The Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes and Haniel Stiftung jointly support high-performing graduates from any field who plan a full-time, business-related postgraduate degree abroad. The program normally funds a first or second master’s leading to an internationally recognized qualification, together with a relevant internship.
Recipients arrange university admission, visas, accommodation, and the internship themselves. The scholarship combines financial support with admission to the Studienstiftung and Haniel networks, a kick-off meeting in Duisburg, and continuing development and networking activities.
Benefits & funding
- A monthly overseas stipend of €2,300 for a maximum funding period of 22 months.
- A one-time €1,000 travel allowance and €500 start-up payment.
- A tuition contribution of up to €10,000 per academic year; applicants with higher fees are expected to seek additional funding.
- Funding covers two to four semesters and may include a relevant internship of up to three months.
- Access to the Studienstiftung’s development program, the global Haniel scholar network, a Duisburg kick-off meeting, and annual alumni meetings.
Eligibility
- Applicants from any academic field must propose a business-related, full-time degree abroad lasting two to four semesters and leading to an internationally recognized qualification; a semester abroad, distance or part-time study, JD, PhD, and doctoral study are not eligible.
- The program supports a first or, at most, second master’s; applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree by the funding start, while completed doctorate holders are ineligible.
- The qualifying higher-education degree must come from a state or state-recognized institution in Germany, the European Union, or Switzerland, and the latest degree must normally be no more than five years old on 15 October.
- Academic results are expected to place applicants at least among the best 10% of their cohort, subject to limited exceptions for very small or highly selective courses.
- Applicants must document an interest in business through study choices, relevant employment or internships, a venture, or related volunteering.
- Citizenship and education routes are conditional: applicants qualify through German citizenship, a German or German-school entrance qualification, BAföG-equivalent status, or EU or Swiss citizenship combined with their latest higher-education degree from Germany.
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Bachelor Enrolled · Bachelor · Master
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Application process
- 1Download and use the current application packet and the 2026 application FAQ from the program page.
- 2Assemble one ordered PDF containing the signed form with photo, a narrative and tabular CV, school and degree records, a motivation letter, and evidence of business-related interests.
- 3Ask two eligible referees to submit their reports directly to the Studienstiftung; the reports must also arrive by the deadline.
- 4Email the PDF, named Nachname_Vorname_Haniel, to the program address by 23:59 CET on 15 October 2026.
- 5After written preselection, the top 40 applicants attend a compulsory three-day selection seminar in Duisburg with two interviews and discussion rounds.
Program timeline
Digital information session.
7 September 2026
Last date to request individual consideration of qualifying interruptions to the five-year degree window.
15 September 2026
Application and referee reports deadline.
15 October 2026, 23:59 CET
Written preselection results.
Early February 2027
Compulsory three-day selection seminar in Duisburg.
March 2027
Within four weeks of the seminar
Final decisions.
Earliest funding period begins.
Academic year 2027/28