Last verified on: September 20, 2025

1. Overview

The University of Hamburg, Germany, offers Merit Scholarships for International Students ("Leistungsstipendien für internationale Studierende"). These are merit-based stipends run by the University of Hamburg’s International Office / Department of International Affairs. The purpose is to assist international degree-seeking students (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) who are already enrolled and performing very well academically, allowing them to concentrate more on their studies without financial strain. (University of Hamburg)

2. Benefits / Funding

• The scholarship is granted for two semesters (i.e., one academic year / 12 months). (University of Hamburg)

• Maximum funding duration is 2 years for eligible students. (University of Hamburg)

• The amount is up to €992 per month (some sources say up to €930 depending on funding and programme) for the duration. (Scholarship Positions 2024 2025)

• What it does not cover (or not stated clearly): tuition (but public universities in Germany often charge little or no tuition for many programmes), major travel or relocation costs are not part of the core benefits. Insurance, fees, and visa costs are not explicitly covered in the official “Merit Scholarships” descriptions. (University of Hamburg)

3. Eligibility

To be eligible, an applicant must satisfy the following:

Ineligible / unclear cases:

• German citizens are excluded. (University of Hamburg)

• The rules for students already receiving certain other stipends are not always fully detailed in the official text.

• Whether there is a minimum grade / GPA threshold is not clearly stated in the official page. (University of Hamburg)

4. Timeline & Deadlines

• As of 2026, the scholarship call will take place once a year, with an application deadline of April 15. (University of Hamburg)

• Previously, there were two deadlines: October 15 and April 15. From 2026 onward, only April 15 will be used. (University of Hamburg)

• Results / decisions are typically communicated some weeks after the deadline (though exact timeline is not strictly specified). As of last verification, the official page does not specify how many weeks it takes to get the decision. (University of Hamburg)

• The scholarship (if awarded) starts for the following funding period after the deadline. For example, if application submitted by April 15, funding begins in next period (e.g. October or April, depending on scheme). (University of Hamburg)

5. How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

Based on official University of Hamburg information:

1. Verify eligibility

   • Confirm that you are a non-German international student.

   • Confirm that you have been enrolled in your degree programme for at least two semesters (or one semester for 2-year Master’s / PhD).

   • Confirm you are not eligible for BAföG.

2. Gather required documents (see section below).

3. Access the application portal

   • Universität Hamburg uses its internal system (typically the STiNE system or other online portal) for applications. (University of Hamburg)

4. Complete application form

   • Fill in your personal details, academic information, study programme, semester etc.

   • Provide information about your academic performance, grades, transcripts.

5. Submit supporting documents

   • Upload required PDFs: transcripts, motivation, proof of enrollment etc.

6. Submit before deadline (April 15, starting 2026)

   • Ensure everything is submitted by 15 April. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. (University of Hamburg)

7. Await decision

   • After review, you'll receive notification via email / portal. As of last verification, exact period for notification is not specified.

6. Required Documents Checklist

Based on official and semi-official sources:

• Proof of non-German citizenship (copy of passport or comparable document). (Scholarships.af)

• Proof of current enrollment (certificate that you have been enrolled for required number of semesters; course registration etc.). (University of Hamburg)

• Academic transcripts and grade reports (from current and prior studies). (Scholarships.af)

• Motivation letter / Statement of purpose: explain academic performance, goals, why scholarship is needed and how you qualify. (Scholarships.af)

• Proof of social / intercultural or voluntary / engagement activities if required. (Scholarships.af)

• Possibly reference/letter of evaluation from teachers / professors. (Not always clearly specified in the official page, but some programmes list evaluators). As of last verification, the official UHH page does not specify requiring recommendation letters for this Merit scholarship. (University of Hamburg)

• BAföG eligibility statement (that you are not BAföG eligible). (Scholarships.af)

7. Selection Criteria & What Reviewers Look for

Reviewers consider:

• Academic excellence: strong study performance, grades, consistency. Students should be among the top in their programme. (Scholarships.af)

• Enrollment duration & status: whether you meet the semester requirement. (Scholarships.af)

• Non-availability of BAföG: must show you’re not eligible for German funding schemes. (DAAD)

• Social / intercultural engagement: voluntary work, participation in non-academic activities, international contexts. (Scholarships.af)

• Financial need / personal situation may be considered although merit is primary. The official page is less specific here. As of last verification, the page does not specify a minimum financial need threshold. (University of Hamburg)

8. Practical Tips to Strengthen an Application

• Maintain excellent grades from early in your study; performance in recent semesters especially matters.

• Enroll on time and make sure your semester-count is clearly documented. If you’re in a 2-year Master’s or PhD, one completed semester is sufficient; ensure the transcript or enrollment certificate reflects this.

• Prepare a compelling statement of purpose / motivation letter that explains not just your academic achievements but also how receiving the scholarship will allow you to focus better, possibly describe challenges or financial constraints.

• Highlight any voluntary, social or intercultural involvement (volunteering, mentoring, student associations, international projects).

• Gather clear documentation: transcripts, enrollment certificates, citizenship proof, any statements confirming BAföG ineligibility.

• Check and follow formatting & language rules: if documents need German or English translation, be precise.

• Submit application well before deadline: April 15, 2026 will be stricter (single annual call).

• Keep copies and confirmation of submission. Follow up if needed.

9. Official Links & Apply Now

Here are the official sources you should consult and the portal you need to use.

• Merit Scholarships – University of Hamburg Official Page: Leistungsstipendien für internationale Studierende (Merit scholarships) (https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/internationales/studierende/incoming/studium-mit-abschluss/waehrend-des-studiums/finanzierung/leistungsstipendien.html) (University of Hamburg)

• Fees & Funding – University of Hamburg: general financing options for international students, including merit scholarships (https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/internationales/studierende/incoming/studium-mit-abschluss/waehrend-des-studiums/finanzierung.html) (University of Hamburg)

Apply now via the University of Hamburg’s online scholarship application portal, using your STiNE ID. The application form and instructions are available through the Merit Scholarships page. (University of Hamburg)

10. FAQ

Q1: Can I apply if I am in the final semester of my degree or finishing soon?

• Yes, if you are enrolled at Universität Hamburg, you can apply provided you meet the required number of semesters (for standard programmes: 2 semesters; for 2-year Master’s / PhD: 1 semester). If you are finishing soon or in process of completing, ensure your enrollment documentation shows status. (Scholarships.af)

Q2: Are German citizens or those with dual citizenship eligible?

• No. German citizens are excluded. Also, those eligible for BAföG are not eligible. Dual citizenship where German is included typically means BAföG eligibility; thus likely excluded under policy. (University of Hamburg)

Q3: Can I receive the scholarship for more than one year?

• Yes. The Merit Scholarship can be renewed / reapplied for; maximum funding duration is up to 2 years total. (University of Hamburg)

Q4: Is there a deadline in October or only in April?

• Starting 2026, there is only one deadline per year: April 15. Before 2026, there were two deadlines (April and October). (University of Hamburg)

Q5: What if I am eligible for BAföG later on, or become eligible after applying?

• The requirement is that at time of application, you are not eligible for BAföG. If circumstances change, you should indicate your situation accurately. But the policy is based on eligibility at application. (University of Hamburg)

11. Call-to-Action

If you are an international student enrolled at Universität Hamburg who meets the eligibility criteria, prepare your documents now, and apply by April 15, 2026, via the official Merit Scholarships application page (using your STiNE ID). Visit:

University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships – Official Page (https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/internationales/studierende/incoming/studium-mit-abschluss/waehrend-des-studiums/finanzierung/leistungsstipendien.html)

Disclaimer: This information is accurate as of September 20, 2025, based on official University of Hamburg sources. Since policies, funding amounts, and deadlines may change, please verify details on the official site before submitting your application.