Augsburg University Scholarships for International Students: A Comprehensive Guide

Augsburg University recognizes the importance of a diverse and global academic community and offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. This article provides a detailed overview of the scholarships available, eligibility criteria, and application processes, drawing extensively from information provided by the International Office and other relevant sources.

Financial Considerations for International Students

Before delving into specific scholarship opportunities, it's crucial to understand the financial landscape for international students in Germany. The University charges a fee per semester for the semester ticket and the student union fee. Generally, students need approximately 1,000 - 1,300 Euros per month to cover their living expenses. This estimate includes accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

Securing a visa requires proof of sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses in Germany. Furthermore, initial expenses upon arrival can be higher than anticipated. Deposits for apartments can be substantial, potentially reaching up to three months' rent. The cost of living may be higher in the beginning, for example, 600 euros instead of 300 euros. Purchasing essential items like clothing, dishes, furniture, or technical equipment can also add to these initial costs. Securing accommodation in student dormitories may not be immediate, requiring temporary and potentially more expensive arrangements in private dormitories or shared apartments.

While part-time jobs can supplement income, many positions require German language proficiency. Without adequate language skills, finding suitable and well-paid employment can be challenging.

Scholarships Offered Through the International Office

The International Office at Augsburg University offers a variety of scholarships specifically for international students who obtained their university entrance qualification in another country and do not have German citizenship. It is important to submit application documents on time and in full.

Scholarships for Winter Semester 2025/26 (WS 2025/26)

The International Office (IO) of the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg (THA) awards scholarships to international students, primarily from non-EU countries, who wish to complete their entire study program at the THA, retroactive to September 2025. These scholarships are financed by funds from:

The Bavarian State Ministry of Science and Art (BMWK)
The Foreign Office, in the context of the scholarship and support program STIBET of the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
au.st e.V., the association for support of foreign students in Augsburg
The student foundation

Scholarship Types Available

Partial scholarships (BMWK): Max. €400 monthly for a duration of max. 3 months
One-off study grants (BMWK / The student foundation): At least €250
Scholarships for more equal opportunities (STIBET): €250 monthly for 4 months. These are for students facing special challenges during their studies (e.g., special care situations for children or relatives in need of care, disability of at least 50%, refugee background, etc.)
Scholarships for particularly dedicated international students (STIBET): €250.00 monthly for 4 months
Partial scholarships (f.au.st e.V.): €496 monthly for 6 months

The selection committee determines the type and amount of the scholarship, considering the respective scholarship criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants must:

Be enrolled foreign students who are registered at the THA until at least the end of WS 2025/26 and are actually resident there (i.e. in Augsburg) for study purposes.
Be in need of financial assistance, meaning their period of study cannot be financed either by their own funds or by funds from third parties.
Scholarships for more equal opportunities (STIBET) can be awarded to THA students from the first semester onwards. All other scholarships are aimed at students who are at least in their second Master's semester or third Bachelor's semester in WS 2025/26.
Demonstrate competence, personal qualification, and face special challenges during their studies (proof must be provided).

Where academic achievements are comparable, preference will be given to students who have not yet received any funding from the THA at the time of the application.

Application Process

Applications are submitted exclusively via the electronic scholarship management system (Stipsys). Applicants should contact a professor in their major department about the evaluation as soon as possible and forward the "Gutachten" form to the university lecturer.

The selection committee consists of representatives from the International Office. Preselection generally takes place based on the documentation. The International Office creates a ranking list, considering the average grade of the coursework and the study progress (average ECTS per semester). Extra bonus points are awarded for social and community involvement (particularly at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg).

The final selection can be made on the basis of personal interviews. The contact partner is Lena Leznova.

DAAD Prize (German Academic Exchange Service)

The DAAD Prize, amounting to €1000 and funded by the German Foreign Office, is awarded annually to a foreign student in the advanced phase of their Bachelor program (at least 2nd or 3rd year of study) or Master program (at least 2nd semester). Nominees must have distinguished themselves through academic achievements and remarkable social or intercultural dedication. The prize is awarded during a special ceremony (Dies Academicus/gP Awards).

Scholarships from the STIBET Project Funds of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

The International Office also administers scholarships funded by the STIBET project of the DAAD. These scholarships aim to support international students in various ways:

Course Completion Scholarships

These scholarships are granted to international students (with a foreign university entrance qualification), primarily from non-EU countries, who are in the final phase of their studies and will obtain their degree within a maximum of two semesters. Need, along with technical and personal aptitude, plays a significant role in the selection process. The duration of funding is specified in the current announcement, with a maximum of 6 months. Concurrent receipt of other German or foreign scholarship funding (regardless of the amount) is prohibited during the funding period. These are announced at least once per semester - usually in March and October each year.

Scholarships for Special Dedication

These scholarships recognize international students (with a foreign university entrance qualification) who have achieved good results and demonstrate outstanding dedication in an international context at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. The maximum possible funding is €650 per month, with the duration outlined in the current announcement. Simultaneous receipt of other scholarships is not permitted. They are announced at least once per year - usually October each year.

Specifics for 2021 Scholarships for Particularly Dedicated International Students

The International Office of the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences (HSA) awarded scholarships specifically to particularly dedicated international students in 2021, using funds from the German Foreign Office through the DAAD's STIBET program. These scholarships targeted foreign students who showed particular social, societal, and intercultural commitment, especially at the HSA. The scholarship amount was €250 per month for five months.

Scholarship criteria included:

Competence
Personal qualification
Enrollment at the HSA
Demonstrated need (evidence required)

Applicants had to demonstrate that their studies were not financially supported by their own funds or third-party sources.

The application process required submission via the Stipsys system, including:

A letter describing their current social, societal, or intercultural commitment.
An explanation of their motivation for applying, highlighting their suitability (special achievements, experience, commitment, social circumstances, etc.) and what they hoped to achieve with the scholarship.
A resumé with a photo.
A recent reference (no older than three months) from a lecturer in their major field of study (using the "Gutachten" form).

The selection committee comprised representatives from the International Office and relevant departments.

Grants and Scholarships Funded by Private Donors

The International Office also awards grants to students facing acute financial need, funded by private donors. These grants are typically announced in March and October each year. A mandatory interview at the International Office is required before applying.

Other Scholarship Opportunities at the University

Beyond the International Office, Augsburg University offers additional scholarship avenues:

Corporate Scholarships

Corporate scholarships target advanced students in specific disciplines or faculties and are funded by companies. The funding criteria are determined by the sponsoring company. The University and the sponsor jointly decide on the scholarship recipients. These scholarships typically provide €300 per month for one year, with the possibility of extension until the end of the standard period of study. The scholarship is not dependent on the income of the students or their parents. Announcements are available on the university website, sorted by faculty.

Deutschlandstipendium

The Deutschlandstipendium supports gifted and high-achieving students, considering voluntary and social commitment, international background, and special personal achievements. The scholarship provides €300 per month for one year, with the possibility of extension, and is not income-dependent. Both current students and prospective students can apply.

Additional Scholarship and Financial Aid Programs

Augsburg University participates in a variety of other financial aid programs:

Minnesota State Grants: Available to students who have a qualifying EFC based on their FAFSA results and are either a resident of the state of Minnesota or graduated from a Minnesota high school.
Minnesota Dream Act: Allows undocumented students who are residents of Minnesota to be eligible for state grant programs.
Foster Care Grant: Students who complete the FAFSA or Minnesota Dream Act and indicate ‘yes’ to the foster care question(s) on the financial aid application may be eligible.

Scholarships Awarded at Admission

Several scholarships are awarded to students at the point of admission, based on the information provided in their application:

First-year scholarships
Transfer scholarships
International student scholarships

Specific Augsburg University Programs

Augsburg’s American Indian Recognition Full Tuition Program: Supports and promotes the importance of American Indian students on campus.
Augsburg Alumni Grant: Students who received their Degree from Augsburg University and return to Augsburg as either an Adult Undergraduate or Graduate student are eligible to receive a grant ($50.00 off per credit for Adult Undergraduate programs and $80.00 off per credit for graduate programs).
Augsburg Partnership Grant: New enrolling students who are employees of partner institutions receive a tuition discount in the form of a grant.

External Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to Augsburg University's internal scholarships, students are encouraged to explore external funding options. Global Scholarships’ mission is to make scholarships accessible and transparent, and we would like to take one step closer to our mission by offering an external scholarship for a prospective international student. The intention behind this program is to support incoming international students while they navigate their lives as a college student at Augsburg as well as their experience living in the US. The best time to begin researching scholarship opportunities is in your junior year of high school.

Mentor Scholarships

Applicants must apply and be selected yearly and are eligible to serve a maximum of two years (mentors for the third year will be considered but will be expected to take on additional leadership roles). For each academic year, a limited number of Mentor Scholarships in the amount of $1,500 will be awarded to those selected as mentors. At the beginning of each semester, a $750 International Mentor Scholarship credit will be added to a mentor’s financial aid. An international student mentor must commit to supporting his/her mentees throughout the first year in achieving a successful personal and academic adjustment to college life.

Important Considerations Regarding Financial Aid

A student may receive outside aid/scholarships in excess of the cost of tuition. All aid (federal, state, Augsburg, and outside aid/scholarships) for a student must fit within the student’s Cost of Attendance (COA).
Cost of Attendance is the calculated cost of attending the institution, including books/supplies, tuition and fees, and room/board. The COA is set by the University each year.

National Scholarships and Fellowships

There are innumerable national scholarships and fellowships available to undergraduates. Students should take time to explore directories and recommended links to discover opportunities that match their qualifications and future plans. These applications are a large time investment, so students should start the process months in advance of the national deadline. If the scholarship requires an institutional endorsement or on-campus interview, students must meet the eligibility criteria and turn in their application to the Fellowships Advisor at least 1 month prior to the national deadline in order to be considered. Many of the national programs require an internal application through Augsburg.

Other Scholarship Programs

The Christensen Scholars Program: is a small group of ten academically accomplished students who share an interest in the theological and practical exploration of Christian community and vocation.
Interfaith Scholars: Students who are interested in exploring the religious diversity of the Augsburg student body, the wider Twin Cities community, and the United States through interreligious dialogue and action. Students from a variety of traditions as well as the non-religious are invited to apply in order to converse respectfully with others about what they believe, why it matters, and how it propels us to service in the world.
Dr. Boren: also offers scholarships to fund a summer abroad for STEM students.
The Luce Scholars Program: offers early career leaders immersive, professional experiences in Asia. After a week-long orientation designed to build community and prepare for a year of living and working in Asia, Luce Scholars spend July and August engaging in intensive language training in their respective placement countries.
William D. Clarke, Sr. Internship Program: Students will receive up to $25,000 per year in “last dollar” financial aid for their junior and senior years of college. Department of State office in Washington, D.C., and one overseas at a U. S.

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