The Studienstiftung sponsors students whose talent and personality shows exceptional promise for contributing to the community.
Eligible candidates for a scholarship are:

• Students at a state or state-recognised higher education institution (university, university of applied sciences, college of art and music) in Germany or
• Students who complete part or all of their studies at a higher education institution in a member state of the European Union (EU) or in Switzerland.

In addition, those receiving financial assistance must meet the requirements of §§ 8 Para. 1 to 3 or 61 BAföG. Citizens of a member state of the EU or of an EU candidate country who do not meet the requirements of §§ 8, paras. 1 to 3 or 61 BAföG may nevertheless apply for a scholarship or be nominated for one if they are studying permanently in Germany and are seeking a degree here.
Only full-time studies can be funded by the Studienstiftung, not part-time studies.
There are no age restrictions for applications.
Students can apply for sponsorships themselves or they can be nominated by their school administration, their higher education institution's examination office or by their lecturers.

Sponsorship is open to all degree programmes and all types of higher education institutions.
The Studienstiftung works with the following five selection criteria.

• Intellectual ability
• Dedication and motivation
• Communication and articulation skills
• Social competence
• Social commitment and a broad range of interests

Students and high-school graduates with outstanding academic records may be nominated for funding or they can apply themselves.

Scholarship holders may be awarded funding for the entire standard period of study, students in BA or MA programmes until obtaining their Master’s degree.

The scholarship includes an allowance toward the cost of study of 300 EUR and a grant dependent on income, which is calculated in keeping with BAföG regulations. Neither the allowance nor the grant must be paid back. There are additional allowances for scholarship holders with children, if necessary, as well as for health and nursing care insurance. Furthermore, the Studienstiftung funds studies, research stays or internships abroad.

The Studienstiftung also organises a wide range of events and activities, such as language courses all over Europe, scientific events throughout Germany or at the place of study as well as social competence training courses and workshops on professional orientation. All events aim at inspiring an exchange of ideas among involved and open-minded students and creating vibrant interaction beyond any ideological, cultural, political or social boundaries.

Scholarship holders will in addition be given access to the Studienstiftung’s network, which comprises more than 60,000 alumni and students all over the world.

There are different selection procedures depending on the type of higher education institution, semester of study and subject. These can be read here (only available in German).

Deadlines vary depending on the selection procedure and can be found on the homepage.