Ernst Ludwig Ehrlich Studienwerk - ELES-Scholarship (Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk)

What you get

You will receive a lump sum of study allowance of 300 EUR per month, which every scholarship holder receives. In addition, there is an income-related grant of up to 855 EUR per month. This grant is based on your income and that of your parents and is calculated in a similar way to the German BAföG. You will also receive contributions towards your health and long-term care insurance. None of this needs to be repaid.

ELES also funds study, research and work placement stays abroad, as well as language courses to help you prepare for them. In addition to financial support, you will take part in an educational programme covering key aspects of Jewish life, become part of a mentoring network comprising experienced mentors and former scholarship holders (alumni), and join a close-knit circle of fellow scholarship holders. ELES is one of the 13 organisations for gifted pupils in Germany and the Jewish community’s scholarship programme. It is funded by the Federal Government and the Central Council of Jews in Germany.

Who can apply

• Community: You belong to the Jewish community. Patrilineal descent counts, and both secular and religious applicants are funded equally.
• University: You are studying at a state or state-recognised university, university of applied sciences, art college or music college in Germany, an EU country or Switzerland.
• Nationality: You are a German national, a citizen of an EU country, or, as someone who has completed their education in Germany, you are entitled to state study grants. If you do not belong to this last group, you will need German language skills at level B2.
• Timing: You still have at least 4 semesters left on a Bachelor’s or State Examination degree programme, or at least 3 semesters left on a Master’s degree programme. ELES does not only provide support during the final phase of your studies.
• Grades: You have a very good track record of academic achievement at school and university. There is no minimum grade requirement.
• Engagement: You are actively involved in society, for example in the Jewish community, in a club, in youth work or in a student organisation, and you will continue this involvement throughout the funding period. Without this involvement, your application stands little chance of success.
• Age: No age limit.

How to apply

You apply through the ELES online portal in one of two yearly windows. The first runs 1 to 31 October for a start the following April. The second runs 1 to 30 April for a start that October. The portal closes at 16:00 on the last day. If your application passes the formal check, you are invited to an in-person selection seminar. It includes two individual interviews and a group discussion, held in August or February.