The Doctoral Leistungsstipendien (Merit Scholarships) 2026 at Universität Hamburg provide financial support to outstanding international students enrolled in degree programmes. These merit‑based stipends help academically excellent students focus entirely on their studies by offering monthly funding for up to two years while they pursue their degree in Hamburg, Germany.

About the Doctoral Leistungsstipendien (Merit Scholarships)

The Leistungsstipendien are merit scholarships awarded by Universität Hamburg to international students who are non‑German citizens and who have demonstrated strong academic performance. The programmes support Doctoral students who have completed at least two semesters and who do not qualify for the German federal student loan scheme BAföG. These awards aim to enable scholars to expand their academic competence without financial distraction.

Why Choose The Doctoral Leistungsstipendien (Merit Scholarships)?

This scholarship offers valuable support while you study in one of Germany’s top research universities. It helps you:

  • Pursue your degree with a regular monthly stipend up to €992, reducing financial stress.
  • Concentrate fully on academic success without part‑time job pressures.
  • Build your professional and academic profile at a globally reputable institution.
  • Access mentoring and support from academic and student committees during your scholarship.

Doctoral Leistungsstipendien (Merit Scholarships) Summary

  • Host Country: Germany
  • Host Institution: Universität Hamburg
  • Scholarship Name: Leistungsstipendien (Merit Scholarships)
  • Study Level: Doctoral
  • Programme Covered: All eligible degree programmes at Universität Hamburg
  • Coverage: Monthly stipend of up to €992
  • Application Deadlines: 15 April 2026 (funding period: 1 Oct 2026 – 30 Sep 2027)
  • Programme Start: Scholarship funding aligns with academic calendar periods above
  • Eligible Applicants: International students (non‑German citizens) enrolled in degree programmes with completed semester requirements

Scholarship Benefits

  • Provide a monthly stipend of up to €992 to support living costs while studying in Hamburg.
  • Enable you to focus fully on your academic progress and research.
  • Let you renew funding after the first awarded period, for a maximum total of two years.
  • Help reduce financial pressure so you can thrive in university life.

Important: This scholarship is a stipend, not a tuition waiver. You still need to plan for living costs (e.g., rent, food, insurance) while studying in Germany.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

  • Be an international student (non‑German citizen) enrolled at Universität Hamburg.
  • Have completed at least two semesters of your programme.
  • Be pursuing a degree (Doctoral).
  • Have no entitlement to BAföG (German federal student aid).
  • Maintain good academic performance with documented achievement.
  • Provide required documentation, including transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and two academic recommendations.

Note: Doctoral researchers are not eligible for this specific merit scholarship at Universität Hamburg.

Required Documents

Prepare and submit:

  • Academic transcripts and current academic performance record.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) outlining your studies and achievements.
  • Motivation letter explaining your goals and reasons for applying (template provided by the university).
  • Two recommendation letters from faculty at Universität Hamburg.
  • Valid residence permit (non‑EU) or ID plus Meldebescheinigung (EU students).

Submit all documents via the Mobility‑Online portal after completing the online application form.

Application Process & Timeline

  1. Check eligibility and prepare academic and personal documents.
  2. Log in to STiNE/Mobility‑Online and complete the online application by the deadline.
  3. Upload your CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and two recommendations.
  4. Present your residence permit or ID/Meldebescheinigung during the specified presentation dates if required.
  5. Wait for the selection committee’s decision communicated by email.
  6. If awarded, receive your stipend from the first day of the funding period (monthly payments by the 1st).
  7. You may reapply after one year for continued support up to the maximum duration.