The Aufstiegsstipendium Scholarship

The Aufstiegsstipendium scholarship is designed to support the academic ambitions of individuals who are holding a vocational qualification and have accumulated some work experience already. The programme aims to assist gifted individuals who have demonstrated exceptional talent and commitment during their vocational training and in the workplace. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the SBB (Stiftung Begabtenförderung berufliche Bildung) foundation selects students for the scholarship and supports them while at university. The Aufstiegsstipendium scholarship is awarded to around 1,000 students each year. It has been awarded to students at more than 300 higher education institutions in Germany already. The programme is part of the German Federal Government’s Aufstieg durch Bildung (advancement through education) initiative, which aims to promote education in Germany - from early childhood education through to professional development. For more information on the Aufstiegsstipendium scholarship, click here (page available in German only).

Scholarship holders who are studying full time receive a monthly allowance of €861 as well as financial assistance for books (€80 per month).

A monthly allowance to help pay for child care expenses is available to scholarship holders who are studying full time and have one or more of their own children under the age of 14 living in their household. That allowance is €150 per child and month. It will only be paid out if the child’s other parent is not receiving a child care allowance. Holders of the Aufstiegsstipendium scholarship who want to study full time usually have to quit their jobs. This is why they all receive the same rate of support, regardless of their income.

Scholarship holders who are studying part time receive €225 per month.

The Aufstiegsstipendium scholarship programme is aimed at men and women who have already accumulated some work experience and have demonstrated a high degree of motivation and ability during their vocational training and in the workplace. Designed to facilitate crossing the boundary between vocational training and higher education, it creates an additional incentive to pursue an academic degree and thus helps talented professionals climb the career ladder.

Dates and deadlines  for applicants (page available in German only)

For more information on the Aufstiegsstipendium scholarship, see the SBB leafletand the web pages of Stiftung Begabtenförderung berufliche Bildung - Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft mbH (SBB)  (leaflet and web pages available in German only).

Official guidelines (available in German only)

Scholarship ambassadors for Würzburg can be reached at the following e-mail address: wuerzburg@sbb-botschafter.de