Scholarships are reserved for the best? Wrong! You are committed and confident? Then, there are also many other ways for successfully applying for a scholarship.
Although many student grants are awarded by organizations specifically promoting young talent, scholarships are not only available to high-fliers. There are also other factors that can convince scholarship providers, for example if you are active in voluntary work. Other student grants are provided for specific groups, e.g. for student moms or mothers who complete their doctoral degree or for non-academics.
It might take a little effort to find the right grant provider, but it pays off in the end. A study by the Allensbach Institute for Public Opinion Research carried out in 2009 found that about one third of all scholarship applications were successful (see p. 47 et seqq.).
In its network, the KU is fortunate to have several foundations and sponsors who award prizes, scholarships and grants to KU students and early-career researchers.
The organizations promoting young talent award scholarships funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). In most cases, these also include non-material components such as seminar offers, group meetings etc.
More information is available here.
Many of these organizations have their own university group at the KU. More information is available in German here.
The Deutschlandstipendium awarded by the German Federal Government was launched in the 2011 summer semester and is provided irrespective of income. Students who are successful in securing a grant receive 300 euros per month on top of the German federal student grant (BAföG) or other income they may have.
More information on the Deutschlandstipendium at the KU is available here.
Besides the 13 largest organizations for the promotion of young talent and supporters close to the University, in German you will find a list of other grant providers here that support students financially in different ways.
Occasionally, supporters contact the KU directly; you will find the corresponding offers here.
More information on funding opportunities and scholarships for international students is available here.
Following the in-person scholarship information day held in Eichstätt this summer, an online event on scholarships is planned for the 2026/2027 winter semester in collaboration with the International Office. This will also be held in English to meet demand. The date will be announced as soon as possible.
Each semester, at the start of the university term, the Scholarship Coordination Office organises the webinar ‘Applying for a Scholarship Made Easy’ in collaboration with the Career Centre. This event is aimed specifically at students who have so far hesitated to apply for a scholarship. The webinar offers valuable insights and practical tips on how to approach and successfully navigate the application process. Take this opportunity to ask your questions and find the motivation to take that first step. Discover how a scholarship can make your day-to-day student life significantly easier and gain the confidence to showcase your skills and potential in the application process.
The next session will take place in the winter semester of 2026 on Thursday, 29 October 2026, from 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm. Registration will open in the autumn via the Career Centre. We look forward to your participation.
Students are also welcome to contact the Student Advising Office. E-Mail: studierendenberatung(at)ku.de.
Here is the direct link to the KU Student Advising Office.
For some scholarship foundations, there are faculty advisors at KU who serve as contact persons; they welcome inquiries, assist with applications, and can also write the necessary letters of recommendation. Please feel free to first contact the professors and faculty members at KU whom you know well.
Our Scholarship Advisors:
Prof. Dr. Klaus Stüwe for the Konrad Adenauer Foundation
Prof. Dr. Klaudia Schultheis for the Hanns Seidel Foundation
Prof. Dr. Stefan Schieren for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation
PD Dr. Anna Ginestí Rosell for the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
Prof. Dr. Friederike Reents for the Max-Weber-Programm Bayern
Prof. Dr. Dr. Andreas Weckwerth for the Cusanuswerk
Prof. Dr. Norbert Paulo for the Heinrich Böll Stiftung
Claudia Reng as University Coordinator for the Deutschlandstipendium KU
This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented with additional faculty advisors—whether currently serving, newly appointed, or not listed here. In addition, students or former students who are or were scholarship recipients of a foundation and are willing to serve as contacts may also be listed here. Please email claudia.reng@ku.de. Help us support our KU students in their scholarship applications.