Scholarships
Being a scholarship holder of a funding organisation means receiving financial and non-material support during your studies. The financial support does not have to be repaid. You participate in the foundation's own network and can attend numerous exciting events organised by the respective foundation.
Requirements for a scholarship
If you would like to apply for a scholarship, you need good grades and should be able to demonstrate some form of voluntary commitment. This could be a position in the voluntary fire brigade, an orchestra or a sports club, for example. For many of the 13 major funding organisations supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), commitment takes centre stage. The additional application package usually includes two letters of recommendation from university professors and a convincing and authentic letter of motivation.
Trade union-orientated foundation
The Hans Böckler Foundation has 2,400 scholarship holders and supports young people with above-average performance who are committed to trade union, socio-political or social issues. In addition to students on full-time study programmes, students on dual study programmes are also supported.
Age limit: 45 years
Application period: 15 May to 1 August 2024 for the following summer semester
Selection procedure:
Denominationally orientated foundations
The support organisation of the Muslim community currently has 500 scholarship holders. It is aimed at students with above-average academic achievements, social commitment and Muslim faith
No age limit, at least 4 semesters of study remaining
Selection procedure: 1. online application, 2. selection interview
The foundation of the Catholic Church currently has 900 scholarship holders. Catholic students who are studying full-time or on a dual study programme can apply. Age limit: 30 years
Application procedure: Proposal via university and self-application
Application deadline: until 1 August 2024
Selection procedure : 1st online application, 2nd individual interview
Link to the Cusanuswerk
The Jewish scholarship organisation currently has 450 scholarship holders. Above-average academic performance, Jewish faith, involvement in the Jewish community, in the social sector or student organisations are advantageous.
Application procedure: Self-application with two academic reports
Application deadline: 2 April to 2 May 2024
The Protestant Church Foundation currently has 1,400 scholarship holders. Students of all faiths who are studying full-time are eligible to apply. Applicants should be committed, have social skills, the ability to reflect critically and a keen interest in interdisciplinary, social, religious and political issues. People from non-academic backgrounds and from universities of applied sciences are expressly invited to apply.
Application procedure: Self-application
Application deadline: 1 October 2023 - 15 January 2024
Selection procedure: 1. online application, 2. individual and group interview
Party-affiliated foundations
The SPD-affiliated foundation currently has 2,500 scholarship holders. Students from non-academic households or with a migration background are given special consideration when applying.
Requirements:
Good to very good grades, social commitment, identification with the values of social democracy and a willingness to participate in the non-material support programme. There is no age limit for applicants.
Application procedure: Self-application with expert opinion from teachers or professors.
Application deadline:
Object of funding: Financial support (monthly scholarship, lump sum for study costs, etc.), non-material support (educational programme and network)
Selection procedure: 1st online application with expert opinion, 2nd main selection with 2nd personal interview, 3rd selection committee makes decision
The FDP-affiliated foundation currently has 850 scholarship holders. Enthusiastic, curious and open-minded students from all faculties can apply.
Prerequisites:
Good to very good grades, social, societal, political or religious commitment.
Application procedure: Via the foundation's online portal
Selection procedure: A pre-selection is made based on the following criteria: professional achievements, strong personality, serious commitment. The most convincing applicants receive an invitation to the selection day. Individual interviews with the applicants take place here.
The selection days take place twice a year. At the end of February and the end of August.
Funding usually begins at the start of the following semester.
The CSU-affiliated foundation currently has 1,200 students. The age limit for applicants is 45 years.
Prerequisites:
Above-average academic performance, commitment in a political, church or social environment.
Application procedure: Self-application
Application deadline: 15 December 2023 to 15 January 2024 and 15 June to 15 July 2024.
Selection procedure: 1st online application, 2nd pre-selection, 3rd selection meeting with test on general political knowledge, statement, group discussion and individual interview
Insert link to HSS application!
The foundation, which is affiliated with the Green Party, currently has 1,650 scholarship holders.
Requirements: Particularly good grades, social commitment and political interest, creativity, intercultural competence, gender sensitivity and goal-orientation, sharing the foundation's values.
Application procedure: Self-application
Application deadline: twice a year; next deadline: 1 March 2024
Selection procedure: 1. online application via applicant portal, 2. interview with liaison lecturer, 3. participation in selection workshop with individual interview
The CDU-affiliated foundation currently has 3,000 scholarship holders. Age limit 32 years (tbc)!
Requirements: In addition to very good academic performance, commitment in the political, social, church or cultural field is desirable.
Application procedure: Self-application
Application deadline: 15 January 2024
Selection procedure: 1st online application, 2nd pre-selection, 3rd selection meeting with written exam and individual interview
The foundation, which has close links to the left, currently has 1,300 scholarship holders. Women, people in social need and people with disabilities with comparable achievements and commitment are favoured.
Requirements: very good academic performance, proof of strong social commitment
Application period: mid-February to 1 April 2024
Selection procedure : 1. online application, 2. selection interviews
Independent foundation
With currently 15,300 scholarship holders, the Studienstiftung is one of the largest scholarship organisations for gifted students in Germany. Students with very good academic achievements, extracurricular commitment and a tolerant personality. There is no age limit for applicants.
Application procedure: Proposal via university lecturer or examination offices, self-application with selection test
Application deadline: beginning of 2024
Selection procedure: 1st online application, 2nd selection seminar with individual and group interviews
Entrepreneurially orientated foundation
The foundation currently has 2,000 scholarship holders. Full-time students with very good academic achievements, social commitment, determination, social skills and a good general education are eligible to apply.
Application procedure:
Application deadline: once a year; beginning of January 2024
Application: 1. online application, 2. pre-selection interview, 3. participation in an assessment centre
