Scholarships for International Students

Please note

At present, HSBI’s International Office has no active calls for scholarship applications. The call for scholarship applications for the summer term 2027 is scheduled for December.

Past application calls

In the second half of 2026, HSBI’s International Office offered the following scholarships to international students:

 

  • Up to 4 annual Scholarships for Equal Opportunities
    The scholarship, funded by the university’s own internal quality improvement funds and DAAD STIBET I, targets international HSBI students who are regularly enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme and who face special challenges in their studies (e.g., involuntary financial hardship, particular caregiving situations for children or dependent relatives, disability, refugee background). First semester students are typically excluded from applying.
    Duration:  6 months (September 2026–February 2027)
    Monthly rate: € 992.00
    Total: € 5952.00

 

  • Up to 3 Semester Scholarships as Recognition for Commitment
    The scholarship, funded by the university’s own internal quality improvement funds and DAAD STIBET I, targets international HSBI students who are regularly enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme and who distinguish themselves through good academic performance or notable intercultural commitment at HSBI.
    Duration:  6 months (September 2026–February 2027)
    Monthly rate: € 496.00
    Total: € 2976.00

  • 1 Semester Scholarship for Successful Degree Completion The scholarship is provided by the Fördergesellschaft Hochschule Bielefeld e.V. and supported by internal quality enhancement funds of the university. It is aimed at international HSBI students who demonstrate excellent academic performance and whose graduation is expected within one year.
    Duration:  6 months (September 2026–February 2027)
    Monthly rate: € 992.00
    Total: € 5952.00

New: only applications via the scholarship form are accepted. 

Apply now: https://www.hsbi.de/en/ international-office/financing/ application-scholarships

The application deadline was 31 July 2026

For more information and details regarding application documents for each scholarship, please refer to the download box.

General information on application requirements

Scholarships of Hochschule Bielefeld and/or cooperation programmes are awarded subject to the availability of funding and budgetary resources, and in accordance with the funding guidelines of the respective programme.

Fulfilment of the formal application requirements does not constitute an entitlement to admission to the selection process or to the award of a scholarship. Decisions on the award of scholarships are made at the institution’s discretion, taking into account, in particular, the number of available scholarships and funding, as well as the quality of the applications submitted.

There is no legal entitlement to the award of a scholarship. Neither the application itself nor the fulfilment of any or all of the criteria listed constitutes a promise, assurance or guarantee of a scholarship.

We ask for your understanding that, despite careful consideration, we are unable to accept all applications. Information provided by individual staff members regarding application requirements or prospects of success does not constitute a binding commitment on the part of the university. 

 

FAQ on Scholarships for International Students
What does volunteering/cultural/social commitment mean?

Volunteering is a kind of work that is carried out on a voluntary basis, for the common good and without receiving a salary. It can take place in many areas – in a non-profit organisation, in an association, inside and outside the university. Examples of volunteering include:  

  • Commitment in the student council (StuRa) or student union (AStA) 
  • Active participation in the Buddy programme 
  • Homework assistance 
  • Commitment as a trainer in a sports club 
  • Providing support and translations in dealing with public authorities 
  • Commitment in social institutions 

Work as a student assistant or project work as part of your studies are not volunteering.

How do I provide proof that I have volunteered?

If you volunteer in an organisation, ask your contact person for proof. 

If you volunteer privately, please describe your activities.

My transcript is incomplete. What do I do?

If you have successfully completed courses, but they are not yet listed in your transcript, please write a brief comment stating which courses (number of ECTS, grade) this applies to.

Am I allowed to work alongside studies as a scholarship holder?

Whether you are allowed to work alongside your studies as a scholarship holder depends on the scholarship. For some scholarships, a financial necessity or a maximum income are selection criteria.

I receive BAföG. Can I apply?

As a rule, you can receive a scholarship and BAföG at the same time. In any case, please make sure to notify the BAföG office of your scholarship. The BAföG office will then check whether your BAföG rate must be reduced as a result.

I already receive another scholarship. Can I apply?

Whether you can receive two scholarships at the same time depends on the funding institution and the amount of funding for the respective scholarships.