Germany Scholarship FAQ - Application Process

Please note that the FAQ list will be updated on a regular basis (last update: 06.05.2026).

Who can apply? 
The following are eligible to apply for a Germany Scholarship:

• New students who would like to begin their studies at Heidelberg University in the winter semester,
• Students who would like to transfer to Heidelberg University in a higher semester or begin a Master's degree programme in the winter semester,
• Students enrolled at Heidelberg University (except for short-term students, doctoral students, students in the preliminary induction German course or the preparatory course (Studienkolleg)).

New and continuing students of Medical Informatics must apply for a Germany Scholarship at Heilbronn University.

Can citizens of foreign countries also apply?
Yes, students of any nationality are eligible if they are or will be enrolled in an undergraduate or master’s degree programme at Heidelberg University at the beginning of the award period. PhD students, sStudents in the preliminary induction German course, in the preparatory course (Studienkolleg), and short-term students are not eligible to apply.

Can applicants for a study place also apply for a scholarship?
Yes, study place applicants can also apply for the Germany Scholarship. Approval for the Germany Scholarship requires the student be enrolled at Heidelberg University at the beginning of the award period.

Can PhD students also apply?
No, PhD students are exempt. For information on scholarships for PhD students, please contact the Graduate Academy of Heidelberg University.

Are students in second degree or postgraduate programmes eligible to apply?
Yes, students in second degree or postgraduate programmes are also eligible for a Germany Scholarship.

I am just about to finish my degree. Can I apply anyway?
Yes, you can apply for the Germany Scholarship at any point during your degree programme. However, you must still be within the standard period of study. If you are exceeding the standard period of study, funding is only possible if there are serious reasons for the delay in your studies. The request must be submitted using the form provided by Heidelberg University. In this form, you must explain the serious reasons that have led to the delay in your studies. The signed form and the relevant supporting documents must be uploaded to the online portal within the application period.

Do I have to pay back the scholarship later?
No, you do not need to pay back the scholarship.

How long is the scholarship period?
Provided funds are available, the award period of a Germany Scholarship generally lasts for two semesters and is based on the standard period of study for the given programme. It is possible to extend funding with a Germany Scholarship on request; the scholarship approval specifies the deadline and the type of documents the scholarship holder must submit for a extension of funding as part of the aptitude- and performance-based review. Further details can be found in the scholarship approval. The scholarship ends as stipulated in the approval document or at the end of the month in which the scholarship holder successfully completes his / her university education or is exmatriculated. Funding also stops if the student changes his / her field of study or if he / she discontinues his / her studies.

When will you receive the scholarship payment?
To receive the scholarship payment, you must be enrolled at Heidelberg University during the period for which the scholarship is awarded. Scholarship payments are generally made on a monthly basis. As the scholarship is awarded retrospectively, the first instalments are paid as a single amount.

How often is the Germany Scholarship awarded?
The Germany Scholarship at Heidelberg University is always awarded once a year, at the beginning of the winter semester.

What can I do if the online application cannot be sent?
Please make sure not to use an outdated browser but an up-to-date one, for instance Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for submitting the application. It is also possible that the use of another writing system (not the Latin script) causes problems. It therefore might help to change the operating system's writing system to the Latin script while submitting an application and to make sure that the overall language of the operating system is English.

What are the selection criteria?
The main selection criteria include in particular your performance at school or university. The overall assessment also takes prizes and awards, completion of at least two years of vocational training, voluntary internships, long-term voluntary engagements and special personal or family circumstances into account.

What do I enter in the fields “Subject-related semester” and “University semester”?
Field“Subject-related semester”: Enter the semester of study in which you will be enrolled at the start of the requested funding period for which you are applying (usually the following winter semester) in the degree programme for which you have applied for a Germany Scholarship. You can find information on this directly in the ‘heiCo’ campus management system under the ‘My Studies’ application or on your record of studies.

The “Subject-related semester” refers to the total number of semesters you will have studied, including the upcoming winter semester in the degree programme for which you are applying for a Germany Scholarship.

Field “University semester”: Enter the university semester in which you will be enrolled at the start of the requested funding period (usually the following winter semester). You can find information on this directly in the ‘heiCo’ campus management system under the ‘My Studies’ application or on your record of studies.

The ‘University semesters’ refers to the total number of semesters you will have studied at German universities or universities of applied sciences, including the upcoming winter semester.

Example: If you are in your first degree programme, you must enter “1” in both the “University semester” and “Subject-related semester” fields. 

How do I furnish proof of my performance:
a) Applicants who, at the start of the funding period they applied for (usually the following winter semester), are in the 1st or 2nd subject-related semester of an undergraduate degree programme: 
Please enter the final grade of your university entrance qualification in section 2.2 ‘University entrance qualification’ of the online application form and then upload your certificate of university entrance qualification in this section of the form. 

b) Applicants who, at the start of the funding period they applied for (usually the following winter semester), are in the 1st or 2nd subject-related semester of a master’s degree programme:
Please enter your final grade or, if your degree has not yet been awarded, your current grade point average (GPA) for the course of studies required for admission to the Master’s degree programme, for which you are applying for a Germany Scholarship the in section 2.2 ‘Previous university degree’ of the online application form. Then upload your degree certificate or your transcript of records issued during the application period including your current grade point average (GPA) in this section of the form. 

c) Applicants of all disciplines except law, human medicine and dentistry who, at the start of the funding period they applied for (usually the following winter semester), are in their 3rd or higher subject-related semester: 
Please select in section “2.2 Proof of academic performance“ in the online application form the option “all disciplines except medicine or law”, enter your current grade point average in the next step, and then upload your academic transcript (e.g. transcript of records) issued during the application period detailing all academic and examination achievements to date, including your current grade point average (GPA) in this section of the form. 

d) Applicants of human medicine who, at the start of the funding period they applied for (usually the following winter semester), are in their 3rd or higher subject-related semester: 
Please select in section “2.2 Proof of academic performance“ in the online application form the option “ medicine (Human medicine, Dentistry)” and then upload an academic transcript issued during the application period containing details of all percentile rankings* (Heidelberg Faculty) or all semester rankings* (Mannheim Faculty) for the pre-clinical phase of study, and, depending on your progress, details of all academic achievements in the clinical phase of study in this section of the form.

In addition, also depending on your progress in your studies, please upload in this section of the form:

• “Zeugnis über den Ersten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung” (first stage of the medical state examination) including notification of results
• “Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung” (second stage of the medical state examination) including notification of results

* Please contact your relevant Examinations Office | Dean’s Office if you are currently in the pre-clinical phase of your degree and your academic transcript does not contain details of all percentile rankings (Heidelberg Faculty) or all semester rankings (Mannheim Faculty.

e) Applicants for dentistry who, at the start of the funding period they applied for (usually the following winter semester), are in their 3rd or higher subject-related semester: 
Please select in section “2.2 Proof of academic performance“ in the online application form the option “ medicine (Human medicine, Dentistry)”.

According to the new degree programme rules and regulations (applicable for students commencing their studies on or after 01.10.2021)
Please upload an academic transcript issued during the application period containing details of all grades and percentile rankings* in “vorklinischen Studienabschnitts I” (pre-clinical stage I) and “vorklinischen Studienabschnitts II” (pre-clinical stage II) achieved and, depending on your progress, details of all academic achievements in the clinical phase of study in this section of the form.

In addition, also depending on your progress in your studies, please upload in this section of the form:

• “Zeugnis über den Ersten Abschnitt der Zahnärztlichen Prüfung” (first stage of the dental state examination) including notification of results
• “Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Zahnärztlichen Prüfung” (second stage of the dental state examination) including notification of results  

* Please contact your relevant Examinations Office | Dean’s Office if you are currently in the pre-clinical phase of your degree and your academic transcript does not contain details of all percentile rankings.

According to the old degree programme rules and regulations (applicable for students commencing their studies before 01.10.2021)
Please upload an academic transcript issued during the application period containing details of all grades and percentile rankings* achieved and, depending on your progress, details of all academic achievements in the clinical phase of study in this section of the form.

In addition, also depending on your progress in your studies, please upload in this section of the form:

• “Kursus der Zahnärzlichen Technischen Propädeutik (ZPK)
• “Phantomkurs I der Zahnärztlichen Prothetik”
• “Phantomkurs II der Zahnersatzkunde”
• “Zeugnis über die Naturwissenschaftliche Vorprüfung” (intermediate science examination)
• "Zeugnis über die Zahnärztliche Vorprüfung” (intermediate examination in dentistry)

*Please contact your relevant Examinations Office | Dean’s Office if you are currently in the pre-clinical phase of your degree and your academic transcript does not contain details of all percentile rankings.

f) Applicants studying Law who, at the start of the funding period they applied for (usually the following winter semester), are in their 3rd or higher subject-related semester: 
Please select in section “2.2 Proof of academic performance” in the online application form the option “law”. In the next step please select the range in which your current average score is located and enter your average score. Then upload your average grade calculation or your complete transcript of records issued during the application period in this section of the form. 

*An average grade calculation for the Germany Scholarship can usually be issued by the Examinations Office of the Faculty of Law at Heidelberg University. 

You are not eligible for a Germany Scholarship if your only remaining option is your attemption of grade improvement (Verbesserungsversuch). 

Do foreign documents and certificates require anything additional?
For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, you have to upload an officially certified translation into German or English (prepared.by a sworn specialist translator) in addition to the original document, in this section of the form. 

In the case of foreign grades, an official grade conversion into the German grading system must be uploaded. Ideally, you should upload an official grade conversion in your online application. If no official conversion is available, please upload a conversion you have created yourself using the "Modified Bavarian formula" instead. The converted mark must be entered in the field “Final grade/GPA | German equivalent grade” and the original grade in the field “Foreign final grade/GPA” in the respective section of the form of your online-application. 
Regarding the recognition and conversion of academic achievements during a stay abroad, please contact your respective examination office.
Please note: If an officially certified translation into German or English is missing, the relevant information cannot be considered in the selection process.
 

What grade is required for an application?
The Germany Scholarship is a merit-based grant, meaning that the selection process focuses primarily on academic performance at school or university, which should be in the good to very good range. However, as other criteria (see: What criteria are used for selection?) are also taken into account alongside grades, and the number of applicants is also a decisive factor, it is not possible to specify a universal minimum grade point average.

What should be stated in section 5 “Statement of motivation” in the online application form?
The motivation for receiving a Germany Scholarship must be explained in the online application form. The statement should describe why the current achievements at school or university, the successes achieved (e.g. awards, prizes), the practical experience (e.g. voluntary internships, vocational training), and the voluntary engagement substantiate a high degree of future success during the future university and professional career in light of the personal and family background. The statement may not exceed 2,500 characters (including blank spaces). 

Please do not upload an additional letter of motivation. Any additional letter of motivation will not be considered in the selection process.

Can recommendation letters be submitted?
Recommendation letters that clearly state that they have been written specifically for the application for a Germany Scholarship can be submitted during the application period. They can either be upload in the section “Uploads” of your online application form or the author can send the letter of recommendation directly by email to deutschlandstipendium@uni-heidelberg.de (must be received at the latest by the application deadline usually on 31 August, 23:59 CET of each year). 

Please note: Only letters of recommendation received during the application period and that have been written specifically for the application for a Germany Scholarship will be considered.

What requirements must be met for “voluntary engagement”?
Voluntary engagements will be considered in the selection process if they were/are carried out in a special social, societal, university-political or political context and have lasted at least six months. Furthermore, voluntary engagements that have already been completed will only be considered if no more than 1 year have passed since the end of the activity at the start of the application period (usually 1 August of each year). In the case of ongoing engagements, only the proven period up to the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year) will be taken into account. 
Complete all the relevant fields in the online application form. In the "Brief description" field, the respective association, organization, initiative or project should be named and the activity briefly described. 
Upload proof in this section of your online application form. The proof must contain your full name (first name and surname) as well as a chronological (e.g. date, periods) and content-related classification.

Please note: Mere memberships, e.g. in a political party without exercising a special function, will not be taken into account in the selection process and should therefore not be entered in the online application.

What requirements must be met for “awards / prizes”?
Awards/prizes will be considered in the selection process if no more than 3 years have passed since the award at the start of the application period (usually 1. August of each year). Awards/prizes at a state, national or international level are considered here. 
Complete all the relevant fields in the online application form indicating each award or prize individually (e.g. per round). 
Upload proof in this section of your online application form.  The proof must contain your full name (first name and surname) as well as a chronological (e.g. date, periods) and content-related classification.

Please note: Awards/prizes also include participation in competitions at state level with placings and/or qualification for a subsequent competition round. Prizes at regional level, such as awards presented at the suggestion of the school principal and scholarships will not be considered in the selection process and should therefore not be entered in the online application.

What requirements must be met for “voluntary internships”?
Voluntary internships will be considered in the selection process if they have lasted at least four weeks and if no more than 3 years have passed since the end of the internship at the start of the application period (usually 1 August of each year). 
Complete all the relevant fields in the online application form. In the "Brief description" field, the respective internship position should be named and the activity briefly described.
Upload proof in this section of your online application form.  The proof must contain your full name (first name and surname) as well as a chronological (e.g. date, periods) and content-related classification. Ideally, it should indicate the total duration of the internship.

Please note: Internships that are/were mandatory for study and examination regulations or during school time will not be considered in the selection process and should therefore not be entered in the online application. 

What requirements must be met for “gainful employment during school / studies”? 
Gainful employments as student assistant (“HIWI”) or working student as well as a part-time job during school/study will be considered in the selection process. Provide your gainful employment during school/studies in section 4 “Personal and family circumstances“ in the online application form, by selecting “yes”. 
Upload proof in this section of your online application form. The proof must contain your full name (first name and surname) as well as a chronological (e.g. date, periods) and content-related classification.

What requirements must be met for “vocational training”?
A vocational training will only be taken into consideration in the selection process if it is a completed vocational training in the MINT field of at least 2 years duration. 
Complete all relevant fields and upload proof in this section of your online application form. The proof must contain your full name (first name and surname) as well as a chronological (e.g. date, periods) and content-related classification.

Please note: A completed “duales Studium” is generally considered as vocational training, as it is a combination of academic training and practical work experience. All other forms of study, however, are not taken into consideration as vocational training and should therefore not be entered in the online application.

What requirements must be met for “non-academic background”?
A non-academic background will be considered in the selection process if neither parent has an academic degree. Provide your non-academic background in section 4 “Personal and family circumstances“ in the online application form, by selecting “yes”. 
Upload proof in this section of your online application form. The proof must contain your full name (first name and surname) as well as the place, date and signature of your parents. An informal letter of confirmation signed by both parents confirming that both parents have no academic degree and stating their highest educational qualification is sufficient proof is acceptable. If there is no longer any contact with one parent, an informal letter of confirmation signed by the parent with whom you have contact is required. This letter of confirmation must state the highest level of education attained by both parents and the fact that there is no longer any contact with the other parent.

What requirements must be met for “migration background”?
A “migration background” will be considered in the selection process if the applicant himself/herself or at least one parent comes from a country other than Germany. Provide your migration-academic background in section 4 “Personal and family circumstances“ in the online application form, by selecting “yes”. 
Upload proof in this section of your online application form. 

As proof, you must upload official documents from yourself or your parents that confirm your origin (e.g. identity card, passport).

If you have personal experience of fleeing your country, you may also upload proof of your refugee status.

How many scholarships can be expected to be awarded in the winter semester 2026 | 2027?
As of May 2026, 154 Germany Scholarships can be awarded. This number includes scholarships for students who are already receiving a Germany Scholarship. The following overview indicates the distribution of scholarships for the coming winter semester and is indicative only. Subject to modification.

Can / must missing documents be submitted after the end of the application period?

No, the application deadline (usually 31 August of each year) is a cut-off date. Once this deadline has passed, no further documents may be submitted.

I am completing my university degree now and I am planning to start a master’s degree programme at Heidelberg University in the upcoming winter semester. Can I still apply for the Germany Scholarship at Heidelberg University for the current round?
You can apply for a Germany Scholarship if you intend to take up your studies at Heidelberg University in the upcoming winter semester. To do so, please upload your degree certificate – which qualifies you for the degree programme for which you are applying for the Germany Scholarhip– to section 2.2 ‘Previous studies’. If this is not yet available, it is sufficient to upload a certificate issued by the higher education institution during the application period, detailing all academic achievements and examination results to date for the degree programme that qualifies you for the Master’s programme, including your stated average grade.

I am in my 1st or 2nd subject-related semester of my degree programme in the upcoming winter semester and do not yet have any or only some course or examination certificates. What do I enter?
For students in the 1st and 2nd subject-related semester (in the upcoming winter semester) of an undergraduate degree programme, the grade of the university entrance qualification is relevant. For students in the 1st and 2nd subject-related semester (in the upcoming winter semester) of a Master's degree programme, the final grade of the university degree that is relevant to the degree programme for which you applying for a Germany Scholarship is decisive; if the final grade is not yet available, the average grade of all academic achievements and examination results achieved to date applies.

Next semester I will be on leave/studying abroad/doing an internship. Can I still apply?
Applications for a Germany Scholarship are still possible. Please note that during a period of leave of absence from your studies, payment of the scholarship will generally be suspended and the funding period will be adjusted upon resumption of studies following the leave of absence, upon notification by the scholarship holder. Notwithstanding this, the scholarship will continue to be paid during a subject-related stay abroad (e.g. a compulsory internship or study abroad programme specified in the examination regulations) upon notification by the scholarship holder in accordance with § 6(4) of the StipG. If payment of the scholarship is suspended during the period of leave of absence, any scholarship funds already paid out during that period must be repaid.

I am enrolled in two degree programmes. For which programme should I apply?
Applications for a Germany Scholarship must be in one major subject that is studied at least 50 percent of time. If you are enrolled in several degree programmes, multiple applications (for several subjects) for a Germany Scholarhsip are not possible. Please decide which degree programme you are applying for. 

What is the application deadline?
Applications for Germany Scholarship are possible during the period indicated on our website which, according to the bylaws is from 1 August to 31 August. The application period can be postponed for important reasons, especially if there are no or insufficient scholarship funds available or if there are delays in the study operations. The online application portal will be activated during the application period, on the website of the scholarship programme. Please register and then fill out the online application form completely (including uploading all required documents and certificates). The application form has to be sent until the end of the application period (usually 31 August, 23:59 CET of each year).