"With the Deutschlandstipendium, we want to support committed students with children in particular. I am delighted that we have been able to attract numerous sponsors for this and it shows once again how strongly the university is anchored in the region," explained University President Prof. Dr Babette Simon at the presentation ceremony for 42 Deutschlandstipendium scholarships on 18 November 2011. She thanked all supporters, such as entrepreneurs, service providers and private donors. The event was attended by the scholarship holders and their families as well as the sponsors.

The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship amounts to 300 euros per month and is awarded for one year. Half of the sum comes from the federal government if the university succeeds in raising the other half from private donors. The University of Oldenburg was very successful: it was able to award all 42 scholarships co-financed by the federal government. Five physics students from the University of Oldenburg were among the 122 applicants: Ramin Beravat (subject Bachelor of Physics), Patrischa Emmler (Master of Education), Michael Koopmeiners, (subject Bachelor of Physics), Timo Reckling (subject Bachelor of Physics) and Hendrik Schawe (subject Bachelor of Physics).

The selection of the Oldenburg scholarship holders was not only based on outstanding credits, as stipulated by the federal government. "In addition to good performance, we also took social commitment and special biographical and family life situations into account," emphasised Prof. Dr Gunilla Budde, Vice President for Studies and Teaching.

The sponsors provided 17 of the 42 scholarships for specific subjects. These included the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Computing Science, Mathematics and Economics. Some sponsors have already pledged their support for several years.