If I get a scholarship between 60 to 100 percent, do I still need a blocked account for Germany?
It depends on what your scholarship covers. If it pays 100% of your monthly living costs (EUR 992+), you are exempt from the blocked account. If it only covers tuition or less than your full living costs, you must open a partial blocked account to cover the shortfall.
The blocked account requirement in Germany is based on your living expenses, not your tuition fees. Most German public universities charge little to no tuition, so when a scholarship says it covers "60 to 100 percent," the critical question is whether that refers to tuition fees or your monthly living stipend. This distinction completely changes what you need to show at your visa interview.
Does Your Scholarship Exempt You from the Blocked Account?
| Scholarship Coverage Type | Blocked Account Required? | What You Must Show Instead |
|---|---|---|
| 100% of monthly living costs (EUR 992+ per month) | No - fully exempt | Official scholarship award letter confirming monthly stipend amount and duration |
| 60% of monthly living costs (e.g., EUR 600 per month) | Yes - partial account needed | Blocked account covering the remaining 40% shortfall |
| Covers tuition fees only | Yes - full blocked account needed | Full EUR 11,904 (EUR 992 x 12 months) in a blocked account |
| Partial stipend from a non-recognised body | Yes - full or partial account needed | German embassy must recognise the scholarship body for an exemption to apply |
Calculating a Partial Blocked Account (Example: 60% Stipend)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| German government minimum monthly living requirement | EUR 992 |
| Monthly stipend from your scholarship (60%) | EUR 600 |
| Monthly shortfall to be covered by blocked account | EUR 392 |
| Total to deposit in blocked account (12 months) | EUR 4,704 |
| Recommended buffer to add for transfer fees | EUR 100 to 150 |
| Suggested total deposit | EUR 4,804 to 4,854 |
My Advice
Read your scholarship award letter carefully - specifically look for whether it mentions a monthly stipend amount and whether that amount meets the EUR 992 threshold. If it does and the letter is from a recognised body like DAAD, you can present that letter directly to the embassy as proof of financing without opening a blocked account. If there is any shortfall, use Expatrio or Fintiba to calculate and open a partial blocked account online from India before your visa appointment. Both platforms are embassy-approved and generate the Sperrbescheinigung (blocking confirmation certificate) that you need for the interview.
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