Scholarship organisations

There are a wide range of scholarships available for outstanding students. In addition to requiring applicants to have excellent grades, most scholarship programmes have additional conditions regarding cultural, political, religious or social involvement. An overview of foundations and scholarship organisations is available at www.stipendiumplus.de.

Politically-oriented scholarships

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung

  • Scholarships for gifted and talented students and young researchers from Germany and abroad. Candidates from all countries may apply within the first four semesters, Bachelor’s degree students up until the second semester, medical students after completing the Physikum or upon recommendation by their supervisor. Decisions are made on the basis of references from two university lecturers, the supervisor, and an interview.
  • Studienförderung, Godesberger Allee 149, 53170 Bonn, phone +49 228 883-0; www.fes.de.

Friedrich Naumann Foundation

  • Applications (from the second semester) from students and graduates from Germany or abroad and recommendations from professors must be submitted by 31 May/30 November. Scholarships from the 3rd semester; decisions are made on the basis of two references from university lecturers and an interview with the selection committee during a selection seminar.
  • Begabtenförderung, Karl-Marx-Str. 2, 14482 Potsdam, phone +49 331 7019349; www.freiheit.org

Hanns Seidel Foundation

  • Scholarships for particularly gifted and talented German students and graduates. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of two references and an interview with the selection committee. Documents are only available directly from the Hanns Seidel Foundation (application deadline 31 July/31 January).
  • Stipendienreferat, Lazarettstr. 33, 80636 München, phone +49 89 1258-300; www.hss.de/stipendium.

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

  • Scholarships for highly gifted and talented students and graduates (direct applications). Application forms are available directly from Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. Students must submit an academic reference from a university lecturer and a character reference; graduates must submit two academic references discussing their thesis. Application deadline: 15 July/15 January. The selection committee awards scholarships on the basis of a pre-selection round and a selection conference (intelligence test, written essay on a topic related to society and politics, group discussion, interview with the committee).
  • Begabtenförderung, Rathausallee 12, 53757 St. Augustin, phone: +49 2241 2462286; www.kas.de.

Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung

  • Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung is committed to the basic political values of democracy, ecology, solidarity and freedom from violence. It awards 80 to 100 scholarships annually for gifted and talented students and graduates from Germany and abroad with above average academic and personal achievements. It is open to applicants from all disciplines. It particularly welcomes applications which deal with its main values from different perspectives and in different disciplines and/or which contribute to interdisciplinary discussion between the sciences/engineering and the humanities/social sciences. Applications must be submitted by 1 September/1 March. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of a brief application, followed by a full application and an interview with supervisors, and a selection workshop.
  • Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin, phone +49 30 28534-400; www.boell.de.

Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung

  • Gesellschaftsanalyse und politische Bildung e.V., Franz-Mehring-Platz 1, 10243 Berlin
  • Scholarships are awarded to people who show commitment to social equality, active democracy, freedom of thought and a sustainable environment. Applicants should demonstrate involvement in politics and society, in addition to outstanding academic achievements. Priority is given to female applicants and where applicants demonstrate comparable ability, scholarships will be awarded to those with greater financial need. Direct applications must be submitted by 31 October (summer semester) or 30 April (winter semester).
  • Schumannstr. 8, 10117 Berlin, phone +49 30 44310223; www.rosalux.de.

Religiously-oriented scholarships

Cusanuswerk

  • Scholarships for gifted and talented Catholic students and doctoral candidates. Candidates may apply directly or be recommended by their school or a university lecturer by 1 October; the selection committee decides on the basis of references from two university lecturers and the university pastor; interview with a member of the branch office. School and university examination grades are taken into account.
  • Katholische Bischöfliche Studienförderung, Baumschulallee 5, 53115 Bonn, phone +49 228 983 84 0; www.cusanuswerk.de.

Evangelisches Studienwerk e.V.

  • Scholarships for gifted and talented Protestant students and doctoral candidates from Germany and the EU. Students may apply directly up to the fifth semester by 1 March/1 September; doctoral candidates may apply directly by 5 January/15 June. Application documents (including two references from teachers or university lecturers regarding academic achievement and character) are checked in a regional selection process and interviews are carried out to determine which candidates are invited to the main selection stage. The final decision is made by the selection committee after an interview carried out at Haus Villigst. Phone +49 2304 755-213 (students), or -215 (doctoral candidates);
  • Haus Villigst, Iserlohner Str. 25, 58239 Schwerte, www.evstudienwerk.de.

Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk e.V. (ELES)

  • Scholarships for gifted and talented Jewish students and doctoral candidates from Germany and the EU. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of candidates’ commitment and potential for personal development; both financial and personal support are provided.
  • Postfach 120852, 10598 Berlin, phone +49 30 3180591-0; www.ELES-studienwerk.de.

Other foundations

Hans-Böckler-Stiftung

  • Scholarships available from the first semester Applicants from a working class background and applicants who have completed their secondary education during adulthood are given priority. Contact through the FAU liaison officer, application though the local branch of the unions. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of a discussion with the supervisor and scholarships representatives and a recommendation from the selection committee and foundation board.
  • Studienförderung, Hans-Böckler-Str. 39, 40476 Düsseldorf, phone +49 211/7778-125 (students), +49 211/7778-227 (doctoral candidates); www.boeckler.de.

Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes

  • Candidates may be recommended or apply directly by taking a test. High-achieving and committed students in their first and second semester may apply directly. Recommendations from head teachers (for school pupils) can be submitted before 15 July and recommendations for students from university lecturers can be made at any time. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of a selection seminar which includes an extensive discussion with two members of the selection committee.
  • Ahrstr. 41, 53175 Bonn, phone +49 228 82096-0; www.studienstiftung.de.

Otto-Benecke-Stiftung

  • These scholarships are awarded to refugees and people who have been granted asylum. More information is available from Otto-Beneke-Stiftung’s advice centre, Beuthener Str. 39, 90471 Nürnberg;
  • Kennedy-Allee 105 – 107, 53175 Bonn, phone +49 911 406284; www.obs-ev.de.

Studienförderwerk Klaus Murmann

  • These scholarships aim to prepare gifted and talented students to take on key roles in companies and other areas of society. In order to be successful, applicants must have above average grades and be willing to take on social responsibility in their own environment. The selection committee awards the scholarships on the basis of a regional selection process followed by an assessment centre. Direct applications from students (to be sent to the liaison officer at FAU) may be submitted up until the end of the fourth semester (Bachelor’s degree students up until the end of the second semester) and direct applications from graduates (to be sent directly to Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft) may be submitted when they start their doctoral degree. Application forms are available online.
  • Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft, Breite Straße 29, 11078 Berlin, phone +49 30 2033-1540; www.sdw.org.

Bertha-von-Suttner-Studienwerk

  • Support for young people who identify with a humanistic world view and its values and who are willing to critically reflect upon their own views and stand up for them. Evidence must be provided of candidates’ commitment to political, social or other issues and should show that they are actively involved in their social environment and aspire to improve conditions for all areas of human life and co-existence. The specific type of commitment is purposely left open to the candidate. These scholarships aim to prepare gifted and talented students to take on key roles in companies and other areas of society. In order to be successful, applicants must have above average grades and be willing to take on social responsibility in their own environment. The selection committee awards the scholarships on the basis of a regional selection process followed by an assessment centre. Direct applications from students (to be sent to the liaison officer at FAU) may be submitted up until the end of the fourth semester (Bachelor’s degree students up until the end of the second semester) and direct applications from graduates (to be sent directly to Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft) may be submitted when they start their doctoral degree. Application forms are available online.
  • Applications for winter semester 2021/22 can be submitted from August onwards.
  • suttner-studienwerk.de/kontakt

Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt

  • Scholarships for graduates who have not yet started their doctoral degree; maximum 28 years of age. Exceptions to the age limit may be made in certain circumstances, such as for applicants who gained their qualifications during adulthood or discontinued their studies to raise children but completed their studies within a short period of time. The topic of the doctoral degree must be related to the environmental situation in Germany. In addition to an above average degree, candidates are expected to have a doctoral thesis topic relating to a current issue which will provide a contribution towards conservation. Applications must be submitted by 15 February/15 August.
  • An der Bornau 2, 49090 Osnabrück, phone: + 49 541 96330; applications online at www.dbu.de.

Stiftung Begabtenförderungswerk berufliche Bildung

  • This programme is part of the German government’s qualification initiative ‘Aufstieg durch Bildung’ (advance through education) and is aimed at people who have shown particular talent and commitment during training and in their profession and would like to study at university. Further information is available at www.begabtenfoerderung.de/.

Bavarian Elite Academy Foundation

  • The Bavarian Elite Academy develops exceptional and socially-committed students at Bavarian universities into responsible leaders. The term elite stands for a leadership elite, for people who would like to play a key role in shaping our future while acting in accordance with the fundamental values of our open society. With this in mind, we are looking for students from different subjects who have a clear stance and for whom making a difference is more important than their career. Students can apply from October 1 each year for the new annual intake at www.eliteakademie.de

Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)

  • FAU supports gifted and talented students as part of the Germany Scholarship programme. The scholarship is paid for no longer than the standard duration of studies and amounts to 300 euros per month (3600 euros per year). Candidates are selected on the basis of the grade achieved in the university entrance qualification (minimum 1.5) for the first semester, or the grades achieved to date in their university studies (minimum 2.0) from the second semester onwards. The following are also taken into account: periods of time spent abroad of relevance to their studies, voluntary work, special social, personal or family circumstances, a non-traditional educational history, proven need or at least one year of professional experience. Scholarships are awarded once a year at the start of the winter semester. A call for applications with a submission deadline is published on the internet on the Deutschlandstipendium website.

Oskar Karl Forster scholarship

One-off grants of between 100 and 500 euros for purchasing books or other study materials as well as assistance with printing costs for doctoral theses are paid by the Oskar Karl Forster scholarship fund to gifted students who are in financial need. To qualify for assistance with printing costs, doctoral students’ monthly net income must not be higher than 1,750 euros.
The scholarship is awarded only to students enrolled at FAU during their standard duration of study and who are not on leave.

  • Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme (teaching degree, Bachelor’s degree, State Examination) in a higher semester (at least their second semester). Students studying for a Master’s degree can apply from their first semester. Applicants must be in financial need. Financial need must be demonstrated by payments of BAFöG (eligibility confirmation for BAFöG) or if the current monthly net income of those obliged to pay maintenance for the student is lower than double the parental income threshold for BAFöG (proof must be provided).
  • A lecturer must also confirm that the list of books and study materials to be purchased are necessary for the degree programme and that the student has been making academic progress.

  1. The applicant’s current monthly net income may not be higher than 1,750 euros.
  2. A statement and a reference from the doctoral thesis supervisor is required to award the grant.
  3. The estimated printing costs must be provided in the form of a quotation, for example.
  4. Proof of enrolment at FAU must be provided in the form of a current certificate of enrolment.

The scholarship is granted for the coming semester. This means that books and study materials purchased after 1 April for the summer semester will be accepted provided they have already been listed in the application. This also applies for the quotation for printing costs for a doctoral thesis.

Applications

Eva Schleip-Stiftung

The Eva Schleip-Stiftung awards scholarships to German students and doctoral candidates who identify with either the Catholic or Protestant faith, are in financial need and have had a Christian upbringing in a middle class family.

The scholarship is awarded only to students enrolled at FAU who have completed the first part of their degree programme and who are not on leave.

The requirements which have to be met are as follows:

  • If a preliminary or intermediate examination has to be passed in order to complete the first part of the degree programme, this must have been passed no later than one semester after the minimum duration of study stipulated in the relevant examination regulations (certificate stating that intermediate examination has been passed, e.g. first part of the state examination in medicine, first dentistry examination, first part of the state examination in pharmacy, preliminary examination (Grundlagen- und Orientierungsprüfung) etc.)
  • If a preliminary or intermediate examination is not required for the degree programme in question, the applicant must submit confirmation from their BaföG coordinator proving that progress has been made in the degree programme during this period.

The scholarship is granted for the coming semester and is not linked to any specific purpose.

Students who are completing a second or additional degree programme and students who have already received a scholarship from the Eva Schleip foundation are not eligible for funding.

Applications

Vereinigte Stipendienstiftung for students of all faculties and faiths

The Vereinigte Stipendienstiftung provides study grants to deserving students in financial need from all faculties at FAU irrespective of their faith.

The scholarship is awarded only to students enrolled at FAU who have completed the first part of their degree programme and who are not on leave.

The requirements which have to be met are as follows:

  • If a preliminary or intermediate examination has to be passed in order to complete the first part of the degree programme, this must have been passed no later than one semester after the minimum duration of study stipulated in the relevant examination regulations (certificate stating that intermediate examination has been passed, e.g. first part of the state examination in medicine, first dentistry examination, first part of the state examination in pharmacy, preliminary examination (Grundlagen- und Orientierungsprüfung) etc.)
  • If a preliminary or intermediate examination is not required for the degree programme in question, the applicant must submit confirmation from their BaföG coordinator proving that progress has been made in the degree programme during this period.

The scholarship is granted for the coming semester and is provided for the purpose of purchasing literature or study materials.

The call for applications for the scholarship runs parallel to the call for applications for scholarships from the Schleip-Stiftung. Only students who have not already received funding from either of the foundations can apply.

Applications

Funding for stays abroad

All scholarship organisations, as well as BAföG, also provide funding for periods spent studying abroad. This funding is usually in addition to the scholarship amount received for study within Germany, and is intended to cover travel costs. In some cases, tuition fees may also be reimbursed. Further information is available on our website under Funding a stay abroad.

Scholarships for specific subjects and target groups

  • Studienkolleg Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft (sdw)
    Scholarships are awarded to gifted and talented students who are accepted onto the sdw scholarship programme through a selection procedure. Students receive funding until the end of the standard duration of studies. German citizens and citizens of other EU member states, as well as students who meet the criteria in Section 8 of the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG), are eligible to apply. Depending on parents’ income, the maximum amount of funding available is 585 euros per month. Funding is also available to cover the cost of books. In certain circumstances, additional funding may be provided for students with families. Further information is available at: www.sdw.org/das-bieten-wir/fuer-studierende/studienkolleg/bewerbung.html

  • Studienkolleg der Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft (sdw) and the Robert Bosch Stiftung This programme is aimed at motivated school leavers, students and doctoral candidates who are seeking a career in teaching. The aim is to provide support to prospective teachers to help them shape the future of education. Students and doctoral candidates can receive both personal and financial support (see the section about ‘Studienkolleg, Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft’ above). More information is available at www.sdw.org/studienkolleg/
  • Horizonte: Scholarships for prospective teachers with a migration background
    A distinction is made between the financial support provided for scholarships for students and educational scholarships for teachers in teacher training. The personal support provided comprises compulsory seminars and the opportunity to receive further training using the funding provided by the foundation. This is complemented by additional support provided by partners of the foundation. Study scholarship: Full scholarship 650 euros per month plus 150 euro book grant per semester (if students qualify for BAföG of over 300 euros per month); partial scholarship 300 euros per month plus 150 euro book grant per semester (if students do not qualify for BAföG or BAföG of only up to 300 euros per month; maximum amount that is not affected by financial support from BAföG). Educational scholarships for teachers in teacher training: 1000 euros per year. Further information can be found at www.horizonte.ghst.de.
  • FundaMINT
    Scholarship programme of Deutsche Telekom Stiftung for teaching degree students who are studying mathematics, physics, or computer science and achieve good grades in their subjects and who take part in social projects, for example in youth work and work with children. At the time of application, students must still need to complete five semesters of their standard duration of study. One semester is required for the selection process. Support is provided for the last four semesters of study. Scholarship holders receive financial and personal support from the FundaMINT programme. www.telekom-stiftung.de/fundamint

An overview of scholarships available for students who are parents is available on the website of the FAU Family Service.

Scholarships in Erlangen and Nuremberg

  • Stiftungsverwaltung der Stadtkämmerei
    Theresienstr. 1, 90403 Nürnberg
    The city of Nuremberg awards funding to students in need from three different foundations. Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis. Applicants must be resident in the city of Nuremberg at the time of application. This condition cannot be fulfilled by temporarily staying in the city or moving there at the beginning of the applicant’s studies. Further conditions are set by the foundations that provide the funding. Phone: +49 911 2312903; application form available at www.nuernberg.de/internet/referat2/stipendien.html

Scholarships for graduates and doctoral candidates

  • Graduate scholarships from foundations
    Almost all of the foundations listed above also offer scholarships for doctoral candidates. In addition, there are a range of organisations which provide research funding for doctoral candidates, such as the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Volkswagen Foundation. As a family-friendly university, FAU also offers various scholarships aimed specifically at women in the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Theology.

  • Scholarships for excellent young female researchers (post-habilitation)
    This funding is intended to allow young female researchers from all faculties who have already submitted their habilitation thesis to continue their research in the phase between the submission of the thesis and the completion of the habilitation procedure, and at the most until their appointment as a professor. Scholarship holders are permitted to pursue a paid teaching job for up to four semester hours (SWS) and are provided with a monthly allowance of 2200 euros (childcare allowance possible) over 12 months. Phone +49 9131 85-22951, www.frauenbeauftragte.uni-erlangen.de

  • DAAD scholarships for doctoral candidates
    Kennedyallee 50, 53175 Bonn/Bad Godesberg
    The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarships for German doctoral candidates at universities and non-university research institutions. The scholarship programme is open to applicants from all subjects to fund studies or research positions. Information is available from the DAAD; www.daad.de.