Scholarship organizations

Scholarships

Are you looking for a suitable scholarship? Several different funding options are available, and not all of them are only open to those with the best grades.

News about scholarships (in German)

The following pages give a useful overview of opportunities for funding.

Scholarships from FAU

Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)

  • FAU supports gifted and talented students as part of the Deutschlandstipendium program. 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 are paid by the Oskar Karl Forster scholarship fund to gifted students who are in financial need for purchasing books or other study materials (such as laptops or tablets, but not cell phones) as well as providing doctoral candidates assistance with the costs for printing their doctoral theses.

The funding provided is between 100 and 500 euros.

The scholarship is awarded only to students enrolled at FAU during their standard duration of study and who are not on leave. Nationality and subject area are irrelevant.

Students who have already received funding from the Oskar Karl Forster scholarship fund are not eligible for further funding.

  • Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program (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), confirmation of eligibility for training assistance, 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 or study materials to be purchased are necessary for the degree program,
  • and that the student has been making academic progress.

  • The applicant’s current monthly net income may not be higher than 1,800 euros.
  • A statement and a reference from the doctoral thesis supervisor is required to award the grant.
  • The estimated printing costs must be provided in the form of a quotation, for example.
  • Proof of enrollment at FAU must be provided in the form of a current certificate of enrollment.

The scholarship is granted for the coming semester. Cost estimates must be submitted together with the application. Receipts must be dated after the date of approval and submitted in the original. This also applies for the quotation for printing costs for a doctoral thesis.

How to apply

Contact

Office for Scholarships

Room: Room 00.023
Halbmondstr. 6-8
91054 Erlangen
Office hours: by appointment
More › Details for Office for Scholarships

Eva Schleip Foundation

The Eva Schleip Foundation awards scholarships to German students (completing their first degree) 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 funding entails a one-off payment of €500 and is only available once for each candidate.

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

Students who are enrolled on a second or additional degree program, guest students and students who have already received a scholarship from the Eva Schleip Foundation are not eligible for funding.

The requirements which have to be met are as follows:
  • German citizen Proof of identity based on ID card or passport
  • In financial need according to the scholarship guidelines, students are considered to be in financial need if they can prove to only have limited financial means available to them and cannot receive sufficient support from their families. If the applicant is receiving a BAföG grant, this is considered proof of financial need and the BAföG letter is to be included with the application. As parents or spouses are also obliged to pay maintenance, their income must also be disclosed and proof of income provided.
  • Christian upbringing (Catholic/Protestant)Confirmation from parish office (Pfarramt) as proof
  • Enrolled at FAU (not on leave of absence)The scholarship is awarded only to students enrolled at FAU who are not on leave of absence.
  • First part of degree program completed
    • If a preliminary or intermediate examination has to be passed in order to complete the first part of the degree program, this must have been passed no later than one semester after the minimum duration of study stipulated in the relevant degree program and examination regulations (certificate stating that intermediate examination has been passed, for example the first part of the State Examination in Medicine, Dentistry or Pharmacy, preliminary examination, GOP or similar).
    • If a preliminary or intermediate examination is not required for the degree program in question, the applicant must submit confirmation from their BaföG coordinator proving that progress has been made in the degree program during this period.

Application and contacts

  • Application period: March 22, 2024 to May 10, 2024

To apply, you must complete a scholarship application (Eva Schleip Foundation) that can be submitted by email.

Office for Scholarships

Room: Room 00.023
Halbmondstr. 6-8
91054 Erlangen
Office hours: by appointment
More › Details for Office for Scholarships

Vereinigte Stipendienstiftung for students of all faculties and faiths

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

The funding entails a one-off payment of €500. The call for applications for the scholarship runs parallel to the call for applications for the Eva Schleip Foundation. Only students who have not already received funding from either of the foundations can apply.

The scholarship is granted for the coming semester and is provided for the purpose of purchasing literature or other study materials (e.g. laptops, tablets, but not cellphones).

The requirements which have to be met are as follows:
  • In financial need according to the scholarship guidelines, students are considered to be in financial need if they can prove to only have limited financial means available to them and cannot receive sufficient support from their families. If the applicant is receiving a BAföG grant, this is considered proof of financial need and the BAföG letter is to be included with the application. As parents or spouses are also obliged to pay maintenance, their income must also be disclosed and proof of income provided.
  • Deserving Applicants must provide a current certificate of good conduct (issued no more than 6 months previously).The certificate of good conduct can be applied for online from the Ministry of Justice or from the town hall/local authorities in the applicant’s place of residence.
  • Enrolled at FAU (not on leave of absence)The scholarship is awarded only to students enrolled at FAU who are not on leave of absence.
  • First part of degree program completed
    • If a preliminary or intermediate examination has to be passed in order to complete the first part of the degree program, this must have been passed no later than one semester after the minimum duration of study stipulated in the relevant degree program and examination regulations (certificate stating that intermediate examination has been passed, for example the first part of the State Examination in Medicine, Dentistry or Pharmacy, preliminary examination, GOP or similar).
    • If a preliminary or intermediate examination is not required for the degree program in question, the applicant must submit confirmation from their BaföG coordinator proving that progress has been made in the degree program during this period.

How to apply

  • Application period: March 22, 2024 to May 10, 2024

To apply, you must complete a scholarship application (Vereinigte Stipendien) that can be submitted by email.

Office for Scholarships

Room: Room 00.023
Halbmondstr. 6-8
91054 Erlangen
Office hours: by appointment
More › Details for Office for Scholarships

The “Heilsbronner Stipendienfonds” foundation in Bayreuth will be awarding scholarships again at the beginning of 2025 in the form of a one-off payment to gifted and worthy students who are in need at Bavarian universities. Applicants must belong to the Protestant faith, be German citizens and live in the former margraviate of Bayreuth. However, there is no entitlement to receive a scholarship even if the requirements are met, as the Foundation Committee decides on the awarding of scholarships.

How to apply

  • The deadline for applications is Friday, January 31, 2025 Applications must be received by the Government of Upper Franconia by this date: Regierung von Oberfranken – Verwaltung des Heilsbronner Stipendienfonds Bayreuth -, Ludwigstraße 20, 95444 Bayreuth

13 organizations for the promotion of young talent

The 13 organizations for the promotion of young talent in Germany known as the Begabtenförderungswerke support gifted and talented students and doctoral candidates. 

The amount of funding is guided by the funding provided by the BAföG program. Unlike BAföG funding, scholarships from the organizations for the promotion of young talent do not have to be paid back.

The organizations for the promotion of young talent are usually linked to organizations that represent a particular worldview (e.g. political parties, religious communities) or other ideologies. In order to qualify for a scholarship, applicants must at least identify with the values of the organization for the promotion of young talent.

The support provided by the organizations for the promotion of young talent is not only financial. Successful applicants become part of the network of the organizations for the promotion of young talent and are able to participate in seminars, workshops, conferences or mentoring programs.

Other foundations

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 center, Beuthener Str. 39, 90471 Nürnberg;
  • Kennedy-Allee 105 – 107, 53175 Bonn, phone +49 911 406284; www.obs-ev.de.

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 center. 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 the foundation) 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.
  • https://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. Application deadline: February 15/August 15.
  • An der Bornau 2, 49090 Osnabrück, phone: + 49 541 96330; applications online at www.dbu.de.

Stiftung Begabtenförderungswerk berufliche Bildung

  • This program 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

 

Funding for stays abroad

All scholarship organizations, 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 program 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 program 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/

  • Scholarships for future IT talents in the area of the State Ministry of Finance: This program offers a scholarship from the 4th semester of your computer science degree. You receive a monthly scholarship of 415 euros (both during the lecture period and the lecture-free period) and also have the opportunity to explore the various employment options in large state IT authorities covering a wide range of tasks. Further information: https://www.stmfh.bayern.de/oeffentlicher_dienst/karriere/studienfoerderung_it.aspx
  • The IMPRS graduate program at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light provides support for students on Master’s degree programs relating to physics or medicine: https://mpl.mpg.de/study-work-or-visit/graduate-programs/

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

  • Stiftungsverwaltung der Stadtkämmerei Nürnberg Theresienstr. 1, 90403 Nuremberg. The city of Nuremberg awards funding to students in need from several 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: +49 911 231 2903; 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 organizations 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 program is open to applicants from all subjects to fund studies or research positions. Information is available from the DAAD; www.daad.de.