The Free State of Bavaria is calling for applications for its one-year scholarship program for the academic year 2025/26. This program aims to support graduates by funding their postgraduate studies, PhDs, or one-year research stays at state or state-funded higher education institutions in Bavaria, Germany.
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Program | Free State of Bavaria Scholarship for International Students 2025/26 |
| Purpose | Funding postgraduate studies, PhDs, or one-year research stays at state or state-funded higher education institutions in Bavaria |
| Scholarship Amount | €934 per month |
| Family Allowance | €160 per month for scholarship holders with at least one child |
| Funding Duration | Up to three years for postgraduate studies or PhDs, with possible extensions |
| Eligible Institutions | Bavarian state universities, state-recognized universities under church sponsorship, and art or music universities |
| Residence Requirement | Permanent residence in the home country at the time of application |
| Age Limit | Under 30 years for Master’s degree applicants and under 35 years for PhD applicants as of October 1, 2025 (exceptions possible) |
| Funding Restrictions | No other funding sources for the study or research stay in Bavaria |
| Language Skills | Proficiency in German and/or English (C1 level) |
| Academic Performance | Above-average academic achievements |
| Enrollment Requirement | Enrollment at a Bavarian university required during the scholarship period (not at the time of application) |
| Application Method | Online application via StipSys |
| Required Documents | – Letter of motivation (1-2 pages) – Proof of German and/or English skills – University degree certificate and transcript of records with certified translation (for Czech applicants in Czech, German, or English without certified translation) – Proof of citizenship (passport or ID scan) – Endorsement letter from a professor or Master’s program coordinator at a Bavarian institution (mandatory for PhD and research stays) – Curriculum vitae in tabular form – Optional: Documents on voluntary work, internships, further training, publications (max. 10 documents) – For PhD applications: Two-page project description and timetable – For one-year research stays: Project description, timetable, and a recommendation letter from the PhD supervisor in the home country – Justification letter for age limit exceptions (if applicable) – Birth certificate for family allowance applications (with certified translation, except for Czech applicants) |
| Important Dates | – Application Deadline: December 1, 2024 – Application Review: December 2024 – March 2025 – Notification of Results: April – May 2025 – Enrollment Deadline at Bavarian Institutions: June 15 (all other institutions) / July 15, 2024 (research universities) – Scholarship Start: October 1, 2025 |
Facts About the Free State of Bavaria’s Scholarship Program
- Exclusive Opportunity: This scholarship is a unique chance for graduates to further their education in one of Germany’s most culturally rich and economically powerful states—Bavaria!
- Broad Scope: Whether you’re pursuing postgraduate studies, a PhD, or a one-year research stay, this scholarship opens doors to a wide range of academic opportunities at state or state-funded institutions in Bavaria.
- Full-Year Funding: The program offers comprehensive financial support for an entire academic year, alleviating the financial burden and allowing students to focus entirely on their studies and research.
- Prestigious Institutions: Recipients will have the chance to study at some of Bavaria’s top higher education institutions, renowned for their academic excellence and cutting-edge research facilities.
- Cultural Immersion: Living in Bavaria means experiencing a rich cultural heritage, from the Oktoberfest to fairy-tale castles like Neuschwanstein, enhancing your educational journey with unforgettable cultural experiences.
- Economic Hub: Bavaria is home to numerous global companies and research centers, providing scholarship recipients with unparalleled networking and career opportunities.
- Innovation and Research: The state is a leader in technological innovation and research, offering students access to groundbreaking projects and collaborations with leading experts in various fields.
- Historic Academia: Bavaria boasts a long tradition of academic excellence, with some of its universities dating back to the 15th century, providing a rich academic and historical context for your studies.
- Vibrant Student Life: The region’s universities are known for their vibrant student communities, offering a plethora of extracurricular activities, clubs, and events to complement your academic experience.
- Global Networking: Studying in Bavaria allows you to connect with a diverse and international community of scholars, expanding your global network and enhancing your future career prospects.
Rewards For State of Bavaria Scholarship 2024 for International Students
- Scholarship Amount: €934 per month
- Family Allowance: €160 per month for scholarship holders with at least one child
- Funding Duration: Up to three years for postgraduate studies or PhDs, with possible extensions
- Eligible Institutions: Bavarian state universities, state-recognized universities under church sponsorship, and art or music universities
Eligibility Criteria For State of Bavaria Scholarship 2024 for International Students
- Residence: Permanent residence in the home country at the time of application
- Age Limit: Under 30 years for Master’s degree applicants and under 35 years for PhD applicants as of October 1, 2025 (exceptions possible)
- Funding Restrictions: No other funding sources for the study or research stay in Bavaria
- Language Skills: Proficiency in German and/or English (C1 level)
- Academic Performance: Above-average academic achievements
- Enrollment: Enrollment at a Bavarian university is required during the scholarship period (not at the time of application)
How To Apply For State of Bavaria Scholarship 2024 for International Students
- Online Application
- Required Documents:
- Letter of motivation in German or English (1-2 pages)
- Proof of German and/or English skills
- University degree certificate and transcript of records with certified translation (for Czech applicants in Czech, German, or English without certified translation)
- Proof of citizenship (passport or ID scan)
- Endorsement letter from a professor or Master’s program coordinator at a Bavarian institution (mandatory for PhD and research stays)
- Curriculum vitae in tabular form in German or English
- Optional: Documents on voluntary work, internships, further training, publications (max. 10 documents)
- For PhD applications: Two-page project description and timetable
- For one-year research stays: Project description, timetable, and a recommendation letter from the PhD supervisor in the home country
- Justification letter for age limit exceptions (if applicable)
- Birth certificate for family allowance applications (with certified translation, except for Czech applicants)
- Submission: Register and submit the application via the StipSys online form.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
- Application Review: December 2024 – March 2025
- Notification of Results: April – May 2025
- Enrollment Deadline at Bavarian Institutions: June 15 (all other institutions) / July 15, 2024 (research universities)
- Scholarship Start: October 1, 2025.