Not just for high-flyers

Studying takes time, energy – and, of course, money. A scholarship can help and take the pressure off. Many companies, foundations and private individuals award grants to undergraduates and PhD students. Here’s an overview. As well as the financial benefits of a scholarship, there is often the opportunity to forge valuable contacts with other scholarship holders and the sponsors. And, of course, a scholarship looks good on your CV. Many scholarships are linked to good credits, but you don’t have to be an academic high-flyer to receive funding. It’s definitely worth taking a look at the application requirements for each individual scholarship. The University of Oldenburg’s latest scholarship programme is the Deutschlandstipendium. In the winter semester, Deutschlandstipendien were awarded for the seventh time. Through this programme, the university aims once again to support talented students, enable outstanding academic achievement and encourage civic and social engagement alongside their studies. Educational background and family circumstances are given particular consideration when awarding scholarships at the University of Oldenburg. The Deutschlandstipendium is funded through so-called matching funds. Private sponsors provide half of the scholarship amount, whilst the other half is covered by the federal government. The scholarships run for one year at a time, and scholarship holders receive 300 euros per month. In Germany, the organisations run by political parties and churches to support gifted students are also among the established providers of student funding. At the University of Oldenburg, there is a liaison lecturer for each of these organisations who can provide information on funding opportunities and the application process. An overview can be found online. Several programmes to help students through the final stretch of their studies Another funding option is the Lower Saxony State Scholarship. It is aimed at students on all consecutive Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes. In addition to the grade point average, social and societal criteria are also taken into account when awarding the scholarship. The Lower Saxony State Scholarship is paid out each winter semester in the form of a one-off grant of €500. Exclusively for students at the University of Oldenburg, the Dr h.c. Peter Waskönig Foundation awards half-yearly scholarships to students who have demonstrated outstanding ability, initiative and responsibility. These scholarships are primarily intended for those who are nearing the end of their studies. Another way to receive support during the final phase of your studies is through the scholarships offered by the Dr Dettling Foundation. The Anna Magull Foundation’s funding programme is specifically designed for students of Business Education. The OLB-EWE Prize, awarded annually, is not a scholarship in the strict sense, but rather a recognition of outstanding student achievement. To ensure you don’t lose track of the wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities available, it is advisable to seek advice from experts at the university. The Studentenwerk also offers support in finding suitable funding programmes through its financial advice service.