Scholarships
In Germany, there are 13 Organizations for the promotion of young talent (Begabtenförderungswerke), funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. These organizations support talented and high-achieving and gifted students and doctoral candidates – both financially and through personal development.
Each organization has its own profile and represents a specific worldview (e.g., political parties, religious communities), yet they all share a common goal: to foster young talent, strengthen social engagement, and help shape the future.
Use the following information to find the right scholarship for you.
German Scholarships
Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst is the scholarship organization of the Protestant Church in Germany (Evangelische Kirche Deutschlands, EKD) and awards scholarships for studying at universities of applied sciences and universities all over Germany. They support students from all disciplines and subject areas. Important criteria are their enthusiasm for their own subject, good performances and a keen interest in interdisciplinary topics.
They are glad to receive applications from students and school graduates and support students of all denominations and religions without trial periods for the whole duration of their studies. All in all, they offer students intensive and individual support, a varied and interdisciplinary range of seminars as well as co-determination on all levels of our institution.
The Friedrich-Ebert Foundation is the oldest political foundation in Germany. It campaigns for the core ideas and values of social democracy: freedom, justice and solidarity. It has a close connection to social democracy and free trade unions. Since they provide our foreign scholarship holders with an extensive social and political by-program, German language proficiency is key for FES scholars. Application is only possible after enrollment or acceptance in a university or a university of applied science.
The Hanns Seidel Foundation is a political foundation close to the CSU and supports committed young talents through a scholarship program. It awards scholarships to students and doctoral candidates of all disciplines at all state recognized universities in Germany and in neighboring border regions abroad. International students are also welcome to apply. Requirements include above average academic performance as well as active social and political volunteer engagement. In addition to financial support, non material funding plays a central role. This includes seminars and events on political education, current social issues, and opportunities for personal development, such as rhetoric or leadership training. A special feature is the journalism support program for those aiming to pursue a career in the media sector, regardless of their field of study. Scholarship holders also benefit from access to a large network and support with career planning.
The Hans Böckler Foundation supports students and doctoral candidates and is the scholarship program of the German Trade Union Confederation. They support talented and committed young people during their apprenticeships, studies, doctoral studies, or on their way to obtaining a high school diploma through adult education.
The scholarships are more than just financial security: more than 120 annual events are at the heart of the scholarship program and offer the opportunity to engage with important societal issues and build valuable networks.
The Scholarship Department supports socially involved, politically interested young people who are committed to the causes, goals, and values of the Heinrich-Böll-Foundation worldwide: democracy and human rights, ecology, sustainability, gender equality and anti-discrimination, and the arts & culture.
They support up to 1,600 graduate and PhD students from all disciplines, including up to 100 international students and PhD candidates in their pursuit of Master's degree or PhD in Germany. To them, promoting young talent is a contribution to the democratic culture.
They foster greater equality of opportunity and equitable access to education. This is why they place a particular focus on underrepresented groups such as women, especially in STEM subjects, or refugees. They also foster international understanding by promoting international exchange, intercultural dialog, and networking.
Study successfully with financial support, meet inspiring people, and participate in a wide range of seminars – the Konrad Adenauer Foundation's scholarship programs offer this and much more. These programs are aimed at prospective students, current students, and doctoral candidates with good to excellent grades, who are involved in volunteer work and share the KAS values. In addition to financial support, a scholarship also provides valuable non-material support in the form of numerous seminars, personal mentoring, and a strong community.
The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation is a political educational institution with close ties to the political party DIE LINKE. Its goal is to contribute to democracy, social justice, and solidarity through political education, as well as to counteract social, gender, and ethnic discrimination. These values form the basis of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation's scholarship and doctoral program.
The Studienförderwerk Klaus Murmann is the scholarship program of the Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft gGmbH and supports high-achieving, committed students and doctoral candidates across all fields of study and types of universities.
They empower young people to develop into value-oriented and entrepreneurial leaders in business, science, and education. In addition to financial support, the current 2,000 scholarship recipients receive a comprehensive program of non-material benefits focusing on start-ups and entrepreneurship, sustainability, transformation, business journalism, and education.
All students receive a monthly study allowance of €300. The amount of the additional living allowance depends on the family's financial situation. There are also additional benefits, e.g., for stays abroad. The benefits do not have to be repaid.
Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft (Studienförderwerk Klaus Murmann)
Further Scholarship Opportunities
The decisive factor for obtaining the TUM Deutschlandstipendium is your individual contribution – and not just your academic performance. If you are accepted into the Deutschlandstipendien program, you will receive 300 euros per month. Half of the amount is financed by the federal government, the other half is financed by a sponsor from industry or the private sector. As a rule, you will also receive valuable contact with your sponsor as part of a non-material sponsorship.
Enrolled students who were born in Heilbronn, have their primary residence here, or have attended a Heilbronn school for an extended period of time are eligible to apply for the City of Heilbronn scholarship. Application requirements include good academic performance or financial hardship. The scholarship amounts to a maximum of €220 per month and is limited to one semester. Repeat awards are possible.
The sports scholarship, unique in Germany, supports active competitive athletes during their Bachelor's or Master's degree course. The promotion of the dual career consists of organizational and financial support. Since 2024, thanks to the commitment of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation as a sponsor, students at the TUM Campus Heilbronn have also been able to apply for a place in the elite sports scholarship program. Interested students can contact the elite sports coordinator, Jan Willner.
Credit financed: BAföG
BAföG (Federal Education & Training Assistance Act) is a government program that helps students who need financial support to fund their education. It provides a solid financial foundation so you can focus on what matters most: your studies.
How much funding can you get? The amount depends on several factors, including your parents’ or spouse’s income, your own income and assets, and your living situation. BAföG is granted half as a grant and half as an interest-free loan.
Additional benefits: Housing allowance, Childcare allowance, BAföG for studying abroad
For TUM Campus Heilbronn Students, the Munich Student Services (Studierendenwerk München) is your point of contact for BAföG advice and applications.
If you click the button, you’ll find: Detailed information on study financing, a step-by-step guide to the BAföG application process, all application forms ready for download.
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- Job Board: All new positions (external and TUM) for internships or mini-jobs that we receive at the Service Point are posted on the bulletin board in front of the Steve Jobs classroom (Building 2, ground floor, room D.0.01).
- The Career Factory is a one-day event held each year on the Heilbronn Campus. It connects students and companies in a professional setting focused on exchange and collaboration. This event is your opportunity to network, exchange ideas about the regional working world, and build valuable connections for the future.
- TUM Jobportal
Further Information
- TUM scholarships
- For all your questions related to scholarships or advice, you can contact:
TUM Center for Study and Teaching
Scholarship Office
Phone: +49 89 289 28067
E-mail: stipendien@zv.tum.de - Stipendiumplus