Studienstiftung

The German Academic Scholarship Foundation (German: Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes, or Studienstiftung for short) awards scholarship to exceptionally talented students and doctoral candidates in Germany. The Studienstiftung is non-political, non-denominational and ideologically independent. Its headquarters are located in Bonn; it also has an office in Berlin. The current President is Reinhard Zimmermann.

The Studienstiftung is funded by the federal government of Germany, the German federal states and local authorities, a large number of foundations and businesses as well as numerous private donors. In 2015, the Studienstiftung's budget was over €103 million. Since its foundation, it has supported over 65,000 students and doctoral candidates; it currently has over 60,000 alumni worldwide.

Initially founded in Dresden in 1925 as a department of the , an amalgamation of German student committees, the Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes was dissolved in 1934 under and replaced by the "Reichsförderung", a department of the newly founded . The Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes was newly formed as a registered association in in 1948. As well as offering scholarship programmes on a national level, since 2005 the Studienstiftung has also run the Max Weber Programme, which supports exceptionally talented students within the framework of the Bavarian Elite Support Act (BayEFG).

The German Academic Scholarship Foundation supports exceptionally talented students and doctoral candidates selected in accordance with its mission statement, which is based upon the principles of achievement, initiative and responsibility. Scholars are admitted through various channels:

If admission occurs before the end of the fourth semester, sponsorship is usually granted until the end of the sixth semester. An extension of the scholarship beyond the sixth semester usually depends on academic performance in the first four semesters. In borderline cases, aspects other than academic achievements – such as exceptional social engagement or particular personal circumstances – may positively influence the decision to approve further funding. After an application has been approved, funding is awarded from the 6th semester until studies are completed (for example, until the master's degree or state examinations have been completed). In 2014, 91% of requests for further funding were approved.

The Studienstiftung supports scholars both financially and academically.

Financial support includes a study expense allowance (€300 month) and a need-based basic scholarship, which is calculated according to the BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) and can currently be up to 825 € per month. PhD students receive a monthly award of €1,250. Additional funds are provided for students and PhD students with children. Financial support is regulated by the guidelines of the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Visits abroad are also supported by grants or overseas allowances and the partial payment of tuition fees. Under the terms of No. 11 (EStG – German Income Tax Law) scholarship payments are tax-free.

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