The scholarship of the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German National Academic Foundation) is one of the scholarship foundations that receive federal funds. This guide explains how to get into the programme, how selection is described and which funding components apply.
Short answer: You either get proposed by an authorised body or apply yourself to the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. Universities point to the self-application window mainly for the first and second semester. The reference values for students are up to 855 euros per month plus a 300 euro study cost allowance (federal BMFTR funds, as of October 2026).
The most important points
- Access: you are either proposed or you apply yourself. The website has separate pages for both routes.
- Self-application: universities name the first and second semester as the window.
- Selection: the procedure is described on its own sub-page. We do not summarise the steps here because we did not verify every detail.
- Funding: the study rate of 855 euros is income-based under BAföG rules. The 300 euro study cost allowance is not income-based.
- Doctoral students: higher rates apply, up to 1,750 euros basic scholarship (as of October 2026).
Who can propose, and who applies directly?
The Studienstiftung offers two routes. With a proposal, a qualified body recommends you. With a self-application, you put yourself forward. The website answers who may propose on a separate page titled “Wer kann vorschlagen?” (in German). That list can change, so we do not reproduce it here.
For self-applications, a call by TU Dresden (in German) shows that students in the first and second semester are invited to apply. Such calls are usually published by the universities themselves. Ask your university whether there is a date or a contact person before you research on your own.
| Point | Information | Status and source |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Proposal or self-application | Studienstiftung website, as of October 2026 |
| Self-application window | First and second semester per university call | TU Dresden call, no date in the text |
| Selection | Procedure described on its own sub-page | Website, as of October 2026 |
| Study funding rate | Up to 855 euros per month, income-based | BMFTR funds, as of October 2026 |
| Study cost allowance | 300 euros per month, not income-based | BMFTR funds, as of October 2026 |
How is selection done?
The website refers to a separate page titled “Wer wählt aus?” (in German). We did not verify in detail which documents are required or how many stages there are. We therefore do not list procedural steps that no source confirms. The following steps help you prepare without assuming a particular process.
- Read the pages on eligibility and on application and selection in full before you submit anything.
- Clarify whether a proposal or a self-application applies to you, and note the responsible body.
- Ask your university about the dates for self-applications in the first or second semester.
- Gather evidence of your academic results and your commitment early, so you are not under time pressure.
How high is the funding?
The scholarship foundations receive funds from the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). The Heinrich Böll Foundation published the scholarship rates for these funds in October 2026. The rates apply to foundations that use BMFTR funds. Whether the Studienstiftung adds its own supplements is best checked on its website.
| Funding component (BMFTR funds) | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Study rate (maximum) | up to 855 euros per month | income-based under BAföG rules |
| Study cost allowance | 300 euros per month | not income-based |
| Basic scholarship for doctorates | up to 1,750 euros per month | maximum rate |
| Research cost allowance for doctorates | 100 euros per month | flat allowance |
| Family allowance for doctorates | 155 euros per month | supplement |
Assumption: you study in the first semester, receive the full rate of 855 euros and the study cost allowance of 300 euros. Assumption: your countable income leads to no reduction, and funding runs for twelve months. That gives 1,155 euros per month and 13,860 euros per year. The actual payment can be lower, because the study rate is reduced depending on income.
Does a scholarship of this kind suit your situation?
This kind of scholarship suits you well if you plan to study for several years and can keep deadlines and selection dates in mind. It suits you less well if you need money at short notice, because applying and selection take time. A scholarship also does not automatically replace BAföG, since the amount depends on your income.
- Likely suitable: you can meet deadlines and plan your studies over several years.
- Likely less suitable: you need funding within a few weeks or you cannot follow the dates the university announces.
How does the scholarship relate to BAföG?
The study rate is income-based under BAföG rules. This means your income can reduce the payment. Our guide Stipendium im Studium finden (in German) explains how to combine BAföG and a scholarship. Tax questions on scholarships are covered in Is a Scholarship Taxable? Tax and Social Insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply to the Studienstiftung myself?
Yes, according to university calls there is a self-application route. It is aimed mainly at students in the first and second semester. The website shows under “Bewerbung und Auswahl” (in German) whether it applies to you.
From which semester can I apply?
The university call names the first and second semester. In the sources we checked, we found no information about later semesters. If in doubt, ask the Studienstiftung directly before you decide not to apply.
How much is the scholarship?
There is no single fixed sum. The reference value for study is up to 855 euros per month, income-based, plus a study cost allowance of 300 euros that does not depend on income. Your exact amount depends on your income and the rules of the foundation.
Does the funding also apply to a doctorate?
For doctoral students, the rates list a basic scholarship of up to 1,750 euros per month, a research cost allowance of 100 euros and a family allowance of 155 euros (as of October 2026). Our guide Scholarships for students: Types, providers, requirements gives a wider overview of funding options.
Where can I find current deadlines?
Deadlines and selection dates are published on the Studienstiftung website and in university calls. Both can change. Do not rely on older information from forums or articles. Check the current pages before every application.
What to do next
- Check on the Studienstiftung website whether a proposal or a self-application is possible for you.
- Ask your university for the date of the self-application in the first or second semester.
- Treat the maximum rate as an upper limit and check with your income what is realistic for you.
- Compare the offer with other funding options, for example through Stipendium bewerben: So überzeugst du die Auswahlgremien (in German).
Related guides
- Scholarships for students: Types, providers, requirements
- Is a Scholarship Taxable? Tax and Social Insurance
- Promotion finanzieren: Stelle, Stipendium oder Eigenmittel im Vergleich (in German)
- Stipendium im Studium finden: Arten, Anbieter und Voraussetzungen (in German)
Sources: Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes, website (as of October 2026, in German), Heinrich Böll Foundation, scholarship rates of the scholarship foundations (as of October 2026, in German), TU Dresden, notice on the Studienstiftung application (no date, in German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
