Studienstiftung

The German Academic Scholarship Foundation (German: "Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes", or "Studienstiftung" for short) is Germany's largest, oldest and most prestigious scholarship foundation. In line with its statutes, it supports "the university education of young people who, on account of their exceptional academic or artistic talents and their personalities, can be expected to make an outstanding contribution to society as a whole". The "Studienstiftung" is non-political, non-denominational and ideologically independent. Its headquarters are located in Bonn; it also has an office in Berlin. The current president is Reinhard Zimmermann, and the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, is patron ("").
The "Studienstiftung," like 12 other scholarship foundations (), is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, with funds from the federal government, the German federal states and local authorities, a large number of foundations and businesses as well as numerous private donors. In 2015, the "Studienstiftung's" budget was over €103 million. Between 1925 and 2015, it has supported over 65,000 students and doctoral candidates; it currently has over 60,000 alumni worldwide.
The selection process is extremely rigorous and only those students who show outstanding academic and personal promise are chosen. The Studienstiftung awards scholarships to fewer than 0.5% of German students. It is often referred to as Germany's "secret elite university".
Initially founded in Dresden in 1925 as a department of the , an amalgamation of German student committees, the Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes was dissolved in 1934 under and replaced by the "Reichsförderung", a department of the newly founded . The Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes was newly formed as a registered association in in 1948. As well as offering scholarship programmes on a national level, in 2005 the Studienstiftung began the Max Weber Programme, through which it supports exceptionally talented students within the framework of the Bavarian Elite Support Act (BayEFG).
Admission.
The Studienstiftung offers a general scholarship for bachelor's and master's studies that consists of both financial and academic support. Elegibility is based on the criteria for BAFöG, the German state support system for students. The Studienstiftung scholarship accepts only applicants that study full time at university. An least past of an applicant's university studies must be at a university in Germany, in another EU country, or in Switzerland. German or EU citizenship are not required, and there are no age criteria. 
The Studienstiftung accepts exceptionally talented students and doctoral candidates selected in accordance with its mission statement, which is based upon the principles of "excellence, initiative and responsibility". Scholars are admitted through various channels:
If admission occurs before the end of the fourth semester, sponsorship is usually granted until the end of the sixth semester. An extension of the scholarship beyond the sixth semester usually depends on academic performance in the first four semesters. In borderline cases, aspects other than academic achievements – such as exceptional social engagement or particular personal circumstances – may positively influence the decision to approve further funding. After an application has been approved, funding is awarded from the 6th semester until studies are completed (for example, until the master's degree or state examinations have been completed). In 2014, 91% of requests for further funding were approved.
The Studienstiftung also offers a doctoral scholarship for highly qualified and prosocial PhD students. The doctoral scholarship accepts applications from doctoral candidates at universities in Germany and at universities worldwide under certain conditions.
Support.
The general Studienstiftung scholarship consists of both financial and academic support. 
Financial support.
Financial support includes an allowance (€300 month) and a need-based basic scholarship, which is calculated according to the BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) and can be up to €825 per month.
PhD scholars receive a monthly award of €1,350 plus a research allowance of €100. Additional funds are provided for students and PhD students with children. Financial support is regulated by the guidelines of the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Visits abroad are also supported by grants or overseas allowances and the partial payment of tuition fees. Under the terms of No. 11 (EStG – German Income Tax Law) scholarship payments are tax-free.
Academic support.
The Studienstiftung's academic support includes summer schools, research groups, language courses, workshops and mentoring by local tutors, academics who carry out this task for the Studienstiftung on a voluntary basis. Scholars are required to submit a report on their studies and other activities every semester during the first semesters (usually until the end of the fourth semester), and once a year thereafter. Scholars can also apply for funding in order to organise their own conferences and other events.
Internal scholarship programmes.
In addition to its regular scholarship scheme, the Studienstiftung offers additional internal scholarship programmes for selected scholars and alumni. Examples include the KAUST-Studienstiftung programme, a joint partnership between KAUST and the Studienstiftung under the patronage of the German Federal Foreign Office which allows scholars from the STEM disciplines to join KAUST for research internships or to enroll in Master or PhD programs. In the musical field, for example, in cooperation with the Beethoven House residence scholarships are awarded for young composers.
Open scholarship programmes.
Moreover, the Studienstiftung offers open scholarship programmes which are run and financed in cooperation with other organisations. They include the , the and the . Participation in these scholarship programmes does not require previously holding a regular scholarship by the Studienstiftung.
Literatur.
Studienstiftung und Zeitgeschichte