Which scholarships can I use as an international student to fund my PhD in Germany?
10 Nov 2026 · Answered by Neelam B · 2 min read
Quick Answer
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International students can look at DAAD doctoral programmes, DFG Research Training Groups, university-linked schemes such as Elsa Neumann, and foundations such as Studienstiftung or Konrad Adenauer. Monthly amounts and rules differ, so check each official page for the latest details.
Funding for a PhD in Germany comes from the government, universities and outside foundations, and each source has its own rules, amounts and deadlines. Some pay a fixed monthly amount, while others come as paid research positions.
Main Options by Funder
| Scholarship | Coverage listed (typically) |
|---|---|
| DAAD Doctoral Programmes in Germany | EUR 1,400 (approx INR 1.49 L) per month, EUR 460 (approx INR 49,064) yearly research allowance, insurance payments, travel allowance on application, up to 3 years at first |
| DAAD Bi-nationally Supervised Doctoral Degrees (Cotutelle) | EUR 1,400 (approx INR 1.49 L) per month while in Germany, EUR 460 (approx INR 49,064) research allowance, 7 to 24 months of funding |
| DFG Research Training Groups | Funded doctoral position, usually at least 36 months; apply directly to the group or project leader |
| Elsa Neumann Scholarship (Berlin universities) | EUR 1,350 (approx INR 1.44 L) per month, EUR 100 (approx INR 10,666) materials allowance, up to 36 months |
| Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes | Up to EUR 1,750 (approx INR 1.87 L) per month, up to 3 years |
| Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) | EUR 1,400 (approx INR 1.49 L) per month, up to 3 years |
| Gerda Henkel Foundation (historical sciences only) | EUR 1,920 (approx INR 2.05 L) per month, up to 2 years |
Other Options and Rules
- Most German universities do not fund PhD scholarships themselves, so students often bring outside funding.
- State schemes such as the Hamburg graduate funding programme (HmbNFG) pay a monthly amount that varies, for one year, extendable by another year.
- The Heinrich Boell Foundation offers about 200 doctoral scholarships a year with civic engagement conditions.
- Foundations often set conditions on citizenship, age, subject or language skills.
My Advice
Check the type of funding before you apply, since some are scholarships and others are paid research positions. Line up a supervisor early because many schemes need one, and verify amounts and deadlines on the official page before your 2027 or 2028 application.
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