The Hanns Seidel Foundation has initiated its 2026 scholarship application cycle, targeting international students, doctoral researchers, and journalism-focused applicants. This competitive scholarship emphasises the need for demonstrable academic excellence, social responsibility, and engagement in democratic values. It aims to support those seeking to contribute public value through their education.
Application Deadline:
- Summer cycle: 15 June 2026 – 15 July 2026
- Winter cycle: 15 December 2026 – 15 January 2027
Tell Me About the Award Programme:
The Hanns Seidel Foundation Scholarships support international students, doctoral candidates, and journalism applicants who demonstrate academic excellence, voluntary engagement, and commitment to democratic values. The programme is designed to foster socially responsible leaders who actively contribute to the public good while pursuing higher education in Germany.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Tracks include:
- Student Funding – for university students with strong academic records and voluntary engagement.
- Doctoral Funding – for PhD candidates with a well‑developed dissertation project and academic supervision.
- International Student & Doctoral Funding – open to non‑German applicants studying or researching in Germany.
- Journalistic Support Programme – for students with academic promise and media/journalism work samples.
Type:
- Scholarship Award | Germany | Multiple Academic Levels
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be students or doctoral candidates connected to study/research in Germany.
- Demonstrate academic strength with proper certificates/transcripts.
- Provide voluntary engagement certificates proving unpaid, public‑oriented service.
- Submit academic recommendation letters before the deadline.
- International applicants must show German language proficiency (minimum B2).
- Journalism applicants must provide up to five work samples (PDF or links for multimedia).
How Are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Academic performance.
- Documented voluntary/public engagement.
- Quality of study/doctoral research plan.
- Recommendations from professors or supervisors.
- Participation in a selection conference after preliminary review.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- All countries worldwide.
- Open to international students and doctoral candidates with German language proficiency.
Where is the Award Taken?
- Germany (various universities and research institutions).
How Many Awards?
- Multiple scholarships awarded annually across different tracks.
What is the Benefit of the Award Programme?
- Financial support for study or doctoral research.
- Structured academic and professional development.
- Recognition of voluntary engagement and civic responsibility.
- Opportunity to join a network of socially committed scholars in Germany.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Duration depends on study or doctoral programme (multi‑year support possible).
Required Documents:
- Tabular CV (PDF).
- Detailed narrative CV (2–4 pages).
- Study/doctoral goals outline or dissertation exposé.
- Certificates of academic qualifications.
- Volunteer work certificates.
- Letters of recommendation (professors, supervisors, or teachers).
- Proof of German language proficiency (minimum B2).
- Journalism applicants: up to five work samples.
How to Apply:
- Apply via the Hanns Seidel Foundation application portal.
- Upload all required documents (incomplete applications cannot be submitted).
- Submit within the relevant cycle:
- Summer: 15 June – 15 July 2026.
- Winter: 15 December 2026 – 15 January 2027.
- Applicants will be informed of results about four weeks after the deadline.
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
