In 2015 the German University Foundation DUS launched the Welcome scholarship programme for students at German higher education institutions who are refugees. An essential component of the programme is that on-site teaching staff mentor students in a one-on-one approach in the candidates’ respective subject areas. The DUS acts as a mediator between the teaching staff and the students. In addition, the scholarship offers workshops (on time- and learning management skills, application training), coachings, networking opportunities, potential analyses, specialist meetings and symposia and a budget for study-related costs and tech equipment to promote the students’ academic success and facilitate their access to the German labour market.

• Applicants are enrolled in a Bachelor’s programme at a German institution of higher education, college of art or music (humanities, economic sciences or STEM disciplines), and have not yet completed their 2nd semester. Or
• Applicants are enrolled in a degree programme concluding with a state examination at a German institution of higher education, college of art or music (medicine, pharmacology, law), and have not yet completed their 2nd semester.
• Students enrolled in dual or private higher education institutions are not eligible to apply.

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Students receive the scholarship until they have finished their programme (standard period of study + 2 semesters).

• placement with a locally based university teacher of the candidate’s subject area as a mentor
• continuous support of the mentoring relationships by the German University Foundation
• obligatory biannual seminars aimed at developing core skills in the following fields: mentoring as a chance and a mission, self- and learning management skills, how to put together presentations and present oneself, job application training, business etiquette and communication, intercultural competence
• 1 personal one-on-one coaching with a professional coach during the study period
• participation in academic events (i.e. the symposium by the German Association of University professors and Lecturers, DHV) as well as active involvement in relevant networks
• compensation for travel expenses to seminars and other trips in connection with the Welcome programme
• yearly budget for each student for study-related costs
• one-time budget for buying digital tech equipment

Please submit your application together with a scholarship motivation letter (1 page at most), detailing your expectations concerning the programme, a resume in table format (2 pages max.), certificates, and your enrolment certificate as a PDF file exclusively via e-mail to Frau Simone Geerdsen.

You can find the current application deadline on the website.