Scholarships
Scholarships are only for "straight-A students"? Wrong idea! As a first-year student in particular, you often have more to offer than you think - and that's exactly what many foundations are looking for: People with attitude, commitment and perspective.
Whether you are socially committed, politically active, involved in a school group or take on responsibility in the family - there are scholarships that are tailored to you.
Here you will find information on the 13 major scholarship organizations for gifted students, scholarship places for first-time graduates, other scholarship offers, as well as useful tips and platforms.
Tip: Parallel applications are always possible! - Not only when applying for a degree course, but also when applying for a scholarship.
Table of contents
The 13 major scholarship organizations - Which one is right for me?
Political foundations
Are you interested in social issues, politics or are you involved in your community? Then these political foundations could be right for you! All political foundations award scholarships to committed students, regardless of their party affiliation. Voluntary work is particularly appreciated.
Click through the various political foundations and find out what suits you best:
- Friedrich Ebert Foundation (SPD-affiliated)
- Konrad Adenauer Foundation (CDU-affiliated)
- Hanns Seidel Foundation (close to the CSU)
- Heinrich Böll Foundation (close to the Greens)
- Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (close to the Left Party)
- Friedrich Naumann Foundation (close to the FDP)
Religious funding organizations
Do you feel connected to a religion or are you looking for support that appeals not only to your head but also to your heart?
The religious funding organizations - whether Muslim, Christian or Jewish - support committed students on their educational path. In addition to financial support, they also offer personal guidance, exciting educational opportunities and a strong community.
Find the sponsoring organization that suits your values and your path:
- Avicenna, Muslim
- Cusanuswerk, Catholic
- Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk (ELES), Jewish
- Villigst, Protestant
Trade union oriented
- then take a look at the Hans Böckler Foundation!
Entrepreneurially oriented
- then take a look at the Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft (sdw)!
Independent
Tip: At TUD, there are liaison lecturers from individual scholarship programmes who are there to support you. As a scholarship holder, you can contact your mentor at any time.
Scholarships especially for first-time graduates - don't miss out!
Two of the foundations mentioned above are actively committed to equal opportunities by explicitly inviting first-time academics to apply or even awarding their own scholarships for first-time academics.
- Heinrich Böll Foundation: promotes focus groups in particular, such as first-time female academics
- Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung: promotes focus groups in particular, such as first-time female academics
- Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung: Lux like Studium for prospective students without an academic background
Other scholarship offers
In addition to the 13 major scholarship organizations for gifted students, there are also university-specific scholarships, foundations and private sponsors or companies in Germany.
Germany Scholarship (university-specific)
The Deutschlandstipendium supports talented and committed students in all fields of study. In addition to good academic performance, the willingness to take on responsibility or successfully overcoming obstacles in one's life to date also play an important role in awarding the scholarship. Anyone enrolled at TU Dresden or applying for a place at university is eligible for funding.
Other foundations and funding opportunities
In addition to the large funding organizations, there are over 2,000 smaller scholarship providers in Germany - from the ADAC Foundation to scholarship offers specifically for your department. However, special search engines can help you with your scholarship research:
- Stipendium Plus information portal
- Scholarship database from e-fellows.net
- Scholarship database from MyStipendium.de
- Foundation search
Good to know - selection criteria, volunteering and application tools
Selection criteria for scholarships
When applying for a scholarship, three criteria are generally used for selection:
Most foundations and charities are looking for people who are committed to helping others. Volunteering is therefore often crucial - whether in a club, in the community, in a youth organization, at an animal shelter, in sports, at school or politically. The important thing is that you do something for others - that's what counts!
Of course, your school grades also play a certain role. However, performance is more than just good grades. Even with a B average and a slip in grades, you have a good chance of being promoted.
Scholarships are not for "just anyone" - they are for people with an attitude. Many funding organizations and foundations are looking for applicants who share certain values or bring certain realities of life with them. You don't have to be perfect - but you do have to be authentic.
An honorary post is an unpaid activity for the common good. This activity can be very diverse, but should be related to the present. Proof is always very important!
Possibilities of an honorary position would be
- in the field of sport: coach, referee, competitive athlete, etc.
- in the field of music: performances, (benefit) concerts, choirmaster, conductor, etc.
- in the area of school: tutoring, class representative, group leader, theater performances, school newspaper, etc.
- in the field of politics: working in a political association, organizing demonstrations, election worker, etc.
- in the area of religion: altar server, youth group leader, etc.
- in the online area: blogging, YouTube channel, etc.
Partner in Crime - application tools and advice centers
- The scholarship information tool of the University of Freiburg offers information on selection criteria, funding, application procedures and much more.
- Applicaid is a non-profit organization that offers study advice, mentoring, hubs and workshops.
- ArbeiterKind e.V. is a nationwide association that specifically encourages students from families without university experience to be the first in their family to study. In addition to useful information and tips, there are also local groups that can advise you personally and support you with your goals.