University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships 2026 | Study in Germany

The University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships (“Leistungsstipendien”) is a funding program for outstanding international students (meaning non-German citizens) enrolled at Universität Hamburg. Its purpose is to support students with excellent academic achievements who are socially or interculturally engaged, helping them to focus more on their studies without a heavy financial burden.

University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships Summary

Benefits of the University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships

• Monthly Stipend: Around €992 per month.
• Duration: Initially awarded for 12 months (two semesters). Can be renewed up to a maximum of two years.
• Disbursement: Payments are made monthly at the start of each funded month.
• Other Conditions: The scholarship requires full-time enrollment and cannot be paid into foreign bank accounts. Academic leave is not permitted during the funding period.

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Eligibility Requirements of the Merit Scholarships at University of Hamburg

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

• Nationality: Must not hold German citizenship (including dual citizenship with Germany).
• Enrollment:
  • Bachelor’s or Staatsexamen students must have completed at least two semesters of study.
  • Master’s students (especially in two-year programs) and doctoral candidates must have completed at least one semester at the University of Hamburg.
• BAföG Status: Applicants must not be eligible for German federal student financial aid (BAföG).
• Academic Performance: Strong academic record with excellent grades; additional achievements, such as awards or publications, are advantageous.
• Social Engagement: Active involvement in social, community, or intercultural activities is highly valued.

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Required Documents for Merit Scholarships at University of Hamburg

1. Applicants must submit the following documents:
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A concise, tabular format.
3. Letter of Motivation: Using the official university template, explaining academic goals, financial need, and personal motivation.
4. Academic Records:
   • Bachelor’s students: transcript or STiNE performance overview.
   • Master’s students: degree certificate from the previous program and current transcript.
5. Two Academic Evaluations: Written by full-time teaching staff (with doctorates) from the University of Hamburg, using the official evaluation form.
6. Proof of Achievements: Certificates, awards, publications, or other academic honors (if available).
7. Proof of Residence and Identification:
   • Non-EU citizens: residence permit.
   • EU citizens: identity card and registration certificate (“Meldebescheinigung”).
     These must be presented in person or via an online appointment.

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How to Apply for the University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships

1. Check Deadlines:
   • April 15 (for funding starting October 1)
   • October 15 (for funding starting April 1)
     Note: In future years, there may be only one annual deadline (April 15).
2. Access the Application Portal:
   • Log in using your University of Hamburg STiNE ID and university email address.
3. Prepare and Upload Documents:
   • Please submit all required documents by the deadline. Incomplete applications are not considered.
4. Verify Identity:
   • Present your residence permit or ID and registration certificate during the verification process (in person or via Zoom).
5. Selection Process:
   • A university committee (faculty and student representatives) evaluates applications based on academic performance, engagement, and achievements.
6. Notification and Payment:
   • Successful candidates are informed by email. Payments start at the beginning of the funding period (October or April).

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Tips to strengthen your application

1. Academic transcripts: Ensure that your grades are accurately translated to a German / international standard, and include any ranking information if possible.
2. Reference letters: Choose professors who know you well (seminars, papers, projects) and can speak not just of your grades, but also of your capabilities, initiative, and potential.
3. Motivation letter: Include why you need the scholarship, how being freed from financial stress will help, and what intercultural/social contributions you have made or plan to make.
4. Show engagement: If you have volunteered, interned, or worked on projects that bring together students from different backgrounds, or have initiated events, highlight those.
5. Don’t leave documents to the last minute: especially legal documents, such as residence permits or registration (“Meldebescheinigung”), or identity documents that you may need to present in person or via Zoom.

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Key deadlines & timeline

• 15 April: For funding starting October 1 of the same year.
• 15 October: For funding starting April 1 of the following year.

Make sure to prepare your application well ahead, especially the evaluations from professors (these often take time).