The Cusanuswerk study scholarship (Studienstipendium des Cusanuswerks) is for young Catholics who live their faith. vocational trainees (Auszubildende), students and doctoral candidates can apply, and deadlines differ by group.
This guide explains which deadlines the application call names, which requirements apply and where the call gives no funding amounts.
Short answer: The Cusanuswerk requires a testimony of faith, very good results and commitment. The application call names deadlines for 2025, between 1 June and 1 November depending on the group. It gives no euro amounts. The federal upper limits are the frame of reference: up to 855 euros per month in university study plus a 300 euro study-costs allowance (status October 2026).
The most important points
- Eligible are vocational trainees, students and doctoral candidates. Each group has its own deadline.
- The call is addressed to young Catholics who live their faith.
- Very good results are required in school, vocational training and university. The call names no grade threshold.
- The call names no euro amounts, only a scholarship allowance and BAföG-like benefits.
- The selection process is not described in the call. It refers to the Cusanuswerk website.
Who can apply?
The application call is addressed to young Catholics who live their faith. It asks for a testimony of faith, commitment, academic excellence and social responsibility. The call names no age limit and gives no information on nationality. Your deadline depends on your group.
| Group | Application deadline 2025 according to the call |
|---|---|
| Vocational trainees | 1 June |
| First-year students at universities and universities of applied sciences | 1 July |
| Students at universities and universities of applied sciences | 1 August |
| Students at music academies | 1 August |
| Doctoral candidates | 1 June and 1 November |
| Students at art academies and art colleges | no self-application possible |
The deadlines come from a notice dated 24 April 2025. Check the Cusanuswerk website to see whether they apply unchanged for 2026.
Which grades are expected?
The call asks for very good results in school, vocational training and university. It names no specific grade threshold. If you are unsure whether your grades are sufficient, ask the foundation and make your commitment and your testimony of faith clearly visible. Our guide on how to apply for a scholarship explains how selection committees weigh these parts.
How does the application work?
The application call refers to the Cusanuswerk website for the procedure, where the steps are described. We do not reproduce procedure steps that we cannot confirm. Read the page completely before you apply, because documents and dates are listed there.
How high is the funding?
The call names a scholarship allowance and BAföG-like benefits but no amounts. We therefore do not adopt any euro sum from the foundation. The frame of reference is the federal upper limit for scholarship foundations, according to the Heinrich Böll Foundation, status October 2026.
| Benefit | Upper limit | Source and status |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum rate in university study | up to 855 euros per month, income-dependent under BAföG rules | Heinrich Böll Foundation, status October 2026 |
| Study-costs allowance | 300 euros per month, not income-dependent | Heinrich Böll Foundation, status October 2026 |
| Scholarship allowance of the Cusanuswerk | no amount in the call | Application call, notice of 24 April 2025 |
How much of this reaches you depends on your income and the type of funding. Only the foundation can state the exact amount. For how income is counted under BAföG, see BAföG 2026: Anspruch, Höhe und Rückzahlung erklärt (in German).
Working alongside your studies can affect your income and taxes. Our guide Nebenjob und Steuern: Das gilt für Minijob, Werkstudent und Co. (in German) gives an overview.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit?
The application call names no age limit. This matters mainly for people who start studying later or who do a doctorate after vocational training. Ask the Cusanuswerk directly if your path does not follow the usual pattern.
Does the deadline also apply to doctoral candidates?
According to the call, doctoral candidates have two deadlines, 1 June and 1 November. Check the year on the website as well.
Can I apply as a student at an art academy?
According to the call, self-application is not possible for students at art academies and art colleges. If you study there, ask the foundation whether other routes are open to you.
What does the testimony of faith mean in practice?
The call names the testimony of faith as a criterion but does not describe it further. Think about how you live your faith in everyday life and describe it concretely rather than in general terms. If you are unsure, ask the foundation before you write your motivation letter.
Is scholarship support also available during vocational training?
Yes, vocational trainees are one of the funded groups according to the call. For them the 2025 deadline was 1 June. Check on the Cusanuswerk website whether this date applies in 2026.
Do I have to pay tax on the scholarship?
Whether a scholarship is taxable depends on the amount and type of benefit. Our guide on whether a scholarship is taxable gives an overview. In individual cases a personal check may be needed.
What you should do now
- Check the deadline for your group and confirm whether it applies unchanged for 2026.
- Write down your testimony of faith and your commitment before you start the motivation letter.
- Gather your certificates from school, vocational training or university, because the call asks for very good results.
- Read the selection process on the Cusanuswerk website before you submit your application.
Related guides
- Rosa Luxemburg Foundation study scholarship: application and deadlines
- Friedrich Naumann Foundation study scholarship: selection and funding
- Hanns Seidel Foundation study scholarship: what is confirmed
- Scholarships for students in Germany
- How to apply for a scholarship
Sources: Cusanuswerk, application call (notice of 24 April 2025), Heinrich Böll Foundation, scholarship amounts of the scholarship foundations (status October 2026), Cusanuswerk, homepage (retrieved October 2026)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
