University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships 2025 for International Students – Study in Germany with Financial Support

About the University of Hamburg Merit Scholarship

The University of Hamburg, one of Germany’s most renowned educational institutions, offers the Merit Scholarship Program to support exceptional international students and doctoral researchers. The scholarship aims to reward students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and a commitment to social or intercultural activities.

By providing financial support, the merit scholarship enables recipients to focus completely on their studies while engaging in skill development and extracurricular activities. The program is open to students from all disciplines and degree levels, allowing them to build a strong academic and professional foundation in an international environment.

Eligible Fields

The Merit Scholarship is open to students enrolled in all fields of study at the University of Hamburg. Whether you are pursuing a degree in science, engineering, humanities, business, social sciences, or any other discipline, you are eligible to apply as long as you meet the requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the University of Hamburg Merit Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Enrollment Requirement:
  • Must have been enrolled at the University of Hamburg for at least two semesters in their degree program.
  • Students enrolled in two-year master’s programs or doctoral programs can apply after completing one semester.
• Citizenship Requirement:
  • Applicants must be international students and should not hold German citizenship.
• Financial Aid Exclusion:
  • Students eligible for the federal student loan scheme (BAföG) are not eligible for this scholarship.
• Commitment to Academics and Extracurriculars:
  • Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record and actively participate in social and/or intercultural activities.

Selection Criteria

The University of Hamburg uses a competitive selection process to choose scholarship recipients. Applications are evaluated based on the following factors:

• Academic Excellence:
  • A strong academic record is essential, with an emphasis on good to excellent performance.
• Extracurricular Engagement:
  • Applicants who have actively participated in social, volunteer, or intercultural activities will be given preference.
• Skills and Achievements:
  • Additional achievements such as publications, research work, presentations, awards, and specialized skills will be considered.
• Financial Need:
  • The scholarship committee will assess the applicant’s financial and social situation to determine need-based support.

Documents Required

To apply for the University of Hamburg Merit Scholarship, applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Letter of Motivation – Must use the official template form (PDF) provided by the university.
2. Proof of Social or Intercultural Engagement (if applicable) – Documentation confirming volunteer work or involvement in international activities.
3. Academic Records:
   • Bachelor’s students and students in state examination programs must submit a STiNE printout of their Leistungskonto (academic transcript) or a current transcript of records.
   • Master’s students and doctoral researchers must provide their most recent degree certificate with grades (in English or German).
4. Two Academic Evaluations:
   • Must be from two full-time professors or lecturers with doctorates at the University of Hamburg.
   • The official template evaluation form (PDF) must be used.
5. Residence Documentation:
   • Non-EU students: Copy of residence permit.
   • EU students: Copy of identity card and registration certificate of residence (“Meldebescheinigung”) in Germany.

Eligible Countries

The scholarship is open to international students from all countries who meet the eligibility criteria. There are no restrictions based on nationality, making this a truly global opportunity.

Benefits of the University of Hamburg Merit Scholarship

Recipients of the merit scholarship will receive several benefits, including:

• Financial Assistance: Monthly funding of up to €930.
• Scholarship Duration: Awarded for two semesters (12 months), with the possibility of reapplying for up to two years.
• Career and Academic Development: The financial support allows students to focus on their studies, engage in research, and participate in extracurricular activities without financial burden.
• Networking and Recognition: Merit scholars gain recognition for their academic achievements and have the chance to network with faculty members, researchers, and professionals in their field.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for the University of Hamburg Merit Scholarship:

1. Register on the Application Portal:
   • Log in with your STiNE ID and access the online application portal.
2. Complete the Online Application Form:
   • Fill out all required sections and upload the necessary documents.
3. Submit Before the Deadline:
   • Ensure that you submit the application before the deadline (15 April or 15 October).
4. Present Residence Documents:
   • Non-EU students must present their residence permit.
   • EU students must provide an identity card and registration certificate.
5. Attend Zoom Verification Meeting (if required):
   • Applicants may be required to present their residence documents via Zoom on specific dates.

Note: The application deadline for the University of Hamburg Merit Scholarship depends on the funding period. There are two application rounds each year:

• 15 April (for funding from 1 October to 30 September of the following year)
• 15 October (for funding from 1 April to 31 March of the following year)

Applicants must ensure that they submit all required documents before these deadlines to be considered for the scholarship.

Final Thoughts

The University of Hamburg Merit Scholarship provides an exceptional opportunity for talented international students to receive financial support while pursuing their degrees. By covering living expenses, the scholarship enables students to concentrate on academic excellence, skill development, and meaningful extracurricular activities.

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are committed to academic success and social engagement, don’t miss this chance to apply!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

See also:

Tokyo University Amgen Scholars Program 2025: Apply Now!

The Letten Prize 2025 for Researchers: Apply Now!

World Trade Organization Internship Program 2025

Apply for the $5,000 Pathways Access Scholarship