The University of Cologne offers 15+ scholarship opportunities, with 10+ options available to Indian applicants. Funding ranges from EUR 300 per month (INR 33,207) to fully funded PhD contracts worth INR 36.53 lakhs annually.
The University of Cologne charges no tuition fees for its regular degree programmes, so scholarships mainly help cover living expenses. Indian students should also budget for the semester contribution of INR 33,733.
- Tuition: EUR 0 (INR 0) tuition, plus a EUR 304.75 (INR 32,381) semester fee.
- Fee Waiver: No general waiver applies; Sozialstipendium recipients still pay the semester fee.
- Scholarship: Deutschlandstipendium provides EUR 300 (INR 31, 955) monthly toward living expenses.
- Deadline: The DAAD Graduate Study Scholarship deadline is October 31, 2026.
Currency Note: INR conversions are based on EUR 1 = INR 106.52, as of 15 October 2026
Also check: Scholarships in Germany: Financial Aid and Opportunities
Table of Contents
University of Cologne Scholarships for UG Students
Bachelor’s students can explore four university scholarships, with most offering EUR 300 per month (INR 33,207) for at least two semesters. Since prior enrolment is required, students should apply for these awards after securing admission.
| Scholarship | Amount (EUR / INR) | Duration | Eligibility | Deadline (2027 cycle, tentative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deutschlandstipendium | EUR 300/month (INR 31,955) | At least 2 semesters | Above-average academic record, social engagement or personal achievement. 232 awarded in winter 2025/26. | August 3 to 28, 2027 |
| Sozialstipendium | EUR 300/month (INR 31,955) | At least 2 semesters | Documented financial need under Germany’s federal student aid income rules, good academic performance. 16 awarded in winter 2025/26. | Same portal window, August 2027 |
| Inklusionsstipendium | EUR 300/month (INR 31,955) | At least 2 semesters | Enrolled students with documented disability or chronic illness affecting studies. 10 awarded in winter 2025/26. | Combined cycle, August 2027 |
| Talentscouting Meets Social Scholarship | EUR 300/month (INR 31,955) | At least 2 semesters | Alumni of Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia Talentscouting programme, first-generation students, financial need. 2 awarded in winter 2025/26. | Annual round, August 2027 |
Reddit Insight: Applicants report that the Talentscouting scholarship may be limited to students in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). Bachelor’s students should also consider the Deutschlandstipendium and Sozialstipendium as alternative funding options.
University of Cologne Scholarships for PG / Master’s Students
Master’s students can access 5 major scholarship options, including DAAD-funded awards. Eligible students may combine DAAD funding (EUR 992 per month) with the Deutschlandstipendium (EUR 300 per month), potentially receiving around INR 17.16 Lakhs annually.
| Scholarship | Amount (EUR / INR) | Duration | Eligibility | Deadline (tentative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD Study Scholarship for Graduates | EUR 992/month (INR 1.05 lakhs) plus travel and health insurance | 10 to 24 months | Bachelor’s completed within 6 years, minimum 8.5/10 CGPA, subject-specific portfolio. | October 31, 2026 (for 2027 intake) |
| DAAD EPOS Development-Related Master’s | EUR 1,200/month (INR 1.27 lakhs) plus full tuition, insurance, travel | 12 to 24 months | Two years of relevant work experience; Indian nationality qualifies as a developing country. Only development-focused programs. | September 30, 2026 (course-dependent) |
| Deutschlandstipendium (Master’s) | EUR 300/month (INR 31,955) | At least 2 semesters | Enrolled Master’s students with above-average Bachelor’s CGPA and extracurricular record. | August 2027 cycle |
| Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility | Up to EUR 850/month (INR 90,539) plus travel top-up | 3 to 12 months | Enrolled at a Cologne partner university in India, selected via home institution. | Rolling; March 31 and October 15, 2027 |
| WiSo Faculty Scholarship (Management, Economics, Social Sciences) | Partial tuition offset up to EUR 5,000 (INR 5.53 Lakhs) | At least 2 semesters | WiSo Faculty English-taught Master’s applicants with strong GMAT or GRE. | January 31, 2027 (winter intake) |
Reddit Insight: Indian master’s applicants report that DAAD scholarships are highly competitive, with some citing success rates of 8%. Many students consider the Deutschlandstipendium as an alternative funding option after enrolment.
Also check: How to Study in Germany for Free: Guide for Indian
India-Specific Scholarships at University of Cologne
Indian students can explore 5 India-specific foundation grants to support their studies in Germany. These scholarships may help cover living expenses, travel, and other costs not fully covered by DAAD funding.
| Scholarship | Amount | Eligibility | Deadline (tentative) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | Up to USD 100,000 (INR 106.51 lakhs) total, covering tuition and stipend | Indian citizens under 30, Master’s or PhD, minimum 65 percent in Bachelor’s, admission letter from Cologne. | April 8, 2027 |
| KC Mahindra Post-Graduate Loan Scholarship | Interest-free loan scholarship up to INR 10 lakhs | Indian citizens under 30, Master’s or PhD abroad, unconditional offer from Cologne. | March 31, 2027 |
| Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship | Interest-free loan up to INR 20 lakhs | Indian nationals under 30, admission letter for a Master’s or PhD at Cologne, top 25 percent in prior degree. | January 15, 2027 |
| JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship | Loan of INR 1 lakh to INR 10 Lakhs plus gift award up to INR 7.5 lakhs | Indian citizens under 45, Master’s / PhD / postdoc at Cologne, minimum 60 percent in Bachelor’s. | March 22, 2027 |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | 50 percent grant, 50 percent loan covering tuition and stipend | Indian nationals under 30, verified financial need, admission letter to Cologne, no other funding secured. | March 31, 2027 |
University of Cologne PhD Scholarships
The University of Cologne offers 4 doctoral funding pathways, including salaried research positions. A TV-L E13 contract at 65% pays approximately EUR 2,750 (INR 2.92 lakhs) gross per month, equivalent to INR 36.53 lakhs annually.
| Program | Funding | Duration | Eligibility | Deadline (tentative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research (CGSAR) | TV-L E13 65 percent, EUR 2,750/month gross (INR 2.92 lakhs), EUR 1,500 (INR 1.59 lakhs) annual travel grant | 3 years, extendable by 1 year | Master’s in biology, medicine, or related field, English proficiency, research proposal fit. 12 positions per intake. | December 1, 2026 |
| DFG-funded PhD positions (project-based) | TV-L E13 65 to 100 %, up to EUR 4,200/month gross (INR 4.47 lakhs) | 3 to 4 years | Master’s aligned with a live DFG grant, direct application to the supervisor. | Rolling |
| DAAD Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates | EUR 1,300/month (INR 1.38 lakhs) plus travel and health insurance | 2 to 12 months | Indian citizens with a Master’s, a research proposal, and host confirmation from a Cologne professor. | October 31, 2026 |
| Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy | TV-L E13 75 percent contract, EUR 3,100/month gross (INR 3.30 lakhs) | 3 years | Master’s in physics or astronomy, proposal review, English proficiency. | January 15, 2027 |
External Government Scholarships for University of Cologne Applicants
Indian applicants can explore 5 German government and EU-level scholarship programmes beyond the university’s own funding options. Three key schemes are especially worth considering before applying.
| Scholarship | Amount | Level | Eligibility | Deadline (tentative) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD STIBET Graduation Grant |
Up to EUR 992 (INR 1.05 lakhs) per month for 2 to 6 months |
Final phase of Master’s / PhD |
Enrolled at Cologne, in the thesis stage, financial need documented, nominated by department. |
Rolling / internal university deadlines |
| Erasmus+ Programme (EU) |
Up to EUR 700 (74,561) + per month + travel grant (distance-based) |
Bachelor / Master / PhD exchange |
Enrolled at a Cologne partner in India, or transferring within an EU network. | March 31, 2027 |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) |
Up to EUR 992 (INR 1.05 lakhs) /month (Master’s) or (PhD) + allowances |
Master’s, PhD |
Indian nationals with above-average grades, civic engagement, and German language B2 or higher. | July 15, 2027 |
| Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) |
EUR 992 (INR 1.05 lakhs) /month (students) or higher for PhD + health insurance contribution |
Master’s, PhD | Non-EU international students with social-democratic engagement, top 30 percent academic record. | April 30 and October 31, 2027 |
| Heinrich Boell Stiftung |
Up to EUR 992 (INR 1.05 lakhs) /month (Master’s) or higher for PhD + possible allowances |
Master’s, PhD | Indian nationals with a strong academic record, activism, or ecological engagement; admitted at Cologne. | March 1 and September 1, 2027 |
Reddit Insight: Indian users repeatedly note that Germany’s political foundations (KAS, FES, Boell) reject applicants without a demonstrated civic-society track record. Token volunteering rarely gets through.
The University of Cologne offers multiple scholarships for Indian students across UG, PG and PhD programmes. Options such as DAAD and Deutschlandstipendium help cover living and research expenses. Students should check eligibility and deadlines early to maximise their funding opportunities.
FAQs
Ques. When should Indian applicants submit scholarship files for the September 2027 intake at Cologne?
Ans. Send DAAD Study Scholarship files by October 31, 2026 for the following September start. Inlaks Shivdasani closes April 8, 2027, and Deutschlandstipendium opens only after enrolment, tentatively August 2027. Miss those windows and the funding gap can force a semester delay.
Ques. How do you apply for the Deutschlandstipendium at Cologne, before or after admission?
Ans. Only after enrolment. Applications open on the Cologne funding portal each August, and students upload matriculation proof, transcript, CV, and one motivation letter. Selection lands in November, with EUR 300 monthly payouts starting December of the same semester.
Ques. What CGPA does Cologne expect for a competitive DAAD Study Scholarship shortlist?
Ans. DAAD India benchmarks 8.5 out of 10 for Master’s applicants, and 9.0 or higher is competitive at Cologne. Applicants below 8.0 rarely clear the DAAD internal review. GATE 90th percentile or GRE 320 plus adds weight for engineering and economics applicants.
Ques. Are DAAD EPOS scholarships available for Master’s programs at the University of Cologne?
Ans. Only for select development-relevant courses. Cologne’s WiSo Faculty runs Economic Research and Public Policy tracks that qualify, but pure computer science, law, and humanities Master’s programs do not. Indian applicants need two years of professional experience linked to development, plus TestDaF 4 or IELTS 6.5.
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
Most Popular Tags
1 Reviews Found
My university has one of the most renowned programs in anthropology and ethnography. It enrolls more than 5000 international students annually. It boasts of an intercultural environment that I found attractive. Enrolling in my particular programs is based on good references and above-average grades in your previous educational qualification. I did not pay any application fee and it was the only university I applied to in Germany. After enrolment, I was informed that I was selected on the basis that there was a project that was being started in the area studies program that I was well experienced in.
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments