The college does not offer scholarships, but it provides a waiver on tuition fees.
...Read More
Free University of Berlin runs 2 in-house scholarship schemes, of which 2 are accessible to Indian applicants. Another 15+ external German federal and foundation awards fund Indian students studying here. Public German universities charge zero tuition.FU Berlin students pay only a semester contribution of €326 to €358 (INR 35,900 to INR 39,400). Real funding here means covering Berlin living costs of €900 to €1,300 per month.
- Standard tuition: €0 per year (INR 0), plus semester contribution €326 to €358 (INR 35,900 to INR 39,400 per semester)
- With Deutschlandstipendium (€300 per month): Living-cost offset of €3,600 per year (INR 3.96 Lakhs)
- With DAAD EPOS or Erasmus Mundus: Living stipend €992 to €1,400 per month (INR 10.9 to INR 15.4 Lakhs annually) plus insurance and travel
- Next major deadline: DAAD EPOS master’s window opens August 2026 for the winter 2027 intake (tentative August to October 2026)
Currency Note: All INR conversions use the live rate of 1 EUR = INR 110.04 as of August 2026. USD amounts use 1 USD = INR 83.50. Semester contribution funds the student transport pass, student union fees, and administrative charges, not tuition.
Also Check: Study in Germany for International Students
Table of Contents
- Free University of Berlin Scholarships for UG Students
- Free University of Berlin Scholarships for PG / Master’s Students
- India-Specific Scholarships at Free University of Berlin
- Free University of Berlin PhD Scholarships
- External Government Scholarships for Free University of Berlin
- Frequently Asked Questions
Free University of Berlin Scholarships for UG Students
Undergraduate applicants at Free University of Berlin can tap 2 university schemes plus Erasmus+ mobility funding. Public tuition is already zero at the bachelor level.
Scholarships here mainly cover Berlin living costs, not fees. Most Indian UG applicants target the English-taught B.Sc. Business Administration path since other bachelor programs are taught in German.
| Scholarship | Amount (EUR / INR) | Eligibility for Indians | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutschlandstipendium | €300 per month (INR 33,012 per month or INR 3.96 Lakhs per year) |
Enrolled UG students of any nationality, top-quartile academics plus social engagement | Tentative July 15 to August 13, 2027 (annual cycle, winter semester start only) |
| DAAD STIBET I (FU Berlin quota) | €250 per month for 10 months, €2,500 total (INR 2.75 Lakhs) |
Enrolled international students facing caregiving duties, disability, or refugee background | Tentative January 11, 2027 |
| Erasmus+ mobility grant (outbound semester) | €350 to €600 per month (INR 38,500 to INR 66,000) |
FU Berlin UG students spending one semester at a partner university abroad | Tentative February 15, 2027 for autumn 2027 mobility |
Read the Free University of Berlin admission process before scholarship steps, since Deutschlandstipendium needs a confirmed admission letter or active enrollment.
Free University of Berlin Scholarships for PG / Master’s Students
Master’s applicants at Free University of Berlin have the widest scholarship set. The core options are Erasmus Mundus, DAAD EPOS, Deutschlandstipendium, and DAAD Study Scholarships.
| Scholarship | Amount (EUR / INR) | Eligibility for Indians | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) | €1,400 per month plus full tuition up to €9,000 plus travel up to €8,000 (INR 15.4 Lakhs per year plus tuition INR 9.9 Lakhs plus travel INR 8.8 Lakhs) |
Indian applicants admitted to an EMJM consortium involving FU Berlin, no work-experience floor | Tentative November 2026 to February 2027, varies by program |
| DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) | €992 per month plus €460 annual study allowance plus insurance plus travel (INR 1.09 Lakhs per month, ~INR 13 Lakhs per year all-in) |
Indian applicants with 2 or more years of work experience in development-relevant fields | Tentative August to October 2026 for the winter 2027 intake |
| Deutschlandstipendium | €300 per month (INR 3.96 Lakhs per year) |
Enrolled master’s students at FU Berlin, all nationalities | Tentative July 15 to August 13, 2027 |
| DAAD STIBET I | €250 per month for 10 months (INR 2.75 Lakhs) | Master’s students facing caregiving duties, disability, or refugee background | Tentative January 11, 2027 |
| DAAD Study Scholarship for Graduates | €934 per month plus insurance plus travel (INR 1.03 Lakhs per month) |
Indian applicants for full master’s in arts, architecture, music, or design fields | Tentative October 31, 2026 for the 2027-28 intake |
Reddit Insight: Indian applicants report that Deutschlandstipendium at FU Berlin skews toward students already inside the university. Applying in your second semester (not first) improves odds once your first Berlin GPA lands.
Compare the Free University of Berlin master’s programs before scholarship shortlisting. Some awards restrict by subject area.
India-Specific Scholarships at Free University of Berlin
Free University of Berlin does not run any India-only scholarship. Indian applicants use India-side funding bodies that finance German master’s or PhD study.
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarship | Up to USD 120,000 (INR 100 Lakhs) covering tuition, one-way airfare, health, and living costs | Indian citizens with a UG from India, admission to a top overseas master’s or PhD, age below 30 | Tentative March 31, 2027 |
| JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship | Up to INR 20 Lakhs at 2% simple interest (loan) plus a gift component of INR 1 to 7.5 Lakhs | Indian citizens under 45, minimum 60% aggregate at UG, applying for overseas master’s, PhD, or postdoc | Tentative January 5 to March 29, 2027 |
| KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad | Up to INR 8.5 Lakhs interest-free loan for Top-3 awardees; INR 2 Lakhs for other selected candidates | Indian citizens with UG from India and an admission letter to an overseas master’s | Tentative last week of March 2027 |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | 50% grant plus 50% loan; up to full tuition plus living costs | Indian citizens (with community preference), master’s or PhD applicants under 30 with demonstrated financial need | Tentative March 31, 2027 |
The practical funding stack for most Indian applicants is FU Berlin admission (zero tuition), one German-side stipend, plus JN Tata as backup loan. The KC Mahindra Top-3 slot draws hundreds of applicants for only 3 seats.
Cross-check the Free University of Berlin overview page for total cost estimates before signing loan agreements.
Free University of Berlin PhD Scholarships
Free University of Berlin doctoral funding flows through structured PhD programs and federal or Berlin-state schemes. Individual doctorate routes require both a supervising professor and a separate funding source.
| Scholarship | Amount (EUR / INR) | Eligibility | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates | €1,300 per month for 7 to 48 months plus insurance and travel (INR 1.43 Lakhs per month) | Indian PhD applicants with an FU Berlin supervisor letter of support | Tentative August to November 2026 for 2027-28 start |
| Elsa-Neumann-Stipendium (Berlin state PhD scholarship) | €1,400 per month plus €100 family bonus (INR 1.54 Lakhs per month) | PhD candidates admitted to any Berlin state university including FU Berlin, strong UG-PG record | Tentative April 1 and October 1, 2027 (twice yearly) |
| Dahlem Research School fellowships | €1,468 per month (INR 1.61 Lakhs per month) | PhD candidates admitted to FU Berlin structured doctoral programs | Varies by program, tentative rolling with cutoffs January 15 and July 15, 2027 |
| Einstein Foundation Berlin Postdoctoral Fellowship | Salaried public-sector position, ~€4,700 per month gross (INR 5.17 Lakhs per month) | Postdoctoral researchers hosted by an FU Berlin research group; not for PhD candidates | Tentative March 31, 2027 (call opens January 2027) |
PhD stipends at Free University of Berlin stay tax-free below €900 to €1,400 per month. Salaried public-sector PhD positions are instead taxed at 25% to 30% of gross pay. Most Indian PhD candidates prefer the DAAD or Elsa-Neumann track for higher take-home cash after taxes and insurance.
Explore More: FU Berlin Student Reviews
External Government Scholarships for Free University of Berlin
These federal and foundation awards fund Indian students at Free University of Berlin without any FU Berlin application. Apply directly to the funding body.
| Scholarship | Amount (EUR / INR) | Eligibility for Indians | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD EPOS Master’s | €992 per month plus €460 study allowance plus insurance plus travel (INR 10.9 Lakhs per year all-in) |
Indian applicants with 2+ years work experience in development-relevant master’s programs | Tentative August to October 2026 for 2027 intake |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | €1,400 per month plus tuition plus travel up to €8,000 (INR 15.4 Lakhs per year plus benefits) |
Any nationality, apply to an EMJM consortium involving FU Berlin | Tentative November 2026 to February 2027 |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) | €992 per month plus insurance plus family allowances (INR 10.9 Lakhs per year all-in) |
Master’s or PhD applicants with a first degree from home country, academic plus civic engagement | Tentative July 15, 2027 (annual cycle) |
| Heinrich Boll Foundation | €934 per month plus insurance plus travel (INR 1.03 Lakhs per month) |
UG, master’s, or PhD applicants aligned with green or democratic values, first degree from home country | Tentative March 1 and September 1, 2027 (twice yearly) |
| Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) | €934 per month plus family and childcare allowances (INR 1.03 Lakhs per month) |
Master’s or PhD applicants from Africa, Asia, Latin America, or Eastern Europe with social democratic engagement; roughly 40 international slots per year | Tentative November 15, 2026 (annual) |
| KAAD (Catholic Academic Exchange Service) | ~€900 per month plus tuition plus insurance (INR 99,000 per month all-in) |
Indian applicants from developing regions, Catholic or Christian community preference; master’s or PhD only | Tentative January 15 and June 30, 2027 (twice yearly, via KAAD India committee) |
Reddit Insight: Indian applicants say DAAD EPOS interview panels drill hard on how the master’s ties back to development impact in India. Vague "career growth" answers get filtered out at the shortlist stage.
Application checklist for external scholarships:
- UG and (if applicable) PG transcripts, attested
- Motivation letter tied to your master’s or PhD topic
- 2 academic recommendation letters, signed and sealed
- CV in Europass format with clear career milestones
- Language proficiency proof (IELTS 6.5+ or German B2 to C1 for German-taught programs)
- Statement of prior research or work experience (for DAAD EPOS and KAS)
With zero tuition fees, FU Berlin can be a cost-friendly choice for Indian students. Beyond tuition, scholarships can help cover Berlin’s living costs and reduce the financial burden. So, if you plan early, the right scholarship mix can make studying at FU Berlin much more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. What is the maximum scholarship stack an Indian student can build at Free University of Berlin?
Ans. The peak stack is Erasmus Mundus at €1,400 per month plus full tuition plus €8,000 travel, or DAAD EPOS at €992 per month plus insurance and travel. Neither combines with the other. Deutschlandstipendium (€300 per month) can layer on top of most foundation grants once you are enrolled, giving a working ceiling near INR 17 Lakhs per year in living support.
Ques. When should Indian applicants begin scholarship applications for Free University of Berlin?
Ans. Start 12 to 14 months before your intake month. For Fall 2027 admission, apply for DAAD EPOS in August to October 2026, Erasmus Mundus between November 2026 and February 2027, and KAS or Heinrich Boll by mid-2027. Deutschlandstipendium and STIBET only open after you receive an FU Berlin admission letter.
Ques. How does the Deutschlandstipendium application at Free University of Berlin work?
Ans. Only enrolled or admitted FU Berlin students can apply, via the university electronic portal in the July 16 to August 13 window. Awards start in October, winter semester only. Required documents include transcripts, CV, a motivation letter, and evidence of social or political engagement. It is not automatic, and rejection rates cross 90% each cycle.
Ques. What academic threshold do I need for Deutschlandstipendium at Free University of Berlin?
Ans. Selected candidates typically hold a CGPA of 8.5 out of 10 (or 85% aggregate) in their most recent qualification. The committee also weighs internships, awards, volunteer work, and civic or political engagement. Roughly the top 5% to 10% of applicants clear the cut each year at FU Berlin.
Ques. Do Free University of Berlin scholarships cover Berlin rent?
Ans. Berlin shared-flat rent runs €500 to €750 per month (INR 55,000 to INR 82,500). DAAD EPOS (€992) and Erasmus Mundus (€1,400) cover rent plus food and transport comfortably. Deutschlandstipendium alone (€300) covers only about 40% of a shared-flat rent, so students take on a part-time job or a parallel foundation grant to bridge the gap.
Ques. Can I apply for Free University of Berlin scholarships before I get admission?
Ans. Yes for DAAD EPOS, Erasmus Mundus, Konrad-Adenauer, Heinrich Boll, KAAD, and Inlaks. These accept applications in parallel with your master’s application. Deutschlandstipendium and DAAD STIBET I require a valid FU Berlin admission letter or active enrollment at the time of application.
Free University of Berlin Scholarships: Students' Opinion
AI-Generated Summary based on 1 Reviews
By Collegedunia’s Personal AI
Scholarships offered
VueVille Future Technology Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $1,000
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: 1
MAWISTA Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $6,691
- Type: Easy-to-Apply
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: 1
Kurt Hansen Science Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $10,000
- Type: Need-Based
- Level of Study: Doctorate
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
Bharat Petroleum Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: Variable Amount
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Master
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
Google's Women Techmakers Program
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: Variable Amount
- Type: Merit-Based
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: 3
Axol Science Scholarship
- International Student Eligible: Yes
- Amount: $2,000
- Type: Company-Sponsored
- Level of Study: Bachelor
- Number of Scholarships: N/A
Reviews
1 Reviews Found
Likes
- No tuition fees, 2 year MS program, Opportunity to do a lab internship for a year and convert that to my thesis project, Transferrable skills
- Excellent faculty, structured syllabus, the opportunity to conduct research for 6 months and then use that experience to write your thesis, do a mini-experiment and have a shot at publishing your own paper
Dislikes
- No Placement cell or post course guidance on what to do after the MS. German culture in general is a cold culture with not many friends or approachable students. So one has to get used to live alone, used to their bureaucracy and rules.
Scholarship
No scholarship but tuition fees was waived off.
Wonderful learning experience at Freie University Berlin. The 2 years I spent at the university were amazing, enriching, insightful and academically dense. The statistics course especially was tough and aimed at engineers but the professor made sure we understood it and now it pays off as I can understand the complex Math in research Papers. The opportunity to do an internship, my own thesis was the highlight and best part of the course as I got to apply the academic concepts in real life settings.
0 0
Videos
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments