Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes - Haniel-Stipendienprogramm

Haniel scholarship for a master's abroad

For a Master’s degree programme in economics abroad, you will receive 1,500 EUR per month. In addition, you will receive a one-off travel allowance of 1,000 EUR, an initial payment of 500 EUR and a contribution towards tuition fees of up to 10,000 EUR per year. Over the entire period, the total amount may amount to approximately 62,500 EUR. The funding covers two to four semesters, up to a maximum of 22 months, and includes an internship of up to three months in a company. You will also become a member of the German National Academic Foundation and the global network of Haniel scholarship holders. This includes a kick-off meeting on the Haniel Campus in Duisburg as well as annual alumni meetings. The scholarship is awarded jointly by the Haniel Foundation and the German National Academic Foundation, which awards between seven and nine scholarships each year.

Who can apply

• Degree: You must hold a Bachelor’s, Master’s, Staatsexamen, Diplom or Magister degree, or be due to obtain one before the start of the programme. If you have already completed a PhD, you are not eligible to apply.
• What you study: A full Master’s degree programme abroad leading to an internationally recognised qualification. The subject area is irrelevant, but your study plan must have a clear link to business and entrepreneurship. Semesters abroad, PhD programmes, and part-time or distance-learning programmes are not eligible for funding.
• Where your degree is from: Your most recent qualification was awarded by a state or state-recognised higher education institution in Germany, the EU or Switzerland.
• Timing: As at the cut-off date of 15 October, your most recent qualification must not have been obtained more than five years ago. The date shown on the certificate is decisive.
• Grades: Your results are excellent and rank among the top 10% in your year group.
• Interest in business: You can demonstrate a genuine interest in business-related topics, for example through work experience, internships, a start-up or voluntary work.
• Nationality: German nationals may apply, regardless of whether or not they hold a German qualification. Non-German nationals may apply if they have obtained their university entrance qualification in Germany or at a German school abroad, or if they are EU citizens or Swiss nationals (or are treated as such under German law) and have obtained their most recent qualification in Germany.
• Age: No age restriction. The only requirement is the five-year rule relating to your most recent qualification.

How to apply

Please email your complete application documents as a single PDF file to the Studienstiftung by 15 October. The top 40 candidates will be invited to a three-day in-person selection seminar in Duisburg in mid-March, which will include two one-to-one interviews and group discussions. You will be notified of the outcome within four weeks of the seminar.

How realistic are your chances?

Only seven to nine scholarships are awarded each year – out of more than 120 applications – making it one of the most sought-after and best-paid awards in Germany. Top marks (top 10%) are the ticket to entry, but not the decisive factor. The selection committee looks for a clear focus on business, entrepreneurial ambition and alignment with its values. If you can demonstrate both outstanding academic results and concrete evidence of your commitment to the business world, you have a real chance of success.