German Studies Scholarships
Gain an Edge in U.S.-European Affairs
There are many good reasons to study German at the post-secondary level: more than 120 million people around the world speak German; it is the official language at many conferences; and it is very similar to English. Candidates with a good knowledge of German will find employment opportunities in the areas of banking, education, science, communications, and government.
Scholarship programs are available for students pursuing this area of study, whether you are an American citizen studying in your home country, a person looking to study abroad, or an international student looking to study in the U.S.
Scholarship Programs
The University of Cincinnati, Department of German StudiesThe Department offers several awards to students majoring or minoring in German Studies. For example, the Lena K. Suter Scholarships provide funds ranging from $500-$5,000 each year. To be considered, interested persons are asked to submit a letter setting out why the applicant chose to study German. Cash awards of $500 and $1,000 are also distributed each year to those students who have distinguished themselves academically.
The University of Arizona, Department of German StudiesJuniors and seniors, as well as those attending graduate school, are eligible to apply for a Weinel Memorial Scholarship. Several students will receive between $750 and $1,500 and up. German majors who have obtained a GPA of 3.5 or more in their courses are eligible to apply. A letter of application, in German, and the names of two faculty members who can provide a recommendation for each candidate, are required for consideration.
The University of Toledo, Department of Foreign LanguagesBoth incoming freshmen and undergraduate students may apply for the Marianne Bigney Scholarship Award in German Studies. First-year students must have completed at least two years of German in high school and obtained a grade of a B or higher to be considered for funding. These students must enroll in a minimum of two German courses at the University and maintain at least a B average. The maximum amount of financial aid that will be awarded to a first-year student is $1,000.
Undergraduate students interested in receiving scholarship funding are required to complete at least one German course in each term of the year in which they will receive scholarship monies. Up to $1,500 will be awarded and the funding may be renewed for up to three years. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from their German instructor.
DAAD ScholarshipsU.S. and Canadian citizens, as well as applicants from other countries, can apply for several scholarships offered by DAAD. Opportunities are made available for individuals from the undergraduate to the post-doctoral levels to study German overseas. Application forms for the various options are available online; all recipients will be selected based on merit.
Connecticut College, John S. King ScholarshipSophomores and juniors either majoring or minoring in German who have already been accepted to a summer program in a German-speaking country for the purpose of studying the language or culture may apply for additional funding from Connecticut College. All qualified applicants are asked to write a personal statement disclosing where they will be studying in the summer, why they chose to study German, and how their studies will contribute to their educational and career goals.
The University of Arizona, Department of German StudiesThose students who would like to participate in the Summer Study in Leipzig Program are invited to apply for the German Heritage Club Scholarship. The Scholarship provides between $200 and $500 in funding. It should be noted that this scholarship is open to all students, regardless of declared major.
The University of Arizona-Tucson offers a number of other Department scholarships, as well.
Grand Valley State University, Michigan, Department of Modern Languages and LiteraturesBoth undergraduate and graduate students from foreign countries are eligible to apply for the University’s International Student Scholarships. These scholarships are designed to cover the difference between tuition fees for residents of Michigan and non-residents. They are renewable as long as the student is enrolled full-time at Grand Valley State, achieves a GPA between 2.85-3.25, depending on the scholarship, and maintains his or her immigration status.
University of Indianapolis, Department of Modern LanguagesInternational students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree in German are eligible to apply for several different scholarship programs offered by the University.
The Dean’s Scholarship provides $9,500 per annum to first-year students who placed in the upper 5-7% of their graduating class and achieved a score of 1270 or above on their SAT. Freshmen who placed in the top 15% of their class and scored 1100 or more on their SAT may be awarded $5,800 per year under the provisions of the Alumni Scholarship Program. Other scholarships designed to help cover the cost of a partial tuition are available for those who have distinguished themselves academically. Applicants who can provide confirmation of participation in a mainstream organized religion or community service agency may receive $2,500.
College of Saint Benedict/St. John’s University, MinnesotaRenewable scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per year are offered to international students. Both academic achievement and financial need are considered when awarding scholarship funds. Application forms are available online.
