We have already talked about German Foundations and in particular about the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation previously. Now we would like to present you another one: the Hanns Seidel Foundation. The Hanns Seidel Foundation is a Bavarian political foundation which was established in 1967 in name of Hanns Seidel, a former Bavarian former minister-president and CSU chairman. Under the motto: “In the service of democracy, peace and development”, the foundation pursuit the aim of democratic and civic education of the German and foreign people with a Christian basis.
Since 1981, the Foundation have begun to financially support German and foreign students with outstanding achievements and particularly relevant social or political engagement.
Not only German students can apply for a scholarship, but also foreign students, as the foundation offers a special scholarship, the so called “BIL/MIG Program”, which is adressed to students with immigrant backgrounds.
Ideal promotion: beyond the financial support
I am proud to say that since a year I am a scholar of the foundation, belonging to the “BIL/MIG Program” at the University of Passau. I do not receive just financial support for my studie in Germany, but also the possibility to attend seminars and meetings, which aim at the improvement of my further education. To this specific program belong lots of international students, who are attending their full degree program in Germany. Each scholar has to attend at lest two seminars each year, which are held in the educational centers of Wildbad Kreuth and Kloster Banz or even abroad! The variety of seminars offered is very extensive (from politics to intercultural communication etc.) and the scholars can choose the most suitable ones, according to their interests or field of studies. Moreover, seminars and other meetings, like the annual conference of the international scholars, are a great opportunity to meet new people from all around the world, to exchange opinions about current issues and, why not, even to improve your intercultural skills!
The local group at your university
Moreover each scholar is assigned to a local group and to a trust professor in the place he/she is studying. I have to say that, as a foreign student, it was a great pleasure for me becoming part of the group in Passau and it even facilitated my first contact with the Bavarian culture. Furthermore, the scholars’ spokespeople organize a detailed programm each semester, which includes cultural events such as theatre and concert visits, panel discussions, but also monthly meetings and info-events. During Christmas time the scholars of the local group organize some particualr activities such as backing Christmas cookies, which have always been donated, and singing at the local hospital and at the old people’s home.
An after the graduation?
When a scholar is done with the study he/she becomes a memeber of the former scholars club of the Hanns Seidel Foundation and still has the opportunity to attend specific seminars and to keep in touch with other former scholars.
To sum up…
…becoming a scholar of Hanns Seidel Foundation means not only receiving financial support for your education but above all becoming part of a great network, which will help you building part of your future! If you are a talented and social or political involved foreign student, who shares Hanns Seidel Foundation’s core ideals and is willing to study in Germany, do not hesitate to apply for a “BIL/MIG” scholarship. Good luck!
Numbers and Facts:
In 2012, the Hanns Seidel Foundation awards the following scholarships in Germany:
- 407 University scholarships
- 226 Scholarships at Higher Education Establishments (HAW)
- 76 Scholarships for Journalists (JFS)
- 63 BIL-/MIG-Programme for students with German diplomas and students with migration background
- 61 International Studies
- 189 Scholarships for PhD candidates
- 1022 Scholarships in Germany
- 87 Scholarships abroad
Source: Hanns Seidel Foundation home page
For more infos about the foundation and application: http://www.hss.de/english/scholarships.html
World Goes Passau 
A lot of information and very helpful, thanks. I’ll try my luck and apply for a scholarship next year!
You’re very welcome. Good luck 🙂
Thanks Hannah, good luck!