You and Europe European Scholarship Programme 2025–2026 in Germany | Funded Master’s Scholarships for European Students
- Omran Aburayya
- Dec 19, 2025
- 4 min read
If you are a high-achieving European student planning to pursue a Master’s degree in Germany, applications for the You and Europe – European Scholarship Programme 2025–2026 offer a unique opportunity to combine academic excellence with active engagement in European dialogue. Developed by the German Academic Scholarship Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes) in cooperation with the Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S., this prestigious programme supports outstanding Master’s students from across Europe while fostering cultural diversity, European cohesion, and cross-border understanding.
The programme is designed for socially engaged students with a strong interest in European issues who wish to study in Germany and become part of a long-term, interdisciplinary European network.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Study Location: Germany
Host Institutions: German universities and universities of applied sciences
Study Level: Master’s degree
Target Group: European students (EU and non-EU European countries)
Fields of Study: All academic disciplines (excluding art, music, film, design, and performing arts)
Scholarship Type: Need-based funding + academic enrichment
Award Value: EUR 300 – EUR 1,112 per month
Award Duration: Standard Master’s duration (usually 2 years / 3–4 semesters)
Application Deadline: 23 February 2026
Nomination Deadline: 4 February 2026
Programme Start: Fall semester 2026
Eligible to Apply: Students from selected European countries
ℹ️ Scholarship Overview
The You and Europe European Scholarship Programme aims to promote European understanding beyond political borders. “Europe” is defined in its geographical sense, meaning that EU membership is not required. The programme encourages dialogue on pan-European challenges and supports the development of a diverse and socially responsible academic community.
Each year, 13–14 new scholarships are awarded. From the second year onward, approximately 27 scholars will be studying in Germany at any given time. Normally, one scholar per country is selected per cohort, ensuring broad geographic representation.
In addition to financial support, the programme places strong emphasis on academic exchange, networking, and active engagement with European topics, enabling scholars to collaborate across disciplines and cultures.
🧩 Curriculum & Activities
Beyond academic studies, scholars participate in a structured enrichment programme, including:
Two annual network meetings focused on European themes
Interdisciplinary dialogue and workshops on European cohesion
Exchange and collaboration within a diverse group of European students
Optional participation in Studienstiftung Europe-focused initiatives, such as:
Europe Academy
EU simulation games
Digital European studies programmes
These activities are designed to complement academic training and help scholars actively contribute to shaping Europe’s future.
💵 Scholarship Benefits
Selected scholars will receive the following benefits:
Monthly need-based stipend ranging from EUR 300 to EUR 1,112
Additional allowances, which may include:
Health insurance subsidies
Family allowance (where applicable)
Full coverage of accommodation, meals, and programme fees for official network meetings
Subsidised travel costs for programme-related events
Access to the Studienstiftung digital platform for networking and collaboration
Peer mentoring support, including local guidance from current Studienstiftung scholars
Eligibility for Studienstiftung’s general scholarship programme (for EU and accession country students)
Extensions of funding may be granted in duly justified exceptional cases.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Be a citizen of an eligible European country
Intend to pursue a 3–4 semester Master’s degree in Germany
Apply to any discipline, except:
Art, music, film, design, visual and performing arts
Rank among the top 10–15% of their previous academic cohort
Demonstrate strong academic commitment and social engagement
Begin Master’s studies without undue delay after the Bachelor’s degree (gaps over 12 months must be justified)
Show a strong interest in European issues
Be fluent in English (German language proficiency is not required)
Not have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher education entrance qualification in Germany
Exceptional cases (e.g. change of academic path or non-standard degree structures) may be considered upon direct consultation with the programme administrators.
🌎 Eligible Countries for 2026 Intake
Applications are open to students from the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Greece, Ireland, Kosovo, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland
📝 Application Procedure
The application process consists of two main stages:
Nomination
Applicants must be nominated by an authorised advisor in their home country
Nomination Deadline: 4 February 2026
Online Application
Submit the complete scholarship application after nomination (Based on the nomination and the letter of recommendation, the Toepfer Stiftung invites candidates to submit their application documents. For this purpose, the candidates receive a link for an application form via e-mail)
Proof of admission to a German university is not required at application stage, but must be submitted before funding begins
Application Deadline: 23 February 2026
Applicants are strongly advised to begin preparations early and coordinate closely with their national advisors.
📁 Required Components
Typical application documents include:
Completed Nomination Form
Completed online application form (After nomination)
Academic transcripts and certificates
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation letter focusing on European engagement
Proof of English proficiency (if required)
Nomination confirmation
Additional documents may be requested depending on individual circumstances.
📆 Important Dates (2026–2027)
4 February 2026: Nomination deadline
23 February 2026: Application deadline
6–8 November 2026: Network meeting (Hamburg)
4–8 May 2027: Network meeting (Siggen, Ostholstein)
Why Apply for the You and Europe Scholarship?
The You and Europe Scholarship is not only a funding opportunity, but a pan-European academic experience that connects talented students committed to dialogue, cooperation, and cultural diversity. It is ideal for applicants who wish to study in Germany while actively contributing to European understanding and long-term collaboration across borders.