The Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes and the Haniel Stiftung fund graduates of any field for a complete, business-related postgraduate degree abroad, usually a master’s, combined with a relevant internship.
Scholars arrange admission, visa, housing and the internship themselves. They join the Studienstiftung and the Haniel scholar network, starting with a kick-off meeting in Duisburg.
Benefits & funding
- €2,300 a month abroad for two to four semesters, at most 22 months, including an internship of up to three months.
- A one-time €1,000 travel allowance and €500 start-up payment.
- Up to €10,000 per academic year towards tuition; with higher fees, applicants are expected to seek other funding.
- Membership of the Studienstiftung and the Haniel network, with a Duisburg kick-off and annual alumni meetings.
Eligibility
- German citizens; or non-Germans who earned their school-leaving qualification in Germany or at a German school abroad, are equal to Germans under §8 BAföG (e.g. settled residents, recognised refugees), or are EU or Swiss citizens whose latest degree is from Germany.
- At least a bachelor’s from a state or state-recognised university in Germany, the EU or Switzerland by the funding start; latest degree under five years old on 15 October; no completed doctorate.
- Results in the top 10% of your cohort (exceptions for very small or highly selective courses) and documented interest in business.
- A planned full-time first or second master’s abroad of two to four semesters with an internationally recognised degree; no PhD, JD, exchange semester, part-time or distance study.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Bachelor · Master
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Application process
- 1Compile one PDF in the packet’s order, including CVs and a motivation letter written in German and evidence of business interest.
- 2Two referees, normally professors who know you from their teaching, send their reports directly by 15 October 2026.
- 3Email the PDF by 15 October 2026, 23:59 CET; late or incomplete applications, reports included, are excluded.
- 4The 40 best-rated applicants must attend a three-day selection seminar in Duisburg in March, with two individual interviews.
Program timeline
Applications and both referee reports due.
15 October 2026, 23:59 CET
Pre-selection results.
Early February 2027
Three-day selection seminar in Duisburg.
Mid-March 2027
Within four weeks of the seminar
Final decisions.
Funding starts at the earliest.
Academic year 2027/28