Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes Fellowships
German Academic Scholarship Foundation · All India
| Scheme Name | Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes Fellowships |
| Provided By | German Academic Scholarship Foundation |
| Eligibility Summary | Masters, PhD · No income limit |
Status check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 14 October 2026. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
View active scholarships you can apply for today →About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes Fellowships. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
€300/mo (approx. ₹9.2 Lakh+)
The Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes offers varying financial support depending on the study level and individual need. For undergraduate and Master's students, the scholarship includes a monthly study costs allowance of €300 (approximately ₹27,000). Additionally, a need-based living expenses stipend, calculated according to BAföG regulations, can be up to €855 per month (approximately ₹76,950). This totals up to €1,155 per month or approximately ₹1,24,740 annually for combined allowances. For doctoral candidates, the monthly stipend is €1,650 (approximately ₹1,48,500 from October 2025), which includes a €100 research allowance. This amounts to €1,750 per month, or approximately ₹18,90,000 annually. All scholarship payments are non-repayable. Additional allowances are available for scholars with children, and subsidies for health and long-term care insurance (up to 50% of documented costs, maximum €100 per month for PhD students) may also be provided. The foundation also provides funding for studies, research stays, or internships abroad. Conversion to INR is an estimation based on an approximate rate of ₹90 per Euro.
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Nationality/Residency:
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German citizens.
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Citizens of an EEA member state.
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Students with citizenship of an EU member state or an EU accession candidate who are studying permanently in Germany and aiming to complete a degree here.
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Educational residents in Germany (e.g., those who obtained their higher education entrance qualification in Germany).
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For doctoral programs, nationality is generally irrelevant if the PhD is pursued at a German university where the thesis will be submitted. German citizens pursuing a PhD abroad may also apply under certain conditions.
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Students from Ukraine and Moldova are included in the EU/EU accession candidate rule since June 2022.
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Academic Performance:
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Must demonstrate outstanding academic success or exceptional academic/artistic talents.
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For doctoral scholarships, applicants should generally be among the top 10% of their year in terms of examination grades.
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Very good high school grades or above-average academic performance.
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Degree Level:
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Full-time students in their first degree (Bachelor's), consecutive Master's programs, or doctoral programs at state or state-recognized higher education institutions in Germany, or studying in an EU/Switzerland member state.
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Commitment & Interests:
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Demonstrated commitment to social causes, broad extra-curricular interests, social competence, communication and articulation skills, intellectual ability, dedication, and motivation.
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Age Limit:No age criteria are specified.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Masters, PhD |
| Course / Stream | Masters, PhD |
| Minimum Marks | 10% |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Academic transcripts/records (showing very good high school grades or above-average academic performance).
- ✓Official degree certificate or equivalent official confirmation of successful completion of studies (for Master's/Doctoral applicants).
- ✓Letter(s) of recommendation from professors or institutions (for nominated candidates).
- ✓Well-developed and academically convincing exposé outlining the doctoral research project (for PhD applicants).
- ✓Proof of acceptance into a doctoral program at a German university (for international PhD applicants).
- ✓Declaration on security-relevant aspects (for doctoral applications).
- ✓Relevant documentation for allowances (e.g., for children, health insurance, special circumstances).
Selection Process
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The selection process for the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes Fellowships is highly competitive and emphasizes not only outstanding academic performance but also intellectual ability, motivation, social commitment, and extracurricular interests
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For doctoral scholarships, applicants are generally expected to be among the top 10% to 15% of their year in terms of examination grades
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For undergraduate and Master's programs, applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic success or exceptional academic/artistic talents
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The selection process for self-applicants in their first and second semesters typically involves an online registration for a cognitive ability test, followed by in-person tests at various locations in Germany
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Shortlisted candidates may then be invited for interviews or selection seminars
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The foundation explicitly states that scholarship recipients are selected regardless of their origin or political, religious, or ideological affiliations.
Renewal Policy
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For undergraduate and Master's studies, funding is typically awarded for the entire standard period of study
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Doctoral scholarships are initially granted for three years
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Upon application and subject to successful progress, the doctoral scholarship may be extended for up to six months, with a maximum funding period of 42 months
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For scholarship holders with children, this period can be extended to up to 54 months
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Previous periods of doctoral funding will be deducted from the maximum funding period
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A short-term suspension of funding is also possible, for example during temporary employment in an academic position.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet the requirements, including being accepted into a doctoral program at a German university (nationality is generally irrelevant in this case). German citizens pursuing a PhD abroad may also apply. Your most recent degree must not be older than four years and three months at the time of application (exceptions for childcare, illness, etc.).
- 2Prepare Documents
Gather academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, letters of recommendation, and a research proposal. Highly qualified PhD students apply together with their supervisors.
- 3Submit Application
Doctoral applications are typically submitted by mail within specific 'call' periods. For academic years 2026/2027 and 2027/2028, calls open in October, February, and June. Send complete application documents to: Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes, Team Promotionsförderung, Ahrstr. 41, 53175 Bonn, Germany.
- 4Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by selection committees. Decisions are usually made approximately seven months after the call opens.
- 5Track Status
The official website or direct communication with the Studienstiftung would be the primary way to track application status, though a direct online tracking portal is not explicitly mentioned for all stages. Expect decisions 3-6 months after the deadline. For Undergraduate and Master's Scholarships (primarily for German/EU citizens studying in Germany):
- 6Check Eligibility
Verify you meet nationality/residency (German citizens, EU/EEA citizens studying permanently in Germany, or 'educational residents in Germany') and academic requirements.
- 7Application Pathways
You can be nominated by your school, university, or a liaison lecturer, or apply directly (self-application) in your first or second semester.
- 8Self-Application (Undergraduate)
Register online for a cognitive ability test. For 2026, the registration period runs until early February (e.g., February 12, 2026). The tests take place in late February/early March.
- 9Interview & Selection
If shortlisted, attend a multi-day selection seminar or interview.
- 10Receive Decision
Scholarship decisions typically arrive 3-6 months after the deadline.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Can Indian citizens apply for the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes Fellowship to study in India?
The Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes is primarily designed for German students or international students pursuing their studies *in Germany*. While it is not a scholarship for Indian students to study *in India*, international students, including Indian citizens, can be eligible for doctoral scholarships if the PhD is pursued at a German university where the thesis will be submitted. Additionally, the foundation provides funding for research stays or internships abroad, which could include India, particularly for German citizens or international scholars based in Germany whose research focuses on India. An example exists of an Indian student receiving a PhD scholarship for research on colonial and postcolonial India while pursuing their doctorate at a German institution.
What financial benefits are provided by the scholarship, and how is it disbursed?
The scholarship offers substantial financial support, including a monthly study costs allowance of €300 for undergraduate and Master's students, and a monthly stipend of €1,650 for doctoral candidates (including a research allowance). Need-based living expenses, up to €855 per month, can also be provided for undergraduate and Master's students. Additional allowances cover health insurance and childcare where applicable. All payments are non-repayable. Disbursement details are typically handled directly by the Studienstiftung; while direct benefit transfer to Aadhaar-seeded accounts is common for Indian government scholarships, this is a German foundation, so payment would likely be to a German bank account, or an international transfer if applicable for approved study/research abroad.
What are the key selection criteria beyond academic grades, and what increases the chances of selection?
Beyond excellent academic grades (often requiring applicants to be in the top 10-15% of their cohort for doctoral studies), the Studienstiftung places strong emphasis on intellectual ability, motivation, social competence, communication and articulation skills, broad extracurricular interests, and demonstrated social commitment. A strong application will highlight these 'idealistic' aspects alongside academic excellence. Participation in selection seminars, cognitive ability tests, and interviews are part of the process, designed to assess these qualities. The foundation seeks individuals who are curious, driven, and committed to contributing to society.
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official German Academic Scholarship Foundation website before final submission.