Foundation of German Business (sdw): Academic study sponsorship

About the Foundation of German Business (sdw): Academic study sponsorship

Academic study sponsorship is a funded scholarship offered by Foundation of German Business (sdw) in Germany. It is aimed at Bachelor's and Master's level applicants. A scholarship of this kind helps with the cost of study, and competition is usually strong, so a complete and well-prepared application matters. The closing date is confirmed on the official page, so check it before you start and plan to submit well ahead of it.

Who Runs the Programme

Foundation of German Business (sdw) runs this scholarship. The scholarship is based in Germany. The provider sets the selection criteria, receives the applications and decides who is chosen, so questions about the process are best put to them directly. Always rely on the provider’s own page for the latest rules and dates.

Study Level and Eligible Fields

The programme is open at Bachelor's and Master's level. That means it supports undergraduate study and postgraduate study at master’s level, so you will normally need to show you have completed, or are about to complete, the qualification below that level. Applications are open to all subject areas, so your field of study is unlikely to rule you out.

How Many Awards Are Offered

The number of awards for the current round is confirmed on the official page. Programmes of this kind are usually selective, so treat every place as competitive. Apply early and make sure your application is complete, since an incomplete one may not be considered.

Who Can Apply

Applicants from most countries worldwide can apply. African countries covered include Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia and 31 more. Being from an eligible country is only the first check, because the requirements below still apply to every applicant.

Funding and Benefits

This scholarship comes with funding from the provider. The stated award is All scholarship holders will in any case receive a not means-tested study allowance of 300 EUR per month. The amount of the scholarship for living support depends on the financial situation of the family. In addition to the scholarship, stays abroad are funded.. Duration: Funding is available until the end of the standard period of study. Sponsoring beyond this period is limited and will be granted only in justified cases.. Exact benefits can change by round, so confirm them with the provider. Check the official page to see which costs are covered, such as fees, living costs or travel. Before you accept an offer, confirm what is and is not covered and whether any costs fall to you.

Eligibility Requirements

You are expected to meet the following at minimum. Meeting all of them is normally a condition of being considered, so go through each point honestly before you start.

• Study level: Bachelor's and Master's.
• Any (future) undergraduate or graduate student who are eligible for funding under §8, 1-3 BAföG may apply.
• Students pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, Diplom, Magister or state examination degree at state or state-recognised higher education institutions in Germany can apply for a scholarship. Furthermore, a complete course of study abroad in a country close to the border can be funded, provided that you can credibly assure active and regular participation in one of the sdw's regional groups.

The full requirements are on the official page.

Application Process

Apply directly with the provider, and be careful with anyone who asks for payment to submit an application for you. The steps below are the usual order of work.

1. Open the official application page.
2. Check that your nationality, study level and field are covered.
3. Prepare the documents the provider asks for.
4. Submit as early as you can and keep your confirmation.

Keep copies of everything you submit and note any reference number you are given. If something in the instructions is unclear, ask the provider rather than guessing.

Official Website

Apply and read the full details at the official page: Foundation of German Business (sdw): Academic study sponsorship. Use it for the latest dates and requirements, and check back from time to time, since providers can update details between rounds.