Students with excellent academic performance and first-year students with above-average performance are eligible to apply. Students who have a child or are caring for family members, have a disability or medical condition, or are members of an elite sports team should please submit separate documentation of these circumstances. Funding is available for first-year students as well as students in higher semesters. Both first and second degrees in a bachelor’s, master’s, or teacher education program, as well as in a continuing education master’s program, are eligible for funding. Enrollment as a first-time student at the GSU is a prerequisite. Social or volunteer engagement is a requirement for receiving the Deutschlandstipendium. Other qualifications and special personal achievements, such as successfully overcoming obstacles in one’s educational history, will be given special consideration. Furthermore, the German Sport University Cologne expressly encourages applications from women and students with special circumstances (e.g., immigrant background, educational advancement) in the spirit of equal opportunity and gender equality.

The Deutschlandstipendium amount is 300 € per month. Half of this scholarship is funded by a company, a foundation, or an individual. The other half is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. A scholarship covers two semesters. However, the scholarship is not awarded for longer than the standard period of study (exception: in cases of exceptional hardship).  

The exact number of scholarships awarded each year depends directly on how many scholarships the university is able to secure. Based on experience from previous years, approximately 30–50 scholarships are awarded per winter semester.

In addition to the application form, you will need other documents and certificates, which must be compiled on an individual basis. You can find detailed information under the "Application" section.  

Applying for and receiving the Deutschlandstipendium is contingent upon enrollment at the German Sport University Cologne. Prospective students may also apply for the scholarship. After the selection by the jury, the university will verify whether enrollment has taken place. 

International students who earned their high school diploma abroad and are enrolled at the German Sport University Cologne may apply for a Deutschlandstipendium. Application materials may be submitted in English.  

Unfortunately, doctoral students are not eligible to apply for the Deutschlandstipendium. 

I will complete my bachelor’s degree at the German Sport University Cologne after the upcoming summer semester and will begin my master’s program at the German Sport University Cologne in the following winter semester. Can I apply for the Deutschlandstipendium?

Yes, you can apply. Please enter your expected graduation date on the application form. If you do not receive a spot in the master’s program at the German Sport University, you are required to notify the scholarship office. Funding cannot be extended beyond your graduation date.

Receipt of the Deutschlandstipendium is contingent upon enrollment at the German Sport University Cologne. The decisive factor is whether the student is a first-time student. Students who are first-time students at another institution of higher education (e.g., the University of Cologne) can obtain information about the Deutschlandstipendium at that institution and apply there.

I am doing an internship or studying abroad during the funding period. Can I apply?

Yes, you can apply. When it comes to internships, a distinction must be made between required internships in Germany and abroad and other types of internships. Required domestic internships are integrated into the degree program and do not preclude receipt of the scholarship. The same applies to internships abroad, provided they are specified in the respective program regulations; they can be considered “field-specific stays abroad.” If scholarship recipients take a leave of absence, it must be determined on a case-by-case basis whether the scholarship can be paid out. Please contact the Scholarship Office with any specific questions.

After the application period ends, a selection committee reviews all application materials. The committee meets to decide which scholarships will be awarded. The jury currently consists of representatives from the Career Service, the Student Advisory Service, the International Office, University Athletics/Competitive Sports, the Family Services Office, and a student representative with a chronic illness or disability.

The Deutschlandstipendium is not counted toward BaföG.  

Receiving dual funding through a combination with scholarships from organizations that support gifted students is only partially possible. However, please be sure to review the guidelines of the organization supporting gifted students and refer to this page of the BMBF for the current decisions regarding dual funding.

Please refer to the current resolutions on this page.