Studienstiftung

The German National Academic Foundation (German: Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes, short: Studienstiftung) is Germany's largest organisation sponsoring students of outstanding academic achievements. It is non-political and non-denominational.

The Studienstiftung promotes promising undergraduates and graduate students in the areas of science, the humanities, business, public administration, and the arts. Through its scholarship programme it aims at promoting academic consolidation, interdisciplinary dialogue, a cosmopolitan world view and international experience.

The Studienstiftung is financially supported and subsidised by the Federal Government of Germany, the German Federal States and local authorities as well as by a large number of private donors.

The Studienstiftung was founded in Dresden in 1925, dissolved in 1934 and re-founded as a registered association in Cologne in 1948. During its existence, it has sponsored more than 50,000 students.

Currently, the foundation sponsors more than 10,000 undergraduates and about 1,000 PhD students (as of October 2008)[1]. Awards are granted after a multi-stage selection process and are based on grades, specialized exams, letters of recommendation, personality and character, and interviews with staff and affiliates of the foundation. Under the principles of uniformity and open access currently characteristic of German universities, the Studienstiftung serves as a main instrument to support highly gifted students in Germany.

Members of the Studienstiftung receive quarterly stipends for living and other expenses. Furthermore, they can participate in a wide range of seminars and summer schools, which are considered as even more important by the foundation, as well as in language courses and other extra-curricular activities.

The foundation's official motto is Leistung, Initiative, Verantwortung (Achievement, Initiative, Responsibility).

Contents

Admission

Admission into the German National Academic Foundation is restricted to:

In order to be admitted to the Studienstiftung applicants have to be nominated. Eligible to submit a nomination are:

The Studienstiftung invites all candidates who fulfil the formal requirements to a two-day assessment centre. Usually, the selection procedure comprises two individual interviews and several group discussions involving the presentation of a short paper. Applicants are expected to have excelled in their academic achievements, to show a strong sense initiative and responsibility. The Studienstiftung also expects candidates to have developed and continue pursuing extracurricular interests and activities. Political convictions, ideology, gender, religion as well as economic and social aspects play no role in the selection process. The average acceptance ratio varies depending on the type of nomination, from 33.5% for freshmen to 54.8% for university nominations (2008). Nevertheless, only 0.25 percent of all students at German universities are sponsored by the Studienstiftung as of 2004. The new goal is to increase support up to 0.5 percent of all students. [2].

Since 2010, students in their first or second term may apply for a scholarship. They have to take part in a special admission test before being possibly invited to the assessment centre.

Notable alumni

See also Category:Studienstiftung alumni

References

  1. ^ Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes, Jahresbericht 2008 (Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes, Bonn, 2009) p.38.]
  2. ^ official Website: http://www.studienstiftung.org/ (in English)

See also

External links