Application and communication take place via an online tool (Mobility Online).

application form for October 2017

application form for April 2018

You will then be invited to register and to complete your application. You will need the following documents in an electronic format to apply online—please upload them in the online tool:

• tabular CV
• proof of social and/or political activities in an international context
• PIASTA project proposal (see FAQs)
• course certificate (STiNE printout or transcript of academic performance)
  If you are a master’s student in your first semesters or a doctoral student, please submit the final certificate from your previous degree.
• Two evaluations from full-time professors at Universität Hamburg who offer courses and conduct independent research in their field. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept evaluations from acting professors, Privatdozenten, or retired professors.  Please note that you are only able to submit your application once you have received confirmation from two professors that they are willing to provide evaluations in support of your application.

Please use this form to list your completed coursework if this is not recorded in STINE.

Step 2:

Once you have submitted your online application, please present your residence permit to the merit scholarship program coordinator (Ms. Daniela Pérez y Effinger) in person during office hours.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any further questions.

Good luck with your application!

There is no legal entitlement to funding.

Who decides who receives a merit scholarship?

Merit scholarships are awarded by a committee comprising teachers, students, and members of the University Administration.

According to which criteria is the selection made?

• good to excellent academic record
• other verifiable knowledge and capabilities (presentations/publications/prizes); previous funding
• social and/or political activities in an international context (e.g., confirmation of volunteer work)
• applicant’s need

How and when will I be notified?

Communication takes place via an online tool (Mobility Online).

You will be notified via the portal within four weeks of the end of the application period. For an update on the current status of your application, please see the notifications in the portal. 

Are students with dual citizenship, one of which is German, eligible for funding?

No. Students holding German citizenship and a further foreign citizenship are not eligible for funding.

Is there an age limit?

No. As of the winter semester 2015/16, there are no age restrictions!

How can I obtain an evaluation?

Please ask two professors from your department. Ideally, they should know you well, for example, because you attended one of their seminars or wrote a term paper for them. Please contact your evaluators at least four to six weeks before you apply for funding to ensure the evaluations are prepared in time.

Please use this evaluation form and pass it on to your two chosen professors.

Will my application be accepted if I only have an evaluation from one professor?

No. Your application is only complete when it includes two evaluations. Please notify us if you have difficulties finding a second professor to evaluate your achievements. We can help you to identify suitable evaluators.

What does getting actively involved in Universität Hamburg’s internationalization projects entail? 

You can suggest PIASTA activities that you could organize for other students at Universität Hamburg in your application. Countless examples from past semesters can be viewed on the PIASTA website. Your projects should aim to foster an intercultural exchange between German and international students, or focus on cross-cultural topics likely to stimulate intercultural awareness and learning at the University or in Hamburg and the surrounding area.

As a scholarship holder, am I allowed to spend a semester abroad or time outside of Hamburg during the lecture period?

No. When you accept a merit scholarship, you agree to become actively involved in internationalization projects at Universität Hamburg. You must therefore be in Hamburg during the lecture period.

Can I continue to work part-time while holding a scholarship?

Yes. Part-time student jobs are permitted.

Are merit scholarship holders able to apply for further funding?

No, they are not. Dual funding (i.e., funding from different sources) is not permitted.