Scholarships for International Students

Please note

There are no scholarship announcements at the moment.

A second round of calls for applications is expected to follow in June 2026.


Previous calls for applications:

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

 

  • up to zu 4 annual Scholarships for Equal Opportunities
    The scholarship, funded by the university’s own internal quality improvement funds, 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).
    Duration:  12 months (March 2026–February 2027)
    Monthly rate: € 496.00
    Total: € 5952.00

  • Up to 3 Semester Scholarships as recognition for Commitment and Academic Success
    The scholarship, funded by the university’s own internal quality improvement funds, 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 social or cultural commitment.
    Duration:  6 months (March 2026–August 2026)
    Monthly rate: € 496.00
    Total: € 2976.00

  • 2 annual Böllhoff Scholarships for Commitment and Academic Success
    The Bielefeld-based company Böllhoff is a globally recognised provider of technologies, services, and fastening, assembly, and systems engineering. Michael Böllhoff has been awarding annual scholarships since 2022 to talented international students at Hochschule Bielefeld who are interested in his company. The scholarships are awarded to candidates who distinguish themselves through strong academic performance or exceptional commitment.
    Duration:  12 months (March 2026–February 2027)
    Monthly rate: € 100.00
    Total: € 1200.00

 

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

 

 

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.