15 years of boosting potential with the Germany Scholarship
For 15 years the Germany Scholarship has accompanied and supported students at Heidelberg University, giving their potential the necessary boost. On this page, former and current scholars share how the scholarship has sustainably shaped their study and career paths and what it means to be part of an inspiring network of scholars and sponsors. Buzzwords from the quotes are also featured in the header image on this website.
Receiving the Germany Scholarship is a formative acknowledgment. It reinforced my confidence to get involved actively at the University of Zurich, where I moved for my doctorate. On several levels I represented the interests of early‑career researchers and advocated for equal opportunities and diversity. My commitment to education and research later became my profession and I was responsible for the faculty’s professorial affairs. Today I work at the national level for the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Fanny G., Molecular Biotechnology – former Germany Scholarship holder
As a student with a non‑academic background, the scholarship had not only very positive financial effects that made it easier to focus on my studies. More importantly, the scholarship gave me the feeling: “You are welcome and you belong to the community – no matter what your name is, where you come from, or where you want to go.“
Lisa‑Marie M., Philosophy / Ethics – former Germany Scholarship holder
Heidelberg is a unique place to study. Receiving the Germany Scholarship during my master’s programme made me feel valued and reinforced my goal of becoming a physicist. The scholarship opened many doors for me, for instance, through exchange with other scholarship holders and alumni as well as through valuable contacts with my two sponsors: BASF SE and the Leonie Wild Foundation.
Birte B., Physics – former Germany Scholarship holder
I especially cherish the memory of the first award ceremony in the Old Lecture Hall. It offered a wonderful opportunity to mingle with fellow scholarship holders in that special atmosphere and to meet the sponsors in person.
Aylin K., History – former Germany Scholarship holder
As a former Heidelberg student and a Germany Scholarship recipient of the first year, I want to give back to my alma mater and pass on some of the support I received along my way to upcoming colleagues. The scholarship set me on a great trajectory and acted as a gateway to further funding. While the financial aid was helpful, the contact with the sponsor was especially valuable, opening interesting possibilities for further training.
Dr Florian M., Chemistry – former Germany Scholarship holder
What makes the Germany Scholarship special for me is the freedom to help shape the programme through the regular round‑table meetings. Also, the university’s support is always helpful.
Sara H., German Studies – Germany Scholarship holder
The Germany Scholarship network is important to me because it allows me to get in touch with companies while also allowing me to exchange ideas with scholarship holders from a wide range of disciplines.
Niels B., Computer Science – Germany Scholarship holder
The recognition I received through the Germany Scholarship was decisive for my career. It gave me the confidence to apply for additional funding programmes, which then became real possibilities and eventually financed my master’s and doctorate in the United Kingdom.
Dr Viktoria H., Political Science – former Germany Scholarship holder
Within the scholarship network I appreciate most that I can get in touch with students from many fields and semesters, as well as the convivial round‑table evenings that provide space for chatting, playing games, and exchanging ideas.
Collins A., Medicine – Germany Scholarship holder
When I was selected for the Deutschlandstipendium I was in the third semester of my teacher‑training programme. The funding was a great recognition and a strong incentive to pursue my studies purposefully.
Tajana G., French – former Germany Scholarship holder
In the end, gratitude is what remains most strongly: thanks to the Germany Scholarship I am part of a network of benevolent, committed people at Heidelberg University.
Daniela R., Edition Studies & Textual Criticism – Germany Scholarship holder
