Germany ScholarshipFAQ - Application Process

Please note that the FAQ list will be updated on a regular basis (last update: 08.07.2024).

What are the selection criteria?
In addition to your performance at school or university, the main award criteria include other criteria such as long-term volunteer engagements, special personal or family circumstances, completed vocational trainings, voluntary internships and awards/prizes.

What do I enter in the fields “University semester” and “Subject-related semester”?
In the “University semester” field, please enter the total number of semesters you have spent at German universities or universities of applied sciences (including the upcoming winter semester). 
In the “Subject-related semester” field, please enter the total number of semesters you have spent in the degree programme you are applying for (including the upcoming winter semester). Semester periods of discontinued degree programmes or other disciplines are not taken into account here. 
If, for example, the degree programme you are applying for is your first degree programme at a German university or university of applied sciences, you must enter “1” in both the “University semester” and “Subject-related semester” fields.

What form can the evidence of personal history take?
Please submit in paper form a curriculum vitae on your personal history (e.g. in tabular form), which provides information on eligibility for funding.

How do I furnish proof of my performance in school and university?
Students who are in their 1st or 2nd subject-related semester of an undergraduate degree programme (no second degree) in the upcoming winter semester:
Please enter in section 4 “University entrance qualification” in the online application form, your final grade and submit a copy of your university entrance qualification certificate in paper form until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year, date of the receipt stamp applies) to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Division 8 | Department 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg). 
If you have completed several degree programmes by the upcoming winter semester, please state the university degree that is relevant to the degree programme for which the application for a Germany Scholarship is being made and submit a copy of the corresponding degree certificate in paper form. 
If you do not have the relevant degree certificate until the application deadline, please see the following question: “How should I proceed if I do not know my final grade or do not yet have my university degree certificate until the application deadline?”
For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official certified translation into German or English must be submitted in paper form in addition to the original document or its copy.
In the case of foreign grades, an official conversion of the final grade into the German grading system should also be submitted in paper form, if available.
(If no official conversion is available, the German equivalent grade can alternatively be calculated using the PDF form "Modifizierte bayerische Formel". In this case, please submit the completed and printed PDF form with the calculation).
Please note: If we do not receive a copy of your university entrance qualification in paper form until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year) , you will be excluded from the selection process. 

Students who are in their 1st or 2nd subject-related semester of a master’s degree programme or a second degree programme in the upcoming winter semester:
Please enter in section 3 “Previous university degree” in the online application form your (preliminary) final grade and submit a copy of your university degree certificate in paper form until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies).
If you have completed several degree programmes by the upcoming winter semester, please state the university degree that is relevant to the degree programme for which the application for a Germany Scholarship is being made and submit a copy of the corresponding degree certificate in paper form.
If you do not have the relevant degree certificate until the application deadline, please see the following question: " How should I proceed if I do not know my final grade or do not yet have my university degree certificate until the application deadline?"
For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official certified translation into German or English must be submitted in paper form in addition to the original document or its copy.
In the case of foreign grades, an official conversion of the final grade into the German grading system should also be submitted in paper form, if available.
(If no official conversion is available, the German equivalent grade can alternatively be calculated using the PDF form "Modifizierte bayerische Formel". In this case, please submit the completed and printed PDF form with the calculation).
Please note: If we do not receive a copy of your certificate of the relevant university degree or, alternatively, a provisional certificate of your university degree including your final grade in paper form until the end of the late submission deadline (usually 15 October of each year), you will be excluded from the selection process.

Students of all disciplines except law, human medicine and dentistry who are in their 3rd or higher subject-related semester in the upcoming winter semester: 
Please select in section “2.2 Proof of academic performance“ in the online application form the option “for all disciplinces except medicine or law”, enter your average grade in the next step and submit your transcript of records of current date in paper form until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies) to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Division 8 | Department 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg). 
Updated transcripts of records can be submitted in paper form to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Division 8 | Department 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg) until the end of the late submission deadline (usually October 15 of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies).
For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official certified translation into German or English must be submitted in paper form in addition to the original document or its copy.
Please note: If we do not receive the required transcript of records in paper form until the end of the late submission deadline (usually 15 October of each year), you will be excluded from the selection process.

Students of human medicine and dentistry who are in their 3rd or higher subject-related semester in the upcoming winter semester: 
Please select in section “2.2 Proof of academic performance“ in the online application form the option “medicine (Human medicine, Dentistry)” and submit the following transcripts of records / certificates by the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies). 
If individual transcripts of records / certificates to be submitted according to your study section are not yet available by the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year), they must be submitted in paper form to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Division 8 | Department 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg) immediately, but at the latest by the end of the late submission deadline (usually 15 October of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies)

• Students of human medicine
  Pre-clinical stage
  Qualified overall certificate including information on the percentile ranks achieved (Heidelberg Faculty) or semester ranking (Mannheim Faculty)
  
  Transition from pre-clinical to clinical stage (1^st semester of the clinical stage)
  Qualified overall certificate including information on the percentile ranks achieved (Heidelberg Faculty) or semester ranking (Mannheim Faculty) and a copy of the certificate “Zeugnis über den Ersten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung” (first stage of the medical state examination) including notification on results

  Clinical stage (2^nd or higher semester of the clinical stage)
  Overall certificate including the results in the clinical stage and copies of the certificate “Zeugnis über den Ersten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung” (first stage of the medical state examination) including notification on results
  
  Please note: If we do not receive copies of all required transcripts/certificates in accordance with your stage of study in paper form until the end of the late submission deadline (usually 15 October of each year), you will be excluded from the selection process.

• Students of dentistry
  
  According to the old degree programme rules and regulations for dentists (ZäpprO) from 26.01.1995 (commencement of studies by 30.09.2021) 

  Pre-clinical stage
  “Qualifizierte Gesamtbescheinigung” (Qualified overall certificate) including information on the percentile ranks achieved and if available a copy of the certificate “Zeugnis über die Naturwissenschaftliche Vorprüfung” (intermediate science examination) as well as performance records for “Kursus der Zahnärzlichen Technischen Propädeutik (ZPK)”, “Phantomkurs I der Zahnärztlichen Prothetik” and “Phantomkurs II der Zahnersatzkunde”
  
  Transition from pre-clinical to clinical stage (1^st semester of the clinical stage)
  Qualified overall certificate including information on the percentile ranks achieved, a copy of the certificate “Zeugnis über die Naturwissenschaftliche Vorprüfung” (intermediate science examination), performance records for “Kursus der Zahnärztlichen Technischen Propädeutik (ZPK)”, “Phantomkurs I der Zahnärztlichen Prothetik” and “Phantomkurs II der Zahnersatzkunde” as well as a copy of the certificate “Zeugnis über die Zahnärztliche Vorprüfung” (intermediate dentistry examination)

  Clinical stage (2^nd or higher semester of the clinical stage)
  Copies of the certificates “Zeugnis über die Zahnärztliche Vorprüfung “ (intermediate dentistry examination) and “Zeugnis über die Naturwissenschaftliche Vorprüfung“ (intermediate science examination) as well as certificates of the clinical performances
  
  Please note: If we do not receive copies of all required transcripts/certificates in accordance with your stage of study in paper form until the end of the late submission deadline (usually 15 October of each year), you will be excluded from the selection process.
  
  According to the new degree programme rules and regulations for dentists (ZapprO) from 08.07.2019 (commencement of studies by 01.10.2021)
  Pre-clinical stage
  Qualified overall certificate “Vorklinik I” (pre-clinical stage I) including information on the percentile ranks achieved and, if available, a copy of the certificate “Zeugnis über den Ersten Abschnitt der Zahnärztlichen Prüfung” (first stage of the dental state examination) including notification of results as well as a qualified overall certificate “Vorklinik II” (pre-clinical stage II) including information on the percentile ranks

  Transition from the pre-clinical to the clinical stage (1^st semester of the clinical stage)
  Qualified overall certificates “Vorklinik I” (pre-clinical stage I) and “Vorklinik II” (pre-clinical stage II) including information on the percentile ranks achieved and copies of the certificates “Zeugnis über den Ersten Abschnitt der Zahnärztlichen Prüfung” (first stage of the dental state examination) and “Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Zahnärztlichen Prüfung” (second stage of the dental state examination) in each case including notification of results

  Clinical stage (2^nd or higher semester of the clinical stage)
  Copies of the certificates “Zeugnis über den Ersten Abschnitt der Zahnärztlichen Prüfung” (first stage of the dental state examination) and “Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Zahnärztlichen Prüfung” (second stage of the dental state examination), in each case including notification of results as well as a qualified overall certificate of the clinical performances

  Please note: If we do not receive copies of all required transcripts/certificates in accordance with your stage of study in paper form until the end of the late submission deadline (usually 15 October of each year), you will be excluded from the selection process.

For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official translation into German or English must be submitted in paper form in addition to the original document or its copy.

Regarding the recognition and conversion of academic achievements during a stay abroad, please contact your respective examination office.

Law Students who are in their 3^rd or higher subject-related semester in the upcoming winter semester: 
Please select in section “2.2 Proof of academic performance” in the online application form the option “law”. In the next step please select the range in which your current average score is located, enter your average score and submit your average grade calculation or your complete transcript of records of current date in paper form until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies) to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Division 8 | Department 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg). 
Please note: An average grade calculation for the Germany Scholarship can usually be issued by the Examinations Office of the Faculty of Law at Heidelberg University. 
An updated average grade calculation or an updated transcript of records can be submitted in paper form to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Division 8 | Department 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg) until the end of the late submission deadline (usually October 15 of each year; date of the receipt stamp replies).
Please note: If we do not receive the required transcript of records in paper form until the end of the late submission deadline (usually 15 October of each year), you will be excluded from the selection process.

For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official certified translation into German or English must be submitted in paper form in addition to the original document or its copy.
Regarding the recognition and conversion of academic achievements during a stay abroad, please contact your respective examination office.
Funding with a Germany Scholarship is not possible if only the improvement attempt is still outstanding. 

How should I proceed if I do not know my final grade or do not yet have my university degree certificate until the application deadline?
Please enter in section 3 “Previous completed university degree” in the online application form your (preliminary) final grade or your current average grade and submit a current transcript of records containing your average grade in paper form (the date of the receipt stamp applies).
In addition, please submit a copy of your university degree certificate until the end of the late submission deadline (usually 15 October of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies) to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Division 8 | Department 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg).
If, for reasons beyond your control, you are unable to submit your university degree certificate until the end of the late submission deadline, then please submit a copy of your provisional certificate of your university degree including your final grade. In case of any delays, please contact us.
For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official certified translation into German or English must be submitted in paper form in addition to the original document or its copy.
In the case of foreign grades, an official conversion of the final grade into the German grading system should also be submitted in paper form, if available.
(If no official conversion is available, the German equivalent grade can alternatively be calculated using the PDF form "Modifizierte bayerische Formel" In this case, please submit the completed and printed PDF form with the calculation).
Please note: If we do not receive a copy of your first or relevant university degree certificate or, alternatively, a provisional certificate of your university degree including the final grade in paper form until the end of the late submission deadline (usually 15 October of each year), you will be excluded from the selection process.

Do foreign documents and certificates require anything additional?
For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official certified translation into German or English by a sworn specialist translator must be submitted in paper form to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Division 8 | Department 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg) in addition to the original document or its copy (date of the receipt stamp applies).
In the case of foreign grades, an official conversion of the final grade into the German grading system should also be submitted in paper form, if available.
(If no official conversion is available, the German equivalent grade can alternatively be calculated using the PDF form "Modified Bavarian formula" In this case, please submit the completed and printed PDF form with the calculation). 
Regarding the recognition and conversion of academic achievements during a stay abroad, please contact your respective examination office.
Please note: If a translation into German or English is missing or has not been prepared by a sworn specialist translator, the relevant information cannot be considered in the selection procedure.

What average grade do I need to have to apply for the Germany Scholarship?
In addition to the performance in studies or school, other criteria are important in the selection process regarding the overall impression of the application, such as voluntary engagements, voluntary internships, prizes and awards, completed professional trainings and personal and family circumstances. The number of new recipients also depends on the funds available and the number of recipients that are further supported as well as the number of applicants in a given subject area / the group of first-time students. Unfortunately, we cannot specify a minimum grade required for the application. Please note the following question: “How many scholarships can be expected to be awarded in the winter semester 2023 | 2024?”.

How many scholarships can be expected to be awarded in the winter semester 2024 | 2025?
In previous years, an average of 150 Germany Scholarships were awarded per funding round.
The following overview provides an indication of the distribution of scholarships for the upcoming winter semester and is intended for orientation purposes only. Subject to change without notice.

What should be stated in section 7 “Statement of motivation” and can another letter of motivation be submitted in paper form in addition to this?
The motivation for receiving a Germany Scholarship must be explained in the online application form. The statement should describe why the current achievements substantiate a high degree of future success during the future university and professional career in light of the personal and family background. The statement may not exceed 2,500 characters (including blank spaces). An additional letter of motivation submitted in paper form will not be considered in the selection procedure.

Can recommendation letters be submitted?
Letters of recommendation that have been written explicitly for your application for a Germany Scholarship can be submitted during the application period either together with the application documents or separately, e.g. by the author, in paper form to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Division 8 | Department 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies). Unfortunately, a submission by email is not possible.
Please note: Letters of recommendation received after the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year) cannot be considered (late submission deadline does not apply here).

What requirements must be met for “voluntary engagement”?
Voluntary engagements will be considered in the selection process if they were/are carried out in a special social, societal, university-political or political context and have lasted at least six months. Furthermore, voluntary engagements that have already been completed will only be considered if they ended no earlier than one year prior to the start of the application period (usually 15 July of each year). In the case of ongoing engagements, only the proven period up to the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year) will be taken into account. 
Complete all the relevant fields in the online application form. In the "Brief description" field, the respective association, organization, initiative or project should be named and the activity briefly described. 
In addition, please submit written proof in paper form to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Department 8 | Division 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg) until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies). The proof must be clearly assigned to your person and allow time specific (e.g. duration, date of issue) and content-related classification.
Please note: Proof of voluntary engagements received after the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year) cannot be considered (late submission deadline does not apply here).

Please note: Mere memberships, e.g. in a political party without exercising a special function, are not taken into account.

For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official certified translation into German or English must be submitted in paper form in addition to the original document or its copy.

What requirements must be met for “awards / prizes”?
Awards/prizes will be considered in the selection process if they were awarded no longer than three years prior to the start of the application period (usually 15 July of each year). Awards/prizes at a state, national or international level are considered here. 
Complete all the relevant fields in the online application form indicating each award or prize individually (e.g. per round). 
In addition, please submit written proof in paper form to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Department 8 | Division 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg) until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies). The proof must be clearly assigned to your person and allow time specific (e.g. duration, date of issue) and content- related classification.
Please note: Proof of awards and prizes received after the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year) cannot be considered (late submission deadline does not apply here).

Note: Awards / prizes also include participation in competitions at state level with placings and/or qualification for a subsequent competition round. Prizes at regional level, such as awards presented at the suggestion of the school principal, and scholarships will not be considered in the selection process.

For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official certified translation into German or English must be submitted in paper form in addition to the original document or its copy.

What requirements must be met for “voluntary internships”?
Voluntary internships will be considered in the selection process if they have lasted at least four weeks (full-time equivalent) and if they were completed no longer than three years prior to the start of the application period  (usually 15 July of each year). 
Complete all the relevant fields in the online application form. In the "Brief description" field, the respective internship position should be named and the activity briefly described.
In addition, please submit written proof in paper form to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Department 8 | Division 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg) until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies). The proof must be clearly assigned to your person and allow time specific (e.g. duration, date of issue) and content- related classification. Ideally, it should also indicate the weekly working hours and the total duration of the internship.
Please note: Proof of yoluntary internships received after the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year) cannot be considered (late submission deadline does not apply here).

Note: Internships that are/were mandatory for study and examination regulations or during school time are not taken into consideration. 

For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official certified translation into German or English must be submitted in paper form in addition to the original document or its copy.

What requirements must be met for “gainful employment during school / studies”? 
Gainful employments as student assistant (“HIWI”) or working student as well as a part-time job during school/study will be considered in the selection process. Provide your gainful employment during school/studies in section 6 “Personal and family circumstances“ in the online application form. 
In addition, please submit written proof in paper form (e.g. employment contract, written confirmation from the employer, etc.) to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Department 8 | Division 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg) until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies). The proof must be clearly assigned to your person and allow time specific and content-related classification.
Please note: Proof of gainful employment during school/studies received after the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year) cannot be considered (late submission deadline does not apply here).

For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official certified translation into German or English must be submitted in paper form in addition to the original document or its copy.

What requirements must be met for “vocational training”?
Vocational training will be considered in the selection process if it is a completed vocational training course of at least two years. 
Complete all the relevant fields in the online application form. In addition, please submit written proof in paper form (e.g. certificate of completed vocational training) to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Department 8 | Division 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg) until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies). The proof must be clearly assigned to your person and allow time specific (e.g. duration, date of issue) and content-related classification. Ideally, it should also indicate the weekly working hours and the total duration of the internship.
Please note: Proof of vocational training received after the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year) cannot be considered (late submission deadline does not apply here).

For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official certified translation into German or English must be submitted in paper form in addition to the original document or its copy.

What requirements must be met for “non-academic background”?
A non-academic background will be considered in the selection process if neither parent has an academic degree. Provide your non-academic background in section 6 “Personal and family circumstances“ in the online application form. 
In addition, please submit written proof in paper form to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Department 8 | Division 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg) until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies). An informal letter of confirmation of the applicant's non-academic background, signed by both parents, stating the highest level of education and the profession practiced by both parents, is sufficient proof. If there is only contact with one parent, the non-existing contact must be mentioned in addition to the confirmation of the non-academic background and the indication of the highest level of education and profession by both parents. In this case, the signature of one parent confirming the non-academic background is also sufficient. 

Please note: Proof of non-academic background received after the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year) cannot be considered (late submission deadline does not apply here).

For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official certified translation into German or English must be submitted in paper form in addition to the original document or its copy.

What requirements must be met for “migration background”?
A “migration background” will be considered in the selection process if the applicant himself/herself or at least one parent comes from abroad. Provide your migration-academic background in section 6 “Personal and family circumstances“ in the online application form. 
In addition, please submit written proof in paper form (e.g. copy of a birth certificate, identity card or passport) to Heidelberg University (Heidelberg University | University Administration | Department 8 | Division 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg) until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies). 

In the case of personal experience as a refugee, the applicant may also submit additional proof, e.g. a document proving their status as a recognized refugee. 

Please note: Proof of migration background received after the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year) cannot be considered (late submission deadline does not apply here).

For foreign documents and certificates that are not written in German or English, an official certified translation into German or English must be submitted in paper form in addition to the original document or its copy.

Can / must missing documents be submitted after the end of the application period?

The following documents that are not available by the end of the application period (usually August 31 of each year) must be received by us in paper form immediately, but no later than the end of the late submission period (usually October 15 of each year).

From students of all subjects

• enrolment or study certificate (WiSe 2024/2025)
• notification of admission WiSe 2024/2025)

From students who are in the 1st or 2nd semester of a Master's degree programme or second degree programme

• Certificate of the first or relevant university degree for the degree programme for which the application for a Germany Scholarship is being made

From students of human medicine

• “Zeugnis über den Ersten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung” (first stage of the medical state examination) including notification of results

From students of dentistry (commencement of studies until 30.09.2021):

• “Zeugnis über die Naturwissenschaftliche Vorprüfung” (intermediate science examination) 
• “Zeugnis über die Zahnärztliche Vorprüfung” (intermediate dentistry examination)
• performance records for “Kursus der Zahnärztlichen Technischen Propädeutik (ZPK)”
• performance records for “ Phantomkurs I der Zahnärztlichen Prothetik ”
• performance records for “ Phantomkurs II der Zahnersatzkunde”

From students of dentistry (commencement of studies from 01.10.2021):

• “Zeugnis über den Ersten Abschnitt der Zahnärztlichen Prüfung“ (first stage of the dental state examination) including notification of results
• “Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Zahnärztlichen Prüfung” (second stage of the dental state examination) including notification of results 

The following documents can be submitted in paper form until the end of the submission deadline (usually 15 October of each year)

From students of all subject

• updated transcripts of records

How must the written application documents be submitted?
Please note when sending or submitting your application documents, that they have to be received in paper form by Heidelberg University | University Administration | Division 8 | Department 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies). Please submit your documents in a sealed envelope stating the full address. Please keep the documents in the envelope together with a paper clip and, in order to make it easier to compare the documents with the information provided online, please mark the proofs of awards and prizes, voluntary engagements and voluntary internships in the top right-hand corner (e.g., awards and prizes: A1, A2, A3...| voluntary internships: P1, P2, P3...| voluntary engagement: E1, E2, E3). In addition, we recommend that you enclose a separate list of the documents submitted when you send them.

The mentioned address above is our postal address. There, the application documents can be submitted during the application period as well as until the late submission deadline* directly to the post office during the opening hours (Mon-Thu 7:00 am - 3:00 pm and Fri 7:00 am - 2:00 pm) or dropped outside the opening hours in the mailbox.

I am completing my university degree now and I am planning to start a second degree / master’s degree programme at Heidelberg University in the upcoming winter semester. Can I still apply for the Germany Scholarship through Heidelberg University for the current round?
You can apply for a Germany Scholarship in the current round if you are planning to attend Heidelberg University during the upcoming winter semester. If you do not yet have your first or relevant certificate of your university degree, you can submit it in copy until the end of the late submission deadline (usually 15 October of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies).
If, for reasons beyond your control, you are unable to submit your certificate of university degree by the end of the late submission deadline, then please submit a copy of your provisional certificate of your graduation including your final grade. In case of any delays, please contact us.
If you have completed more than one university degree by the upcoming winter semester, please indicate the university degree that is relevant to the field of study for which you are applying for a Germany Scholarship and submit a copy of the relevant certificate.
Please note: If we do not receive a paper copy of your degree certificate, or, alternatively, a provisional certificate of your degree including the final grade in paper form until the end of the late submission deadline (usually 15 October of each year), you will be excluded from the application process.

I am in my 1st or 2nd subject-related semester of my degree programme in the upcoming winter semester and do not yet have any or only some course or examination certificates. What do I enter?
For students in the 1st and 2nd subject-related semester (in the upcoming winter semester), the grade of the university entrance qualification is relevant. If you have already completed a degree or will complete it by the upcoming winter semester, the final grade of this degree is decisive.
If you have completed several university degrees by the upcoming winter semester, please state the university degree that is relevant to the subject for which you are applying for a Germany Scholarship.

Next semester I will be on leave/studying abroad/doing an internship. Can I still apply?
You can apply for a Germany Scholarship. If you are on leave from Heidelberg University during that time, the payment of the scholarship will be suspended and the funding period adjusted once you return. If your time abroad is related to your degree programme (e.g. research stays or internships demanded by the examination rules and regulations as well as a subject-related study abroad) you can continue to receive the scholarship during that time.

I am enrolled in two degree programmes. For which programme should I apply?
Applications for a Germany Scholarship must be in one major subject that is studied at least 50 percent of time. If you are enrolled in several degree programmes, multiple applications (for several subjects) for a Germany Scholarhsip are not possible. Please decide which degree programme you are applying for. 

What is the application deadline?
Applications for Germany Scholarship are possible during the period indicated on our website which, according to the bylaws is from 15 July to 31 August. The application period can be postponed for important reasons, especially if there are no or insufficient scholarship funds available or if there are delays in the study operations. The online application portal will be activated during the application period, on the website of the scholarship programme. Please register and fill out the online application form afterwards. The application form has to be sent until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies). The signed print-out of the online application form and the required documents and certificates must reach our post office until the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year; date of the receipt stamp applies) in paper form.
Applications will not be considered in the selection process if, for example, the application was not submitted online by the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year), if the submitted application documents in paper form do not meet the formal requirements or if they were received after the end of the application period (usually 31 August of each year). 

Where do I need to send the application documents in paper form?
Heidelberg University | University Administration | Division 8 | Department 8.2 | Seminarstraße 2 | 69117 Heidelberg

The mentioned address above is our postal address. There, the application documents can be submitted directly to the post office during the opening hours (Mon-Thu 7:00 am - 3:00 pm and Fri 7:00 am - 2:00 pm) or dropped outside the opening hours in the mailbox during the application period as well as until the late submission deadline*. Please make sure to submit your documents in a sealed envelope stating the full address.

* only certain documents, e.g. regarding student status (certificate of enrolement) and proof of academic performances (e.g. degree certificate , updated transcript of records) can be submitted within the submission deadline. For a detailed overview of documents that can be submitted, please see "Can missing documents be submitted later after the end of the application period?