➤ International scholars
➤ Counselling and mentoring
➤ Students with chronic illnesses or disabilities
➤ Career guidance
Each year, we support approx. 1,450 scholars from all disciplines and of all nationalities at universities and universities of applied sciences in Germany and abroad, including approx. 70 international students who are funded by the German Foreign Office (AA). The scholars in our graduate scholarship program are part of a diverse, international, and multifaceted community.
We provide impulses and create spaces for our scholars to engage in discussions, develop initiatives, and reinforce as well as challenge their own views based on our shared values and convictions. We promote exchange and discussion across disciplines.
We help our scholars achieve the following:
- complete their degree within the standard period of study,
- educate themselves politically,
- assume responsibility in society,
- acquire additional skills,
- acquire key qualifications,
- learn to self-organize,
- and get ready to enter their professional career.
International scholars (AA)
We receive funds from the Federal Foreign Office (AA) to support international scholars, especially from countries non-EU countries (with a focus on DAC countries), who have obtained their first academic degree (Bachelor's) and intend to pursue a Master's degree at a university in Germany. Each year, we host specific workshops or study trips for our international scholars to help them embark on their studies and familiarize themselves with German culture. These events are specifically tailored to meet the needs of international students and help them build connections.
Scholarships for AA-funded students
International students from non-EU countries who have obtained their entrance qualification for higher education abroad and who come to Germany to pursue a Master's degree are funded by the Federal Foreign Office (AA). Their scholarship includes:
- a base scholarship in the amount of 992 € / month
- a health insurance allowance of up to 100 €
- other optional financial components, which may vary depending on the scholar's personal situation, including
→ reimbursement of tuition fees in Germany of up to 10,000 € / year
→ tuition fees for German language courses
→ fixed fringe benefits in the amount of 38 € / month
→ family allowance and child allowances (per child)
Parts of the degree program can be completed abroad if academically necessary; in this case, however, there will be NO additional funding for studies abroad.
Any additional income must be offset against the scholarship payment; to determine such ancillary income, the earnings limit for marginal employment as per Section 8 (1) No. 1 SGB IV applies.
Counselling and mentoring
Throughout their entire scholarship, our staff at the Scholarship Department provides support, counselling, and mentorship to our scholars. The advisors are the point of contact for any questions that may arise prior to and during their studies. We host regular formats for exchange, feedback, and counselling. Scholars can attend our consultation hours during the semester to enquire about special aspects of their scholarship.
Students with chronic illnesses or disabilities
Physical impairments, disabilities, or mental illnesses can pose considerable challenges to students.The Scholarship Department provides special support to scholars with disabilities and other special needs. As part of our financial and non-material support, students can request various additional support services during the funding period.
Career guidance
Entering the work market can be challenging and confusing, especially if career opportunities are either overwhelming or scarce. To help with this transition, we offer workshops for career starters and career options specifically in our focus areas (e.g., "Driving sustainable change in administrative roles" or "Staff units at ministries").
