DAAD Scholarship for Indian Students 2026: Internship in Germany -- Funding Amount, Eligibility and How to Apply

Published 3 June 2026 • 12 min read

Indian students can receive 850 to 1,200 euros per month from the DAAD for a funded internship in Germany in 2026, through either DAAD RISE (undergraduate research internships) or the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme (Master's students). This article breaks down exactly which DAAD programmes are available for Indian applicants, how much each pays, the eligibility requirements, and a step-by-step guide to applying -- plus a comparison with Erasmus+ Mundus and LPDP for international Indian students already enrolled in European universities.

Which DAAD programmes are available for Indian interns?

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) runs several distinct programmes that Indian students can access. They are not one single scholarship:

How much funding do you actually get?

Beyond the monthly stipend, the DAAD provides additional support that significantly increases the total value of the scholarship:

• Travel allowance: 450-600 euros (one-off, based on distance from India to Germany)
• Health insurance: partially covered or fully covered depending on programme
• Monthly stipend: 850 euros (RISE) to 1,200 euros (Helmut Schmidt) -- intended to cover rent and living costs in Germany

A room in a German student residence (Wohnheim) costs approximately 300-450 euros per month. After rent, an 850-euro RISE stipend leaves around 400-550 euros monthly for food, transport and expenses -- realistic for a German city outside Munich or Frankfurt.

For a perspective on how Indian engineering students present themselves to international companies, see this example engineering profile or read about why a Living Profile approach matters for international placements.

Eligibility requirements for Indian applicants

DAAD RISE

• Enrolled undergraduate student at any university worldwide (including India)
• Studying biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, engineering or computer science
• Completed at least 2 years of undergraduate study by the start of the internship
• Strong academic record (top 25-30% of your class is a realistic target)
• Proficiency in English -- the research is conducted in English
• German language not required but a bonus

DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme

• Enrolled in a Master's programme in economics, social sciences, law or related fields
• Focus on development cooperation, economic policy or governance
• Work experience of at least 2 years in a developing country context
• English language minimum B2; German B1 or above is a strong advantage

Step-by-step application process

1. Choose your programme: RISE if you are an engineering or science undergraduate; Helmut Schmidt if you are a Master's student in social sciences or development.
2. Register on the portal: daad.de/rise for RISE (opens October-November for the following summer). For other programmes, use the DAAD scholarship database at daad.de/scholarships.
3. Prepare your application: CV, academic transcripts, motivation letter (focus on research interest and specific German institute), two academic references, and proof of English language proficiency.
4. Apply to host institutions directly: RISE works by students applying to advertised positions at German universities. Browse available projects and apply to 3-5 that match your background.
5. Selection timeline: Applications close in December (RISE) for summer positions. Results are announced February-March. The entire cycle from application to arrival in Germany is approximately 6-8 months.
6. Pre-departure: Arrange your Schengen visa (Indian citizens need a visa; DAAD provides a support letter). Processing takes 4-8 weeks.

DAAD vs Erasmus+ Mundus vs LPDP: which is right for you?

If you are an Indian student already enrolled at a European university, you can also access Erasmus+ Traineeship funding through your institution regardless of your nationality. Read more at internshipabroad.eu.

For Indian students interested in industry internships in Germany (not just research), you do not necessarily need a DAAD scholarship -- many German companies hire international interns directly. See our guide on paid internships in Europe for Indian students for self-funded placement options alongside scholarship routes.