Universitat Hamburg Merit Scholarship For International Students 2027 | Study in Germany — Universität Hamburg, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office through DAAD
⚠️ This scholarship's deadline has passed and it's no longer accepting applications.
Enrolling at a German university without student aid eligibility leaves many international students searching for a bridge, and Universität Hamburg built its Merit Scholarship to be exactly that.
About the Scholarship
The Merit Scholarship for International Students at Universität Hamburg is funded through the German Federal Foreign Office and administered via DAAD, aimed squarely at students who do not qualify for assistance under Germany’s federal training assistance act, known as BAföG. Rather than targeting new applicants, it supports students who are already studying at Hamburg and have proven themselves academically during their first semesters there.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship offers meaningful monthly support over a substantial period.
- A monthly stipend of up to 992 EUR
- Funding for two semesters, totaling 12 months
- Possibility of renewal for continued study
- Maximum funding period of two years in exceptional, well-justified cases
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have been enrolled at Universität Hamburg for at least two semesters, except students in two-year Master’s programmes, who can apply after just one semester. Candidates must not qualify for BAföG assistance and must hold no German citizenship. Good to excellent academic achievement is required, alongside other verifiable accomplishments such as publications, lectures, awards, or additional subject-related qualifications. There is no restriction on subject area or degree type.
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship applies across all faculties and degree programmes at Universität Hamburg, since eligibility depends on enrollment and merit rather than a specific field of study.
Required Documents
- DAAD-format application form
- Proof of enrollment at Universität Hamburg
- Academic transcripts showing strong performance
- CV highlighting additional accomplishments, such as publications or awards
- Proof of non-eligibility for BAföG
- Letter of motivation
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Confirm enrollment duration meets the minimum requirement for your degree level.
2. Gather transcripts and any evidence of additional academic or extracurricular accomplishments.
3. Prepare a motivation letter explaining academic goals and financial circumstances.
4. Submit the completed application by April 15, the annual deadline starting in 2026.
5. Await the committee’s decision, communicated before the start of the following semester.
6. Apply for renewal in subsequent semesters if continued funding is needed.
Selection Process
A university committee reviews academic transcripts alongside additional qualifications like publications or leadership roles, favoring students who show well-rounded achievement rather than grades alone. Financial need, specifically BAföG ineligibility, is verified as a baseline requirement before academic merit is weighed.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Students who document accomplishments beyond coursework, such as conference presentations, research assistantships, or awards, build a stronger case than transcripts alone can make. Since the scholarship starts calling only once a year from 2026 onward, marking the April 15 deadline early and preparing documents well ahead of time matters more than it used to. International students exploring other university-specific funding in Germany may also want to compare this with the University of Bonn Merit Scholarship for International Students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can new applicants to Hamburg apply immediately?
No, applicants must already be enrolled for at least two semesters, or one semester for two-year Master’s students, before applying.
Does the scholarship cover tuition?
Universität Hamburg charges minimal semester fees rather than tuition, so the stipend functions as living-cost support rather than a tuition waiver.
Is there a specific subject requirement?
No, the scholarship is open to students in any subject area or degree type at the university.
How long can funding continue?
Standard funding covers two semesters, with renewal possible and a maximum of two years in exceptional, well-documented cases.
What happens if I become eligible for BAföG later?
Since BAföG ineligibility is a core requirement, a change in eligibility status would need to be reported and could affect continued funding.
Is the application only available once a year now?
Yes, starting in 2026 the call for applications moved to a single annual deadline of April 15, rather than two deadlines per year.
What happens if my grades drop during the funded period?
Continued funding assumes maintained academic performance, so a significant drop in grades could affect eligibility for renewal in a later semester.
Can PhD candidates apply for this scholarship?
The Merit Scholarship is aimed primarily at Bachelor’s and Master’s students; doctoral candidates typically pursue separate DAAD or university-specific doctoral funding instead.
Is the scholarship amount fixed at 992 EUR for everyone?
Up to 992 EUR is the maximum, and the actual amount awarded can be adjusted based on individual financial circumstances and available funds that cycle.