The Universität Hamburg merit scholarship pays international students up to €930 a month for 12 months. You must already be studying at the university for at least two semesters and not qualify for BAföG. The deadline is 15 April.
Universität Hamburg offers international students up to €930 a month for 12 months through its merit scholarship, but only after you are enrolled there for two semesters. You can’t apply from abroad before admission. The deadline is 15 April, and you must not qualify for BAföG.
Last updated: 23 October 2026. Check the university’s page before applying.
Who can apply for the Universität Hamburg merit scholarship?
To qualify for the scholarship, you must meet the following requirements: You can apply if you:
- Have been enrolled in your subject at Universität Hamburg for at least two semesters (one semester for two-year master’s students, and doctoral researchers).
- Do not hold German citizenship.
- Are not eligible for German federal student loans (BAföG).
The Universität Hamburg merit scholarship supports students who have also shown social commitment or involvement in an international context.
Can I apply from Nigeria before I Enrol?
No. The scholarship is only for students who are already studying at Universität Hamburg. If you want to study there, first apply for admission and enrol, then apply for the scholarship once you meet the semester requirement. Study In Germany Now – Apply For DW Akademie Scholarships
How much is the Universität Hamburg Merit Scholarship?
Up to €930 a month, for two semesters (12 months). Individual doctoral researchers may receive up to €1,200 a month, with roughly two or three such awards per round. You can reapply, and in well-founded exceptional cases funding can last up to three years.
What is the Universität Hamburg Merit Scholarship Deadline?
15 April 2027. Funding for that round starts on 1 October and runs to 30 September. The university says the October round ended after 2025, so the next deadline is 15 April 2027.
Who Is Not Eligible For Universität Hamburg Merit Scholarship Deadline??
International students who meet the requirements of Section 8 of BAföG, the German student financial aid law, cannot receive this scholarship.
What documents do I need?
Based on the university’s information, you prepare:
- A CV
- A letter of motivation on the university’s form
- Proof of social or intercultural activities, if you have any
- A record of achievements (transcript for bachelor’s students; degree certificate with grades for master’s and doctoral applicants)
- Evaluations from two full-time teaching staff with doctorates at Universität Hamburg.
Make sure all documents are properly uploaded before submitting your application.
How do I apply?
Apply online through the university’s STiNE portal, using the application form for the 15 April round. Start early, because you need evaluations from lecturers.
Once logged in, you will be prompted to register and complete your application. Please make sure to use your student email address, not a private email address, when registering and throughout the online application process.
How do I get the evaluations?
Ask two lecturers at Universität Hamburg who hold doctorates, and give them time. The university’s FAQ explains who can write one, including professors and other full-time teaching staff with doctorates.
Can doctoral researchers apply?
Yes. The university’s page includes doctoral researchers, who can apply after one completed semester. Some third-party sites say otherwise, so rely on the university.
Who do I contact?
The university’s international office handles the scholarship. DAAD lists the contact as stipend-internationalstudent@uni-hamburg.de. Confirm it on the official page.
Disbursement of Merit Scholarships:
Merit scholarships are distributed on the first day of each month during the funding period. The funding begins on:
- 1 October for applications submitted by 15 April, and
- 1 April of the following year for applications submitted by 15 October.
Please note that scholarships cannot be transferred to foreign bank accounts, and academic leave is not allowed during the funding period.
