Studienstiftung Explained

Studienstiftung
Type:Scholarship foundation
Preceding6:-->
Superseding6:-->
Jurisdiction:Germany
Headquarters:Bonn
Budget:€103 million
Minister8 Name:-->
Chief1 Position:President
Chief2 Name:Annette Julius
Chief2 Position:Secretary General
Child25 Agency:-->
Keydocument6:-->
Website:studienstiftung.de

The German Academic Scholarship Foundation (German: , or Studienstiftung for short) is Germany's largest[1] [2] and most prestigious scholarship foundation.[3] According to its statutes, it supports "the university education of young people who, on account of their exceptional academic or artistic talents and their personalities, can be expected to make an outstanding contribution to society as a whole".[4] The Studienstiftung is non-political, non-denominational and ideologically independent. Its headquarters are located in Bonn; it also has an office in Berlin. The current president is University of Bonn director, and its patron () is the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.[5]

The Studienstiftung, like 12 other scholarship foundations, is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research,[6] with funds from the federal government, the German federal states and local authorities, numerous foundations and businesses as well as numerous private donors.[7] In 2015, the Studienstiftung's budget was over €103 million. Between 1925 and 2015, it has supported over 65,000 students and doctoral candidates;, it had over 60,000 alumni worldwide.[8]

The selection process is extremely rigorous and only those students who show outstanding academic and personal promise are chosen. The Studienstiftung awards scholarships to fewer than 0.5% of German students.[9] It is often referred to as Germany's "secret elite university".[10]

History

Initially founded in Dresden in 1925 as a department of the Deutsche Studentenschaft, an amalgamation of German student committees, the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes was dissolved in 1934 under National Socialism and replaced by the "Reichsförderung", a department of the newly founded Reichsstudentenwerk. The Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes was newly formed as a registered association in Cologne in 1948.

Presidents of the !President!In office
Adolf Grimme1948–1963:364 [11]
Karl Theodor Bleek1963–1967:276
Rudolf Sieverts1967–1980:276
Werner Maihofer1980–1982:276
Manfred Eigen1982–1993:276
1993–2003[12]
2003–2011[13]
Reinhard Zimmermann2011–2023[14]
2023–[15]
Secretaries General of the !Secretary General!In office
Heinz Haerten1948–1970:286
Hartmut Rahn1970–1995[16] :365
Gerhard Teufel1995-2012[17]
Annette Julius2012–[18]

Admission

The Studienstiftung offers a general scholarship for bachelor's and master's studies that consists of both financial and academic support. Eligibility is based on the criteria for BAFöG, the German state support system for students. The Studienstiftung scholarship accepts only applicants that study full time at university. A part of an applicant's university studies must be at a university in Germany, in another EU country, or in Switzerland. German or EU citizenship are not required, and there are no age criteria.[19]

The Studienstiftung accepts exceptionally talented students and doctoral candidates selected in accordance with its mission statement, which is based upon the principles of "excellence, initiative and responsibility".[20] Scholarship holders (scholars) are admitted through various channels:[21]

  1. Nomination by a school: The principal of a high school or school with an upper secondary level can nominate one in 50 senior students for admission to the Studienstiftung. This student must excel both academically and in terms of social commitment. Nominated students attend a three-day selection seminar where their eligibility for funding is assessed in individual interviews and group discussions. 23.8% of students nominated in 2015 were offered admission to the Studienstiftung. There is no set admissions quota for the number of students admitted each year.
  2. Nomination by professors: Students at universities and universities of applied science can be nominated directly by university teachers. Again, candidates attend a selection seminar. In 2015, 48.3% of students nominated by their professors were offered admission to the Studienstiftung.
  3. Nomination by an examination board: Just as students can be nominated by schools, one in every 50 students in the second academic year in his/her respective study programme can be nominated by universities and universities of applied science. The nomination must be supported by a professor. The selection seminar is organised along the same lines as the selection seminar for students nominated by schools. In this case, however, the candidate's proven academic achievements at university also carry weight. In 2015, 28.8% of nominees were offered admission.
  4. Winners of a national or federal competition or nomination by select cooperation partners: Winners of or participants in various competitions on a national, federal or international level (e.g. Bundeswettbewerb Informatik, Bundeswettbewerb Mathematik, Bundeswettbewerb Fremdsprachen, Jugend forscht, Jugend debattiert, Internationale Mathematik-Olympiade, Internationale Physik-Olympiade, Altsprachenwettbewerb des Landes Baden-Württemberg) may be offered admission to the Studienstiftung. Select cooperation partners (e.g. START-Stiftung) may also nominate potential sponsorship candidates.
  5. Assessment Test: Since February 2010,[22] candidates can also put themselves forward for a scholarship. First and second-semester students can sign up for the Studienstiftung assessment test in January/February/March[23] each year. The test is held at test centres throughout Germany. The applicants with the best results are invited to attend the selection seminar. While the assessment test determines applicants' cognitive abilities, the selection seminar focuses on motivation, extracurricular interests, social commitment and social skills, which are assessed in personal interviews and group discussions.
  6. Nomination by alums: Studienstiftung alums may also nominate students who they consider appropriate, having taught them personally in school or university courses.
  7. Support of musicians and artists: After an internal pre-selection procedure, universities can nominate students of the fine arts, music and the performing arts for participation in a Studienstiftung selection seminar.

If admission occurs before the end of the fourth semester, sponsorship is usually granted until the end of the sixth semester. An extension of the scholarship beyond the sixth semester usually depends on academic performance in the first four semesters. In borderline cases, aspects other than academic achievements – such as exceptional social engagement or particular personal circumstances – may positively influence the decision to approve further funding. After an application has been approved, funding is awarded from the 6th semester until studies are completed (for example, until the master's degree or state examinations have been completed). In 2014, 91% of requests for further funding were approved.

The Studienstiftung also offers a doctoral scholarship for highly qualified and prosocial PhD students. The doctoral scholarship accepts applications from doctoral candidates at universities in Germany and at universities worldwide under certain conditions.[24]

Scholarships

General scholarship for undergraduate, graduate and PhD students

The general Studienstiftung scholarship consists of both financial and academic support.

Financial support

Financial support includes an allowance (€300 monthly). Scholars can receive a need-based basic scholarship, which is calculated according to the BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) and can be up to €744 per month.

PhD scholars receive a monthly award of €1,350 plus a research allowance of €100.[25] Additional funds are provided for students and PhD students with children. Financial support is regulated by the guidelines of the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).Visits abroad are also supported by grants or overseas allowances and the partial payment of tuition fees. Under the terms of No. 11 Einkommensteuergesetz (EStG – German Income Tax Law) scholarship payments are tax-free.

Academic support

The Studienstiftung's academic support includes summer schools, research groups, language courses, workshops and mentoring by local tutors, academics who carry out this task for the Studienstiftung on a voluntary basis. Scholars are required to submit a report on their studies and other activities every semester during the first semesters (usually until the end of the fourth semester), and once a year thereafter. Scholars can also apply for funding in order to organise their own conferences and other events.

The Studienstiftung offers yearly two-week subsidised summer academies, which are its "central event format" for scholarship holders.[26] Scholars themselves can also organise shorter academies and benefit from similar subsidisation.[27] For instance, queer scholarship holders have been making use of this possibility to organise annual meetings since 2001,[28] with financial support from the Studienstiftung since the 2014 edition.[29]

Internal scholarship programmes

In addition to its regular scholarship scheme, the Studienstiftung offers internal scholarship programmes for selected scholars and alumni. Examples include the KAUST-Studienstiftung programme, a joint partnership between the Saudi Arabian King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the Studienstiftung under the patronage of the German Federal Foreign Office which allows scholars from the STEM disciplines to join KAUST for research internships or to enrol in Master or PhD programs.[30] In the musical field, for example, in cooperation with the Beethoven House residence scholarships are awarded for young composers.[31]

Open scholarship programmes

Moreover, the Studienstiftung offers open scholarship programmes, which are run and financed in cooperation with other organisations. They include the McCloy Academic Scholarship Program, the ERP-Stipendienprogramm and the Carlo-Schmid-Programm. Participation in these scholarship programmes does not require previously holding a regular scholarship by the Studienstiftung.[32]

Since 2005 the Studienstiftung has also been running the Max Weber scholarship for students in Bavaria, introduced by the regional administration via the Bavarian Elite Support Act (BayEFG).[33] [34] [35]

Statistics

Year Studienstiftung scholars[36] [37] :109Number
of students
in Germany[38] 		Studienstiftungscholars as a share of students
Undergraduateand graduateDoctoral Total
2005 6,966 993 7,959 1,985,7650.40%
2006 7,352 946 8,298 1,979,0430.42%
2007 8,438 1,080 9,518 1,941,4050.49%
2008 10,030 1,194 11,224 2,025,3070.55%
2009 11,482 1,211 12,693 2,121,1780.60%
2010 11,336 1,303 12,639 2,217,2940.57%
2011 11,123 1,350 12,473 2,380,9740.52%
2012 11,373 1,274 12,647 2,499,4090.51%
2013 11,195 1,273 12,468 2,616,8810.48%
2014 11,858 1,184 13,042 2,698,9100.48%
2015 12,158 1,141 13,299 2,757,7990.48%
201612,8791,15614,0352,807,0100.50%
201712,7491,20213,9512,844,9780.49%
201812,7521,27014,0222,868,2220.49%
201912,9531,32114,2742,891,0490.49%
202013,4021,39314,795not availablenot available
German universities where over 1% of students are Studienstiftung scholars:113–114

! University!Type!Studienstiftungscholars as at

15 March 2020! Students inthe 2019/20

winter semester ! Studienstiftungscholars as a share of students

Heidelberg Universitypublic university63927,8182.30%
Hannover Medical Schoolpublic university743,4652.14%
Charitépublic university1557,8691.97%
University of Freiburgpublic university33624,0281.40%
University of Lübeckpublic university705,3311.31%
University of Tübingenpublic university28926,8421.08%
University of Mannheimpublic university12212,0881.01%
Bucerius Law Schoolprivate university74858 8.62%
Hertie Schoolprivate university22651 3.38%
Witten/Herdecke Universityprivate university422,6171.60%
Zeppelin Universityprivate university12903 1.33%
Cusanus Hochschuleprivate Fachhochschule61135.31%

Notable alums

Natural sciences

Social sciences

Business and NGOs

Politics and civil service

Arts

Journalism

See also

References

  1. Web site: 12 April 2016. Begabtenförderungswerke: Die 13 Stipendiengeber im Überblick. 9 July 2021. myStipendium. de.
  2. Web site: Begabtenförderungswerke. 9 July 2021. fowid.de. 31 August 2020 . de.
  3. News: Studienstiftung mit technischen Problemen. 9 July 2021. Der Tagesspiegel Online. de. Eine Förderung durch die Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes ist nicht nur wegen des monatlichen Förderbetrages attraktiv. Das Stipendium gilt auch als höchste Auszeichnung im Feld akademischer Begabtenförderung..
  4. Web site: Facts and figures Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. 26 July 2021. www.studienstiftung.de.
  5. Web site: Schirmherr Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. 9 May 2021. www.studienstiftung.de.
  6. Web site: BMBF-Internetredaktion. Die Begabtenförderungswerke – BMBF. 9 May 2021. Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung – BMBF. de.
  7. Web site: Jahresbericht Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. 9 May 2021. www.studienstiftung.de.
  8. Web site: Daten und Fakten . 28 June 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150924111111/http://www.studienstiftung.de/daten.html . 24 September 2015 .
  9. Web site: Facts and figures Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. 9 May 2021. www.studienstiftung.de.
  10. News: Lehn. Das Gespräch Führte Birgitta Vom. 13 April 2008. Elite sein wird einfacher. DIE WELT. 9 May 2021.
  11. Web site: NDR . Adolf Grimme - Kulturpolitiker und Generaldirektor des NWDR (Seite 3) . 31 August 2023 . www.ndr.de . de.
  12. Web site: Uni Regensburg feiert ihr "Urgestein" . 31 August 2023 . Mittelbayerische.de . de.
  13. Web site: Pressemitteilungen Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes . 31 August 2023 . www.studienstiftung.de.
  14. Web site: Präsidentschaft von Reinhard Zimmermann Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes . 31 August 2023 . www.studienstiftung.de.
  15. Web site: Pressemitteilungen Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes . 31 August 2023 . www.studienstiftung.de.
  16. Book: Kunze, Rolf-Ulrich . Die Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes seit 1925: zur Geschichte der Hochbegabtenförderung in Deutschland . 2001 . Akad.-Verl . 978-3-05-003638-0 . 1. Aufl . Edition Bildung und Wissenschaft . Berlin.
  17. Web site: Dr. Gerhard Teufel . 31 August 2023 . www.daad.de . de.
  18. Web site: Studienstiftung . Lebenslauf Annette Julius .
  19. Web site: Voraussetzungen Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. 9 May 2021. www.studienstiftung.de.
  20. Web site: Mission Statement Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. 9 May 2021. www.studienstiftung.de.
  21. Web site: Bewerbung und Auswahl Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. 9 May 2021. www.studienstiftung.de.
  22. Web site: Aktuelles – Neuer Auswahltest der Studienstiftung. www.studienstiftung.de. 27 June 2016.
  23. Web site: Selbstbewerbung Test. www.studienstiftung.de. 7 March 2017.
  24. Web site: Bewerbung Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. 9 May 2021. www.studienstiftung.de.
  25. Web site: Financial support Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. 9 May 2021. www.studienstiftung.de.
  26. Web site: Akademien Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes . 28 May 2022 . www.studienstiftung.de.
  27. Web site: SmP – Stipendiatinnen und Stipendiaten machen Programm Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes . 28 May 2022 . www.studienstiftung.de.
  28. Web site: 1 June 2021 . Queerstifti Bundestreffen . 28 May 2022 . CT das radio.
  29. Web site: 27 November 2013 . Stipendiaten machen Programm! . 31 August 2023 . Queer Stifti Treffen . de-DE.
  30. Web site: KAUST-Programm der Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes – Forschung, Sprache und Kultur im Königreich Saudi-Arabien. Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes. 3 June 2018. 26 February 2017. de.
  31. Web site: Förderung für Studierende – Komponistenresidenz. Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes. 3 June 2018. 3 June 2018. de.
  32. Web site: Offene Stipendienprogramme Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes. 9 May 2021. www.studienstiftung.de.
  33. Web site: 16 June 2015. Zehn Jahre Max Weber-Programm. 9 May 2021. www.studienstiftung.de.
  34. Web site: BayEFG: Bayerisches Eliteförderungsgesetz (BayEFG) Vom 26. April 2005 (GVBl. S. 104) BayRS 2230-2-3-WK (Art. 1–11) – Bürgerservice. 9 May 2021. www.gesetze-bayern.de.
  35. Web site: State of Bavaria: Max Weber Programme. 9 May 2021. Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD).
  36. Web site: Jahresbericht 2015. 15 January 2016. Studienstiftung. 212 (Tabelle 1 Geförderte in Studium und Promotion). de. PDF 4,35 MB.
  37. Web site: Jahresbericht 2020. 9 July 2021. Studienstiftung. de.
  38. Web site: Studierende insgesamt und Studierende Deutsche nach Geschlecht. 9 July 2021. Federal Statistical Office of Germany. de.

Further reading

External links

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