The Free State of Bavaria invites applications for its one-year scholarship program for the academic year 2025/26. This program aims to support graduates by funding their postgraduate studies, PhDs, or one-year research stays at state or state-funded higher education institutions in Bavaria, Germany.
Benefits of Bavaria State Scholarship
- Scholarship Amount: €934 per month
- Family Allowance: €160 per month for scholarship holders with at least one child
- Funding Duration: Up to three years for postgraduate studies or PhDs, with possible extensions
- Eligible Institutions: Bavarian state universities, state-recognized universities under church sponsorship, and art or music universities
Eligibility Criteria
- Residence: Permanent residence in the home country at the time of application
- Age Limit: Under 30 years for Master’s degree applicants and under 35 years for PhD applicants as of October 1, 2025 (exceptions possible)
- Funding Restrictions: No other funding sources for the study or research stay in Bavaria
- Language Skills: Proficiency in German and/or English (C1 level)
- Academic Performance: Above-average academic achievements
- Enrollment: Enrollment at a Bavarian university is required during the scholarship period (not at the time of application)
Application Process
Online Application: Bavaria Scholarship Application
Required Documents:
- Letter of motivation in German or English (1-2 pages)
- Proof of German and/or English skills
- University degree certificate and transcript of records with certified translation (for Czech applicants in Czech, German, or English without certified translation)
- Proof of citizenship (passport or ID scan)
- Endorsement letter from a professor or Master’s program coordinator at a Bavarian institution (mandatory for PhD and research stays)
- Curriculum vitae in tabular form in German or English
- Optional: Documents on voluntary work, internships, further training, publications (max. 10 documents)
- For PhD applications: Two-page project description and timetable
- For one-year research stays: Project description, timetable, and a recommendation letter from the PhD supervisor in the home country
- Justification letter for age limit exceptions (if applicable)
- Birth certificate for family allowance applications (with certified translation, except for Czech applicants)
Submission: Register and submit the application via the StipSys online form.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2024
- Application Review: December 2024 – March 2025
- Notification of Results: April – May 2025
- Enrollment Deadline at Bavarian Institutions:
- June 15, 2025 (all other institutions)
- July 15, 2025 (research universities)
- Scholarship Start: October 1, 2025
