Our student Sarah Brunell applied for a scholarship from the German National Academic Foundation - with success! The student of the B.Sc. Health Economics in Practice (GiP) can proudly call herself a scholarship holder and reports below about her experience.

"The German National Academic Foundation is the oldest and largest organization for the promotion of gifted students in the Federal Republic of Germany. According to its statutes, it promotes "the higher education of young people whose high academic or artistic talent and personality give rise to expectations of special achievements in the service of the general public." Scholarship recipients are selected and supported independently of political, ideological and religious guidelines."

After graduating from high school, I initially decided to study Catholic theology in Freiburg. It turned out that I did not want to pursue this path any further. Therefore, I completed an apprenticeship as a dietician. In order to combine my desire to study with my training, I decided to do a dual study program at the health insurance company and have been studying health economics in the practice network at the university since 2016.

Application process:

I applied to the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German National Academic Foundation) because I was proposed for a scholarship by the university. But even without a recommendation by the university, it is possible to apply to the Studienstiftung on your own. Here, a selection test is taken on the PC in advance.

After I had submitted all my documents, including a letter of recommendation from my university professor, I received a letter of invitation to the selection weekend at the end of October, which took place in mid-November.

The Studienstiftung's intention with the selection process is to get to know the applicants better. The Studienstiftung wants to support students who, in addition to intellectual abilities, also show a willingness to perform, have social skills and are socially committed.

In my case, the selection procedure took place at the youth hostel in Speyer from Friday evening to Sunday noon. I was allowed to prepare a short presentation in advance, which was then discussed by my group members under my moderation. At the same time I was allowed to participate in the interesting discussions of the other group members. There were also two one-on-one meetings with members of the Studienstiftung commission, which I also found very enriching. About two weeks after the selection weekend, I received the letter with the acceptance.

The support provided by the Studienstiftung consists of financial and non-material support, as well as support abroad. Financial support is provided in the form of a flat-rate tuition fee and, depending on your financial situation, a living stipend (dependent on your parents).
Particularly noteworthy is the idealistic support. Scholarship holders can engage in interdisciplinary dialogue at summer schools, attend language courses, or participate in seminars on career orientation.

The Studienstiftung also supports all those who go abroad during their studies, financially and through detailed advice and motivation.

I will be a Studienstiftung scholar until the end of my Bachelor's degree. If I start a master's degree (full-time) within three years of completing my bachelor's degree, then that will also be eligible without having to reapply.

I can recommend everyone to apply for a scholarship at the Studienstiftung. The people I met at the selection weekend alone were worth the effort. I'm also looking forward to the many idealistic offers I hope to be able to take advantage of.

You can find out more about scholarships here.