Financial support for science

A scholarship or fellowship denotes financial support for students, doctoral candidates, academics and . The amount and duration vary depending on the type of scholarship or fellowship and funding institution. The scholarship providers either pay their scholarship holders a certain one-off lump sum or in instalments over a longer period. These are usually grants that the beneficiaries do not need to repay.

The award of a scholarship or fellowship funds education or . The funds can be used for different purposes:

• Tuition fees
• Living costs
• Research expenditure
• Travel expenses

In addition to monetary support, scholarship programmes also offer access to networks and mentoring programmes.

The way to obtain a scholarship or fellowship is to submit an application

The application process is a precursor to obtaining a scholarship or fellowship. The submission usually includes an application, CV and letter of recommendation. A letter of motivation and/or research plan may however also be required when applying for a scholarship or fellowship.

Various criteria are then considered when selecting scholarship holders. A scholarship or fellowship is often awarded based on academic performance or special abilities – in sports for example. Albeit financial need, a particular research project or social commitment can also qualify students and researchers for a scholarship or fellowship.

Which types of scholarship are available?

The award of a scholarship or fellowship depends among other things on the respective funding area. Because different scholarships are awarded for different purposes.

It could for instance be an academic fellowship. Students at all educational levels can benefit from such financial support. Academic education can be funded during studies or whilst undertaking a .

Research fellowships involve researchers receiving money for the implementation of a specific . This type of fellowship is often associated with a clearly defined objective – a successfully completed PhD for example.

An international scholarship or fellowship abroad seeks to promote studies abroad or international research projects. Its intention among other things is to fund academic exchange on an international level. Academics and researchers are thus also enabled to gain international experience.

Performance scholarships or fellowships are paid based on outstanding performance in specific fields. This may be in the academic domain, but can also include exceptional sporting or artistic performance.

Needs-based scholarships conversely seek to address the financial needs of students and researchers. The particular intention is that such a scholarship or fellowship funds people from low-income families.

Albeit there are also special scholarship programmes for specific target groups. This could for instance include women in academia and technology. And there are also specific scholarships for minorities, people with disabilities, or individuals who are especially committed in the social or civic sector.

Examples of well-known scholarships and scholarship providers

Students, academics and researchers can receive financial support in the form of a scholarship or fellowship from a wide variety of institutions. The most common scholarship providers include state institutions, foundations, universities and higher education institutions, but also companies and international organisations.

The promotes scientific cooperation between foreign and German researchers with research fellowships and that are individually tailored to different career situations. The most important selection criterion is personal excellence.

The German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst – DAAD) is a major scholarship provider and offers numerous scholarships for students and researchers. Its particular focus is on funding studies and research stays abroad.

also offers scholarships for studies abroad and internships in Europe. This European Union programme seeks to promote education, youth and sport.

conversely enables people to study, conduct research or teach in the USA. It is an international exchange programme for students, researchers and teaching staff.

The funds students and first-year students who demonstrate outstanding performance. In the case of this scholarship, however, the concept of performance is very broadly formulated. It could include good grades or academic achievements. Albeit even students who assume responsibility or have successfully overcome barriers in their lives or education are considered for the Deutschlandstipendium.

Extraordinary academic performance and social commitment are awarded a scholarship from the , among others. This foundation awards scholarships to students and doctoral candidates.