Scholarships and foundations

Students usually think about scholarships as a way to finance their studies without worry. But a scholarship can be so much more. Some scholarship providers offer only financial support, others provide only non-material support, and still others, such as the "Begabtenförderungswerke" or the "Deutschlandstipendium", combine financial support with non-material support. The latter is the jackpot, so to speak. It's high time to get to grips with this issue.

Funding opportunities for first-year students Scholarships for which interested students can apply even before they start their studies

Germany Scholarship

Funding opportunities for students

BTU's own scholarships

Germany Scholarship

Begabtenförderungswerke

Other scholarships and foundations

Funding for students with disabilities
Funding of final thesis
Further funding opportunities
Stiftung Lausitzer Braunkohle

Scholarship search engines

Finde dein Stipendium
Arbeiterkind.de
e-fellows.net Stipendien-Datenbank
Karrierebibel
Elternkompass
Studium Ratgeber Stipendien
Deutsches Studierendenwerk

Other funding opportunities

Claussen-Simon Foundation: B-First
  • First-time graduates of all disciplines who are starting a bachelor's or state examination program at a German university
  • maximum 2nd semester at the time of application
  • applications are possible for the winter semester

Application deadline: July 15 - August 11, 2024

More information: Claussen Simon Foundation - B-First

Reemtsma Begabtenförderungswerk
  • From the first semester

Application deadline:

  • for the summer semester: December 1 to January 31
  • for the winter semester: June 1 to July 31

More information: Reemtsma Begabtenförderungswerk

IT-Talents GmbH: IT scholarship
  • IT scholarship especially for pupils, students or young professionals in the IT sector.

Application deadline:

  • for the summer semester: December 1 to January 31
  • for the winter semester: June 1 to July 31

More information: IT Talents GmbH - IT Scholarship

Foundation for the Promotion of the Gifted in Vocational Education (SBB): Advancement Scholarship
  • Committed specialists with vocational training and practical experience with a first academic degree
  • Application possible before studies or in the first or second semester of studies
  • Professional experience of at least two years
  • Application deadline:

Application deadline:
three-stage procedure

Selection procedure 2026/I

Stage I: Online application
16 September 2025 - 1 December 2025

Stage II: Competence check
The acceptances and rejections for stage II as part of the online applications are expected to be sent for the first time on 23 September 2025 and thereafter by email on Tuesdays.

Stage III: Selection interviews in person
expected to take place on 5, 6 and 7 March 2026 or 12, 13 and 14 March 2026
The location of the interview will be announced.

SBB will decide whether interviews will be held online. The availability of the dates will be decisive. We will announce dates for possible online interviews.

Start of funding: to be announced. Funding is possible at the earliest once the scholarship has been approved.

More information: SBB Advancement Scholarship

Bundeswehr: Scholarship for technical studies
  • for a subsequent career in technical service
  • First-year students and students with above-average performance at universities.

In particular - but not exclusively - the following fields of study are supported:

  • Computer Science
  • Cyber security
  • Aerospace engineering
  • Information technology, especially with a focus on communications engineering, high-frequency engineering or communications technology
  • Electrical engineering

Application deadline:

More information: Bundeswehr scholarship for technical studies

German University Foundation: DUS TANDEM Program (non-material support)
  • Start of studies in winter semester 2024/25
  • Parental home without academic degree
  • Place on a bachelor's degree program at a German university or college (excludes dual and private universities)

Application deadline: September 1, 2024

More information: German University Foundation DUS TANDEM Program