Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes Fellowships Apply Online 2026
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
- 1
**Check Eligibility:** Ensure you meet the academic, personal, and residency/nationality requirements for the scholarship.
- 2
**Choose Application Path:** - **Nomination:** If you are a student, you can be nominated by your school principal, a university professor, or a university examination office. - **Self-Application (for 1st and 2nd semester students):** If you are in your first or second semester of an undergraduate program, you can apply directly through the self-application process, which typically involves a cognitive ability test. Registration usually opens in early winter (e.g., until February 12, 2026, for the 2026/2027 academic year). - **Doctoral Application:** Highly qualified PhD students can apply directly with the support of their supervisor. There are fixed 'calls' for applications, e.g., in October 2026, February 2027, June 2027, and October 2027 for selection meetings in 2027/2028.
- 3
**Prepare Documents:** Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates (if applicable), and for doctoral candidates, a detailed exposé of your research project. Ensure recommendation letters adhere to guidelines.
- 4
**Submit Application:** Follow the instructions on the official Studienstiftung website for your chosen application path. For self-application, register online for the cognitive ability test. For doctoral applications, submit your complete application package. Note that the application portal may have limited mobile device functionality.
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**Selection Process:** Participate in the selection process, which may include cognitive ability tests (for self-applicants) and selection seminars/interviews (for nominated students and doctoral candidates).
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**Notification:** Await notification of the decision on your application. Individual feedback on rejection is generally not provided.
FAQs for Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes Fellowships
Q.Are international students eligible for the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes Fellowships for study in Germany?
Yes, international students can be eligible, especially for doctoral scholarships where nationality is irrelevant if the PhD is pursued at a German university. For undergraduate and Master's programs, students with citizenship of an EU member state or an EU accession candidate who are studying permanently in Germany and aiming for a degree here can apply. Additionally, 'educational residents in Germany' (e.g., those with a German Abitur) are eligible regardless of nationality.
Q.What does the scholarship primarily cover?
The scholarship primarily provides financial support through a monthly study costs allowance (€300) and a need-based living expenses stipend (up to €855/month for students, €1,750/month for PhD candidates). It also offers extensive 'ideal' support, including a network of seminars, summer academies, language courses, and mentoring. Subsidies for health insurance and additional allowances for scholars with children are available. Tuition fees are generally not covered for public universities in Germany as they are often free, but some support for tuition fees can be provided for studies abroad.
Q.Is there a minimum GPA or percentage required to apply?
While no specific percentage or GPA is strictly stated for all programs, applicants are expected to demonstrate 'outstanding academic success' or 'above-average academic performance.' For doctoral scholarships, it is generally desired that applicants are among the top 10% of their year in terms of examination grades. The selection process emphasizes not only grades but also intellectual ability, motivation, social commitment, and extracurricular interests.
Q.When are the application deadlines for 2026/2027?
For self-applications by first and second-semester students, the registration period for 2026 typically runs until early February (e.g., February 12, 2026). For doctoral scholarships, there are multiple 'calls' for applications throughout the year. The schedule for 2026/2027 includes calls opening in October 2026, February 2027, June 2027, and October 2027, with corresponding selection meetings and earliest scholarship start dates in 2027 and 2028.