What we do
You and Europe - European Scholarship Programme
European Scholarship Programme - You and Europe
The European Scholarship Programme is aimed at European students wishing to complete a master’s programme in Germany. “Europe” in this case is to be understood in its geographical entirety and thus independent of membership in the European Union. The objective of the programme is to promote European understanding while preserving cultural diversity. Specifically, the programme seeks to promote international dialogue on European issues and create a network of outstanding, socially engaged students who are committed to European cohesion. Through dialogue, exchanges and lasting connections between scholarship holders, the programme also endeavours to strengthen tolerance, respect and understanding as well as acceptance of opposing beliefs and cultural diversity. The programme was developed by the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes) and the Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. and will be financed cooperatively by both partners.
For the next round (start of the Master’s programme in fall 2025), the programme will be open to students from the following countries: Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Israel, Italy, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Switzerland, Spain, Turkey.
We offer a monthly Zoom call where you can ask any questions you may have.
Programme description
13 or 14 scholarships will be granted each year from the 2025/26 academic year, so from the second funding year onwards there will typically be 27 students studying in Germany at any given time. The scholarship holders may be citizens of any of Europe’s 46 countries, including non-EU member states and also Israel. One student per cohort may be selected from each country for the European Scholarship Programme; students from EU countries and EU accession countries may also be granted funding under the Studienstiftung’s general sponsorship programme. Funding is granted for the standard duration of a master’s degree programme, i.e. usually for two years.
Students funded under the programme are to be encouraged to address subjects of pan-European relevance alongside their studies – through network meetings and exchanges within this heterogeneous group of young Europeans, but also by participating in events on European issues organised by the Studienstiftung. Designed to promote academic and cultural diversity, the programme seeks to produce a creative space in which participants work together to help shape the future of Europe and its cohesion.
Further information
- Application requirements
For the next round (start of the master’s programme in fall 2025), the programme will be open to students from the following countries:
Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Georgia, Israel, Italy, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey – more countries will follow in the coming years.Open to students intending to pursue a three- to four-semester master’s degree programme in Germany (incl. binational programmes); proof of admission to a German university does not have to be available at the time of application but it must be submitted no later than by the start of the funding period.
Open to students of all disciplines at universities and universities of applied sciences (except students at colleges of art and music and those at universities of applied sciences pursing studies inthe visual and performing arts, design, film and music)
Open to students who have achieved above-average results in their previous studies and who have shown outstanding commitment to their studies (10-15% top performers of the year)
Open to students who have a strong interest in European issues
Open to students who are fluent in English (fluency in German is not a prerequisite for admission)
Students who have already completed their higher education entrance qualification or a bachelor's degree in Germany are not eligible for a scholarship.
Students who have already completed a master's degree are not eligible for a scholarship.
- Scholarship benefits
Need-based monthly scholarship, ranging between EUR 300 and EUR 1,112 plus additional benefits (e.g. health insurance, family allowance, etc.) for the standard duration of a master’s degree course. Extensions may be requested in duly substantiated cases.
Two annual network meetings on European subjects with all You and Europe scholarship holders. The costs of accommodation, meals and programme fees will be covered, travel expenses will be subsidised.
Optionally, participation in the Studienstiftung’s educational programmes relating specifically to Europe, such as the Europe Academy, an EU simulation game or a digital Europe-themed series. The costs of accommodation, meals and programme fees will be covered, travel expenses will be subsidised.
Use of a digital programme area as an exchange and networking platform in the Studienstiftung Forum.
Inclusion in the Studienstiftung’s peer programme. On request, Studienstiftung will identify a Studienstiftung scholar in the university town who will act as a direct contact for new arrivals, offering on-site guidance and support.
For students from EU countries and EU accession countries admission to the Studienstiftung’s scholarship programme.
- Important dates 2025/26
March 15th 2025: Nomination deadline
March 31st 2025: Application deadline
June 2025: Online interviews
7 – 9 November 2025: Initial meeting in Hamburg
13 – 17 May 2026: Network meeting in Siggen (Ostholstein)
6 – 8 November 2026: Network meeting in Hamburg
4 - 8 May 2027: Final meeting in Siggen (Ostholstein)
- Monthly meet-up for your questions
Nomination and Application
- Application and nomination procedure
Candidates can only apply for You and Europe if they have been nominated by a university lecturer. University lecturers can submit nominations for suitable candidates in the form below. If the nomination is successful, the university lecturer will be invited to submit a letter of recommendation. Based on the nomination and the letter of recommendation, the Toepfer Stiftung invites candidates to submit their application documents. For this purpose, the candidates receive a link for an application form via e-mail. The selection procedure consists of two stages. On the basis of the submitted documents, a jury decides in a preselection round which applicants will be invited to take part in the main selection procedure. In the latter, the finalists have the opportunity to introduce themselves and their studies. The selection interviews are conducted online and mainly in English.
- Nomination form
Contact
Dr. Judith von Cube Head of Scholarships Programmes Head of Communication
+49 40 33 402 - 70yes@toepfer-stiftung.de