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University Scholarship

Merit scholarships for international students

by Universitaet Hamburg - Department of International Affairs

Stipend

Maximum EUR 992 per month

Duration

2 semesters (12 months); reapplication possible, maximum funding duration 2 years

Level

bachelor, master

Deadline

Application round ends 15 April (funding commences 1 October)

Overview

Supports outstanding international students in all subjects and at all degree levels so recipients can concentrate fully on their studies.

Provider

Universitaet Hamburg - Department of International Affairs

Type

university Scholarship

Who Can Apply

Non-German citizens only; applicants eligible for BAfoeG cannot be funded

Degree Levels

bachelor, master

Benefits & Financial Support

Funding Amount

Maximum EUR 992 per month

Eligibility Requirements

  • Enrolled degree-seeking international student at Universitaet Hamburg with at least 2 completed semesters (students in 2-year master programmes can apply after 1 completed semester)
  • doctoral researchers excluded
  • no semester abroad during funding
  • scholarship cannot be paid into a foreign bank account

What This Scholarship Covers

Living Allowance

Monthly stipend for rent, food, and daily expenses

In the provider's words

  • living costs

How to Apply

1

Check Eligibility

Verify you meet the nationality, degree level, academic, and language requirements listed above.

2

Prepare Documents

Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, letters of recommendation, language certificates, and motivation letter.

3

Find a Programme

Identify the German university and programme you want to study. Some scholarships require university admission before applying.

4

Submit Application

Apply through the official application portal before the deadline. Upload all required documents as PDFs.

5

Interview & Selection

If shortlisted, attend an interview (may be online). Selection committees assess academic merit, motivation, and fit.

6

Receive Decision

Scholarship decisions typically arrive 3-6 months after the deadline. If awarded, complete visa and enrolment procedures.

Application Document Checklist

  • Completed application form
  • Curriculum vitae (CV / resume)
  • Motivation letter / statement of purpose
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree certificate
  • Academic transcripts with grades
  • Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or DSH)
  • Letter(s) of recommendation from university professors
  • Valid passport copy
  • Passport-sized photograph
  • University admission letter (if already accepted)

Note: Exact document requirements vary. Always check the official scholarship page for the definitive list.

Need Help With Your Application?

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Quick Facts

Amount
Maximum EUR 992 per month
Duration
2 semesters (12 months); reapplication possible, maximum funding duration 2 years
Degree Levels
bachelor master
Deadline
Application round ends 15 April (funding commences 1 October)
Who Can Apply
Non-German citizens only; applicants eligible for BAfoeG cannot be funded

Frequently Asked Questions About the Merit scholarships for international students

The Merit scholarships for international students provides Maximum EUR 992 per month. The exact amount may vary depending on your study level, programme, and personal circumstances.
Enrolled degree-seeking international student at Universitaet Hamburg with at least 2 completed semesters (students in 2-year master programmes can apply after 1 completed semester); doctoral researchers excluded; no semester abroad during funding; scholarship cannot be paid into a foreign bank account
The application deadline is: Application round ends 15 April (funding commences 1 October). We recommend starting your application at least 3 months before the deadline to allow time for document preparation.
The target group for this scholarship is: Non-German citizens only; applicants eligible for BAfoeG cannot be funded. Indian students are generally eligible for most German scholarships if they meet the academic and language requirements.
This scholarship covers: living costs.
To apply: (1) Check you meet the eligibility requirements, (2) Prepare all required documents including transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and language certificates, (3) Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline. Apply at: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/internationales/studierende/incoming/studium-mit-abschluss/waehrend-des-studiums/finanzierung/leistungsstipendien.html

Other University Scholarships

Degree completion scholarships for international students

Universitaet Hamburg - Department of International Affairs

For degree-seeking international students enrolled at Universitaet Hamburg who need funding to complete their degree.

bachelor, master
International (non-German) degree-seeking students
Living costs

Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)

Universitaet Hamburg with federal/state government and private sponsors

Supports high-achieving and socially committed students from all disciplines; co-funded half by private sponsors and half by federal/state funds. Selection weig...

EUR 300 per month, non-repayable
bachelor, master
1 year (1 January - 31 December); extension possible annually
Deadline: Annual call mid-October to early November (2026 funding round: 22 October - 12 November 2025)
None - open to all enrolled students regardless of nationality, age, semester, or part-time/full-time status
Living costs