German universities offer a wide range of scholarships to support students in their academic pursuits. If you’re studying or planning to study in one of these universities, here are some of the scholarships you can explore:
Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is open to post-doctoral researchers worldwide, regardless of their field, and is divided into two categories:
- Postdocs: Recent doctorate holders (within four years) or near completion (within six months) with a summary of findings.
- Experienced researchers: Completed doctorate within the last twelve years with substantial publications. In some cases, up to 16 years after a master’s with a fitting publication record.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship provides a monthly stipend of €2,670 for postdoctoral researchers and €3,170 for experienced researchers. Fellowships can last from 6 to 24 months for postdocs and from 6 to 18 months for experienced researchers, with the possibility of dividing them into up to three stays within three years. Additional support includes family benefits, private health insurance subsidies, and travel expense allowances.
Requirements
- Applicants must not be German nationals unless they’ve lived abroad for over ten or five years with strong ties to their current residence. Staying in Germany for more than six months within 18 months before application disqualifies. They need a mentoring agreement and written confirmation of research facilities from a German institution, two expert reviews, language proficiency in German or English, and must adhere to scientific ethics. Previous Humboldt Foundation sponsorships is a disqualifier.
- Required documents include a CV, research outline, publications, doctoral certificate, language certificate if needed, and extra materials. The application is online, with notification of the selection date after document review.
TUM Linde / MDSI Master Scholarship
The Linde / MDSI Master’s Scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in the master’s programs “Data Engineering and Analytics” or “Mathematics in Data Science” at the Munich Data Science Institute (MDSI) who hold a German or foreign higher education entrance qualification. Female students are particularly encouraged to apply.
The Linde / MDSI Master’s Scholarship provides €1,000 per month and is granted for a maximum of twelve months.
Requirements
- Applicants must have been enrolled in one of the two Master’s programs since winter semester 2023/24 or earlier. They must be distinguished by their special talent in the fields of Data Engineering and Analytics or Mathematics in Data Science, demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, and show commitment to their studies. Applicants from earlier calls are not eligible.
University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships
The merit scholarship at Universität Hamburg is intended for highly qualified international undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students who have been enrolled at the university for at least 2 semesters, pursuing a degree and not holding German citizenship.
The scholarship provides a maximum monthly funding sum of €850, with some doctoral researchers potentially receiving up to €1,000 per month. The funding duration is 2 semesters (12 months), with the possibility of reapplying. In exceptional cases, the maximum funding period is 3 years.
Requirements
- To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be enrolled at Universität Hamburg for at least 2 semesters, pursuing a degree. They must not hold German citizenship and should not be eligible for the federal student loan scheme. You must submit a CV, letter of motivation, proof of social/intercultural activities (if applicable), academic records, and evaluations from two professors or junior professors. A committee comprising faculty members and student council representatives assesses applicants based on academic performance, other skills, social engagement, and financial need.
Baden-Württemberg Stiftung
The BW-Stipendium for university students is designed for two groups: students studying in Baden-Württemberg who want to go abroad and international students wishing to study in Baden-Württemberg. This scholarship benefits approximately 1,500 young individuals annually.
The scholarship is individually calculated and ranges from €600 to €1,400 per month. Additionally, scholars receive non-material assistance and become part of an international network connecting individuals from diverse disciplines and cultures.
Requirements
- To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled at a higher education institution in Baden-Württemberg or a partner institution abroad. The scholarship is awarded to about 1,500 students each year. Selection criteria may include academic merit and other relevant qualifications.
ESMT MBA Scholarships
ESMT Berlin offers a range of MBA scholarships designed for outstanding MBA applicants. These scholarships target various groups, including women in business, LGBTQ+ individuals, individuals from different regions, those with excellent academic and professional profiles, and more.
The scholarship coverage varies based on the specific scholarship program. Scholarships can cover tuition fees, ranging from €1,000 to €24,750. Additionally, recipients may receive financial support to participate in ESMT’s summer entrepreneurship program and other benefits, depending on the scholarship type.
Requirements
- Most scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, personal and professional achievements, leadership potential, and interpersonal skills. Some scholarships may require applicants to respond to specific questions related to the scholarship’s theme, such as diversity, entrepreneurship, or social impact. Requirements may also vary based on the applicant’s background, including nationality, gender, and military service.
HHL Leipzig Scholarships
These scholarships are primarily aimed at candidates applying to HHL’s full-time MBA program. Each scholarship has focus areas or criteria. The list includes the Middle East Scholarship, Africa Scholarship, Latin America Scholarship, Eastern Europe Scholarship, Women in Business Scholarship, Future Entrepreneur Scholarship, Young Leipzig Leader Scholarship, and Dean’s List Scholarship.
Successful candidates for these scholarships will receive a partial tuition reduction for the full-time MBA program. The exact amount varies depending on the scholarship.
Requirements
- Scholarship applicants must meet common criteria, including holding an undergraduate degree, having at least three years of work experience, securing a high GMAT score, and applying for the full-time MBA program. The Dean’s List Scholarship has additional requirements like exceptional academic and professional achievements, international experience, dedication to social causes, outstanding admission interviews, and alignment with HHL’s values.
