University of Passau Scholarships for International Students

A comprehensive research institution in the heart of classic Europe, The University of Passau is a hallmark of old Bavarian tradition incorporating the cutting-edge technology of the future. Aiming to be an innovative and international university, the school aims to produce highly qualified graduates in the fields of science, business, and society through its 39 degree programs and counting.

Since its inception in 1978, this young university has always been keen on the future and invests heavily in research. It aims to be a leader in interdisciplinary research on a very modern subject – digitization and its impact on society, guided by themes of Digitalisation, Networked Society and Internet Cultures, Europe and Global Transformation, and Migration, Sustainable Development, and Just Order. The university is also a crusader for early career researchers, striving to provide first-class support for those starting in their research careers. In line with providing gender equality, this support also receives key emphasis for women.

Many of the university’s courses pave the way for international double degrees, making it easier for students to gain an international worldview. The university is also generous in its expertise in research on technology with strategic partners locally and abroad and contributes to Germany’s bustling start-up culture. One can even take a virtual tour of their award-winning campus and see how the school environment is world-class.

Rankings can attest to the quality of innovative and international education the University of Passau provides. The university ranks among the top 20% of universities in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, while doctoral university rankings by U-Multirank indicate how the school over indexes on internationalization.

For students and researchers looking to be at the forefront of this synergistic combination of old and new, see below the scholarships offered by the University of Passau:

University of Passau Scholarships

Undergraduate Scholarships at University of Passau

1. Free Tuition

  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition waiver
  • Eligibility Criteria: Admission to any bachelor’s program
  • Scholarship Link

As a public university, German state law mandates that tuition for the University of Passau be made free for all undergraduate students. The university estimates the remaining expenses to be monthly living expenses at around 760 EUR per month excluding insurance, and 84.50 EUR per semester for school fees.

2. Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: 300 EUR per month
  • Eligibility Criteria: Admission to any bachelor’s course; At least two full semesters admitted to the University of Passau
  • Scholarship Link

Translating to “German Scholarship”, The Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship is a stipend available to students of all nationalities. Scholars receive 300 EUR per month for a minimum of one year, and can be applied for again in succeeding years. At the University of Passau, scholarships are only given during the start of winter semester.

Applications are done online for this scholarship available at the University of Passau. Once applicants advance to the second round, they will be asked for their curriculum vitae, letter of motivation, university admission results, and proof of academic and extracurricular excellence. The final number of accepted scholars depends on the available funds each year, funded by generous sponsors. Donors consist of the federal government and private companies or individuals.

3. Emergency Grant for International Students

  • Scholarship Amount: 500 EUR
  • Eligibility Criteria: At least two semesters enrolled in University of Passau; with excellent academic performance and proof of inability to pay
  • Scholarship Link

The university sets aside funds for those facing financial hardships through the Promotion of Internationalization program. Those accepted for this University of Passau scholarship will receive a one-time stipend of 500 EUR. Application forms can be downloaded here, along with evidence of excellent academic performance and inability to pay school fees. Applicants must not have any other ongoing scholarship alongside the emergency grant to apply.

Postgraduate scholarships can also be availed of by Master’s and Ph.D. students as follows:

Postgraduate Scholarships at University of Passau

1. Free Tuition

  • Scholarship Amount: Full tuition waiver
  • Eligibility Criteria: Admission to any Master’s program
  • Degree Offered: Master’s, Ph.D.
  • Scholarship Link

Like undergraduate courses, Master’s and Ph.D. courses in Germany are also tuition-free for both local and international students.

2. Students at Risk – Hilde Domin Programme

  • Scholarship Amount: 861 EUR monthly for up to 24 months for Masteral students, 1,200 EUR for up to 48 months for Doctoral students, plus insurance, travel allowance, and other financial benefits
  • Eligibility Criteria: admission in University of Passau’s courses (except select arts and medicine courses) with a credible and proven threat to their well-being; residing in Germany not more than 15 months.
  • Degree Offered: Master’s, Ph.D.
  • Scholarship Link

This scholarship available at the University of Passau was inspired by Hilde Domin – also known as the Poet of Return for her award-winning work drawn from her experiences in exile. The program aims to help students with situations similar to hers – students who are at risk, formally or de facto, of being denied access to education in their home country due to aspects of their identity and/or their political or civic associations. Students accepted into the program are provided a full tuition waiver to a course of their choice, with additional incentives such as health insurance, travel allowance, and others.

This program differs from scholarship programs as scholars cannot apply for themselves, but need to go through a nomination process. For the University of Passau, students must ensure they are eligible for admission to the school, and apply for nomination through these forms, to be submitted to the International Office. Their names will then be escalated to the rector of the school for nomination. Once verified, students will receive an invitation to apply in the online portal alongside corresponding documents to ascertain academic excellence and at-risk status. Independent selection committees of the DAAD screen and award the final roster of scholars.

3. Oskar-Karl-Forster scholarship

  • Scholarship Amount: one-time payment of up to 500 EUR
  • Eligibility Criteria: Master’s and Ph.D. enrollees in the University of Passau; recipients of BAföG scholarship, or with insufficient funds
  • Degree Offered: Master’s, Ph.D.
  • Scholarship Link

Sponsored by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts, the Oskar-Karl-Forster scholarship seeks to unburden those who experience financial burdens while completing their education. Exclusively for students and doctoral candidates of the University of Passau, Eligible students fall under two categories: recipients of Germany’s BAföG scholarship and enrolled for at least one semester, or students with insufficient funds for enrollment as stated by the BAföG act.

This University of Passau scholarship is a one-time payment of up to 500 EUR and is very specific in its use. For Master’s degree students, these are for the purchase of learning materials, while for Doctoral candidates, this is for the printing of their doctoral thesis. Receipts specific to the purpose of the scholarship must be collected for substantiation.

To apply, application forms are found here. Note, however, that the scholarship can only be availed once per student.

For more scholarship options, check out their official website.

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Europe Scholarships Page.