Programme Description
The European Scholarship Programme You and Europe is aimed at European students wishing to complete a Master’s degree 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.
Target Group
The You and Europe Scholarship Programme is open to European students wishing to attend a 3- or 4-semester Master's programme in Germany (including bi-national programmes), starting their studies in autumn 2026. Here, "Europe" is defined as the geographical area in its entirety, not the European Union alone: this therefore includes 46 European countries and the State of Israel. Each round is open to students from different countries; these will be published on the programme website.
Academic Requirements
- Start of the Master's programme in Germany in autumn 2026
- 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.
- Students who have already completed their higher education entrance qualification or a Bachelor's degree in Germany are not eligible for a scholarship.
- 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 studying in the 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 are fluent in English (fluency in German is not a prerequisite for admission)
Number of Scholarships
14
Duration
2 years, standard period of study for a Master's programme
Scholarship Value
- Need-based monthly scholarship, ranging between 300 EUR and 1,112 EUR 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.
- 2 annual network meetings on European subjects and, 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 place of study who will act as a direct contact for new arrivals, offering on-site guidance and support.
Application Papers
Candidates can only apply for the European Scholarship Programme if they have been nominated by a university lecturer. This nomination includes a letter of recommendation. University lecturers can submit nominations for suitable candidates in the form on the website. Based on these nominations, the Toepfer Stiftung invites candidates to submit their application documents. For this purpose, the candidates receive a link for an application form. 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.
Application Deadline
The nomination deadline is annually on 4 February.
The application deadline is annually on 23 February.
The application deadline is annually on 23 February.
Application Requirements
Open to students intending to pursue a 3- to 4-semester Master’s degree programme in Germany (incl. binational programmes); proof of admission to a German higher education institution 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 in the visual and performing arts, design, film and music) who have a strong interest in European issues, have so far achieved above average results and have demonstrated outstanding commitment in their studies (10-15% top performers of the year).
