get a chance to build a strong international profile, which is critical in the now globalized Indian job market.

In short, if you’re an Indian student with strong academic credentials, DAAD scholarship eligibility for Indian students must be your first step.

Types of DAAD Scholarships

Let us consider the main scholarship types offered by DAAD before looking at eligibility:

Study scholarships for full-degree programs in Germany (Master’s, Doctoral) or studies complementing.
Research grants for doctoral or post-doctoral stays in Germany.
Short-term programs such as summer courses, internships, or short-term study programs to improve the German Language. For instance, the HSK summer-course programme for international students.

Since the conditions for being eligible vary slightly according to the programme, it is necessary to check the particular scheme. However, the general framework of the DAAD scholarship eligibility for Indian students is open for all Indian ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌students.

Who Can Apply for the DAAD Scholarship? Eligibility Rules You Must Know

You can find here, DAAD scholarship requirements to apply to most of the programmes, but cross-checking is advised before applying, as rules can change over time.

Citizenship‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ & Nationality

The student must be an Indian citizen outside the country or residing in India. Some programs may require you to apply from your home country.

Academic Qualification & Performance

To get a scholarship for a master’s program, you must have a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 4 years) from a recognised university/institution.
An excellent academic record is required. A number of sources provide that the equivalent of a CGPA of ~8.5/10 (or 85%) is necessary for the most competitive programs.
Short-term programme applications (summer courses or internships) are open to Indian students who are currently in an undergraduate program.

Work Experience (for specific programs)

Some programs, like management or development-related postgraduate courses (e.g., EPOS), may require at least two years of professional experience.

Language Requirement

A score of 6.0 in IELTS or TOEFL 80 is the minimum requirement for programs taught in English.
A score of B2 in tests TestDaF or DSH, for a German-taught program, must be submitted.

Additional Conditions

In some cases, your degree should not be more than six years old after graduation.
Commitment: You must return to your home country after completion of the program. Development-oriented scholarships come with this condition.

In a nutshell, if you are an Indian student planning to study in Germany, it will be of great help to you, early on, if you check the DAAD scholarship eligibility for Indian ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌students.

Students from other countries must note that DAAD also offers country-specific programs. However, the core criteria for DAAD scholarships for international students in Germany remain consistent as mentioned above.

DAAD Scholarship for Master's in Germany

Most students from India go to study master’s. The DAAD scholarship for master’s is one of the most sought-after categories.

DAAD fully funds many Master’s degrees in Germany or gives support to study at a German university.
The eligibility for the DAAD scholarship for master’s includes: a Bachelor’s degree with good scores, work experience (if asked), language requirements, and a strong motivation to study there or research interest.
Funding durations generally cover 12-24 months or the length of the Master’s program. Benefits cover a monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance, and additional allowances in some cases.

Indian students interested in German scholarships must focus on the DAAD scholarship eligibility for Indian students, which includes: meeting the academic, language, and professional experience requirements, and choosing a program supported by their background.

DAAD Scholarship for Bachelor's Degree

DAAD scholarship for a bachelor’s program, you should consider short-term options such as summer language/subject courses or internships funded by DAAD, and you will benefit from the DAAD network early.

This path is less common, so reviewing the DAAD scholarship eligibility for Indian students is advised. To ease out, you can also take help from reputed consultants like YES Germany.

How to Apply for DAAD Scholarships – Step-by-Step?

The following is a step-by-step guide to apply:

1) Choose the Correct Program: Check the DAAD scholarship schemes to match your study level.
2) Verify your Eligibility: Check the criteria for DAAD scholarship eligibility for Indian students, which includes: Nationality, academic background, work experience, language requirements, and deadlines.

3) Document Preparation: These are:

CV
Letter of motivation
Marksheets and degree certificates
Language proficiency certificate for English or German
For research stays: a research proposal or a letter confirming supervision in Germany.

4) Apply for University Admission: First, the admission application to your selected university must be submitted.
5) Submit DAAD Scholarship Application: After submitting your admission application, submit your scholarship application through the DAAD website before the deadline.
6) Confirmation and Follow-up: Selection committees consider the criteria and suitability. You will be sent a letter of confirmation, and you will proceed to the visa/provision steps in case of a positive selection.
7) Get Ready for Germany: Put together health insurance, locate accommodation, a visa, travel, enroll for a German language course (if needed), and contact fellow scholars or alumni.

Tip: It’s always a good idea to start 6–7 months ahead of ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌time. You can apply through consultants like YES Germany, who have years of experience in sending students to Germany for studies.

Conclusion

‌‍Indian students wishing to study in Germany must consider the DAAD scholarship eligibility for Indian students as the primary entry point to manage their finances. If it is a Master’s degree or a research-oriented course, the criteria of eligibility must be known. By doing the right preparation and sending your application on time, you will benefit from DAAD’s scholarship. If you’re still confused or have limited time for the application, consult YES Germany, as they are the best German education consultants helping you with admission, visa, scholarship, accommodation, insurance, and other services like blocked accounts. Don’t wait, call us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. As an Indian undergraduate student, am I allowed to apply for a DAAD scholarship?

Sure — however, the options are very limited for Indian students in the case of full Bachelor's degree programmes. Most of the DAAD funding is at the Master's level. Instead, you may be allowed to short-term programmes such as attending a summer course, doing an internship, etc.

2. Does DAAD set a minimum GPA requirement for its scholarships?

There is no single GPA; however, most programmes expect the applicant to be in the top third of his/her batch or have a CGPA that is equivalent to ~8.5/10 (or 85%) or more for Master's level.

3. Is knowledge of German mandatory to get a scholarship?

German is not needed for the English-taught program; only an English language proficiency certificate is required. But it’s required for a German-taught program to submit a score of TestDaF or DSH as proof.

4. What length of working experience is necessary?

It is as described by the program prerequisites. Generally, around 2 years for management, some postgraduate programs, and development-oriented scholarships (such as EPOS).

5. What are the different expenses that the DAAD scholarship covers?

The support fund from the scheme may be a monthly living cost allowance, a partial/full coverage of the tuition fee (depending on program/university), a travel allowance, health/accident insurance, rental subsidies, and a family ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌allowance.