University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships 2025
Funding Type: Partial Funding
Institution: University of Hamburg
Degree Levels: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
Eligible Fields of Study: All Subjects
Target Audience: International Students
Location: Germany
Application Deadline: October 15, 2024
Overview
The University of Hamburg offers merit scholarships for 2025 to support exceptional international students and doctoral researchers in all fields of study. These scholarships are designed to allow recipients to concentrate on their academic pursuits and develop their skills without the burden of financial constraints.
About the University of Hamburg
Founded in 1919, the University of Hamburg is one of Germany’s largest and most prestigious universities. Located in the vibrant city of Hamburg, it provides a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, medicine, and law. The university emphasizes research through its numerous centers and institutes and is a proud member of the German U15, known for its significant contributions to innovative research and education.
With over 40,000 students, including a substantial number of international scholars, the University of Hamburg encourages interdisciplinary studies and sustainability initiatives. Its campus, situated in the Rotherbaum quarter near the city center, offers students a wealth of cultural and social experiences while actively addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and social inequality.
Why Choose the University of Hamburg?
- Diverse Academic Programs: A comprehensive array of disciplines to suit every interest.
- Research Focus: Strong emphasis on cutting-edge research and innovation.
- Cultural Opportunities: Access to a rich cultural and social environment in one of Germany’s most dynamic cities.
- Support for International Students: Dedicated programs and initiatives aimed at fostering international student success.
Degree Levels
The University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships 2025 are available for international students pursuing Bachelor, Master, or PhD programs at the University of Hamburg in Germany.
Available Subjects
This scholarship program offers the opportunity to study all subjects available at the university.
Benefits of the Scholarship
Recipients of the University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships can enjoy the following benefits:
- Monthly Stipend: Up to €930.
- Higher Stipend for Doctoral Researchers: Doctoral researchers may qualify for a stipend of €1,200 per month (limited availability, awarded to 2-3 recipients per round).
- Duration of Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded for 2 semesters (1 year), with the option to reapply.
- Possible Extension: In exceptional cases, the funding period may be extended to 3 years.
Important Note
Students who meet the requirements of Section 8 of the German Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) are not eligible for this scholarship program.
Eligible Nationalities
This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities, encouraging diverse participation in academic pursuits at the University of Hamburg.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
General Requirements
- International Student Status: Applicants must be international students and cannot hold German citizenship.
- Enrollment Duration: Candidates must be enrolled at Universität Hamburg for at least:
- 2 semesters for most programs.
- 1 semester for students in 2-year Master’s programs and doctoral researchers.
- Federal Student Loan Scheme: Applicants must not be eligible for the federal student loan scheme in Germany.
Application Procedure
Key Dates and Steps
Application Deadlines
- April 15th (for funding from October 1st to September 30th of the same year)
- October 15th (for funding from April 1st to March 31st of the following year)
Ready to Apply Online?
- Step-by-Step Guide: A detailed guide is available on the university’s website.
- Choose Your Application Period: Log in with your STiNE ID. Note that separate application forms are required for each deadline (April 15th and October 15th).
- Register: Use your official student email address for registration.
Required Documents
Prepare and upload the following documents to the online application portal:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of Motivation
- Proof of Social and/or Intercultural Activities (if applicable)
- Academic Transcript:
- For Bachelor’s or State Examination students: STiNE printout of “Leistungskonto” or current transcript.
- For Master’s or PhD students: Most recent degree certificate with grades (in English or German).
- Evaluations: Two evaluations from full-time teaching staff members with doctorates at Universität Hamburg.
Important Reminder
Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Start gathering your documents early to ensure a smooth application process.
Additional Requirement
- Proof of Residence Permit: This must be submitted directly to the program coordinator before the deadline.
- EU Citizens: Provide your identity card and German residence registration certificate (“Meldebescheinigung”).
Contact the program coordinator via email to schedule an appointment. (Note: These documents will not be stored.)
Selection Process
A committee composed of faculty members and representatives from the student council (ASTA) will evaluate and award the scholarships based on merit.
Results Notification
Applicants will receive notification via email approximately 8-11 weeks after the application deadline. You can also check the online portal for updates on your application status.
