It is amazing to know that about 4500 Indians students are currently studying in the German Universities. Germany has been the preferred destination for Indians who are academically inclined.

For those who pursue their research in any one of the world-famous research institutes or associations, it is a matter of prestige. The cutting edge advantage of being a fellow of such institutions also can earn them scholarships.

At the Information Day Destination Germany, organised by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) at the Max Mueller Bhavan, Chennai, recently, students and researchers who aspire to pursue their higher learning in German Universities and research institutions, got to know about courses offered, visa norms and also much about scholarships it offered.

"The chances of getting scholarship for your masters degree is less, whereas getting a grant for your PhD or post doctoral research is highly possible," says Bettina Katharina Dinter, representative of DAAD. The advantage of doing a PhD in Germany is that it can be completed in three years, she says. According to Ms. Dinter, it is the topic chosen for research combined with the applicant's academic record that can fetch scholarship for the students. "Our scholarship is open to students, graduates, academics and artists," says Ms. Dinter. Financial grant is largely funded from the public funds provided by the Federal Ministry for Education and research (called BMBF in Germany, website: www.bmbf.de) . Other reseach funding organisations are German Research Foundation and Alexander von Humbolt Foundation.

The scholarships are available for all fields of science, humanities, music and art in which studies are offered at state (public) or state recognised higher education institutions in the Federal Republic of Germany.

DAAD encourages Indian students to directly establish contact with the universities and institutions concerned, but the application for a DAAD scholarship (based on an invite already obtained from a German professor) has to be sent to DAAD regional office at New Delhi. The scholarships forms can be downloaded from the website. "The applicant's academic qualification and personal suitability or aptitude represent the decisive factors for the award for financial grant," says Ms. Dinter. Above all it is the academic achievements/credit, references by university faculty and most importantly the description of the study or research project can fetch them full or partial funding for their research, she adds.

At the seminar organised that day, Ms. Dinter provided some valuable suggestions to the academic community assembled.

"It is very important to make your application and request letter serious by letting them know your academic intentions. Work in groups in order to help each other because when trying to identify an institution that funds research in certain subjects, it is better to team up with two others who have similar interests, she says. DAAD information centre functions at Max Mueller Bhavan, 23, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam. Details at www.daad.de/stipendien

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