"No one ever receives a scholarship without trying!"

KLU Graduation 2020 Philipp Zimmer receives KLU best student award

Philipp Zimmer is a graduate of the Bachelor in Business Administration, Class of 2020. In his fifth semester at KLU, he became a scholarship holder of the Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes (German Academic Scholar Foundation). In this interview he recalls the application process and criteria to receive the scholarships and explains more about the various benefits and how KLU has helped him along the way.

What is the process like?

Philipp Zimmer: The admissions process consists of several steps. When KLU nominates one, the Studienstiftung reaches out with some documents to be filled out to formalize the application. These include a curriculum vitae, a formulated resume, all academic transcripts (including from high school), and the application form. If you successfully pass this first step, you are invited to an assessment weekend with other candidates. The assessment consists of two interviews, one presentation, and five discussions – all within 24 hours. An internal “points system” determines the admission, therefore there is no competition between candidates, making the atmosphere very collaborative albeit still very intense. About two weeks later, the candidates receive the admissions’ decision via post. If you are lucky to receive the “big envelope”, you can proudly call yourself a scholar of the Studienstiftung.

What benefits did you have from the sponsorship?

Essentially the support encompasses two domains: monetary and ideal benefits. The prior constitutes a fixed monthly stipend of 300 euros. Additionally, applicants may receive additional support of up to 744 euros per month, depending on their family’s financial situation. Besides this fixed-rate, the Studienstiftung also covers tuition fees of up to 10,000 euros per year for graduate studies outside Germany. Beyond that, the ideal benefits are of even greater value to scholars. The Studienstiftung strongly encourages using the variety of programs on offer such as lectures, language courses, academies, fora, and cultural excursions. However, my personal favorite of the benefits is the alumni portal, which lets me connect with thousands of brilliant minds that were also part of the foundation. It is the perfect place to find job offers and to get in touch with people working in the private or public organizations you might be interested in.

What criteria did you meet to receive the grant?

The Studienstiftung targets students whose qualifications and personality lead them to expect extraordinary contributions for society’s greater good. Scholars usually help shape society in various ways, as in extracurricular activities in their academic institutions or social engagement in and outside Germany. Although there is no ‘typical’ scholar, most admitted students enjoy intellectual challenges, have a genuine interest in cultural exchange, and have the curiosity to experience new worlds, intellectually and practically. The admission commission at the assessment center uses the following criteria:

  • Intellectual abilities
  • Willingness to perform and motivation
  • Communication and articulation skills
  • Social competence
  • Social commitment and a broad range of interests

Who do you think should apply for funding?

In general, I believe nobody should be afraid of applying. In the end no one ever receives a scholarship without trying. I was surprised by the variety of institutions that exist in Germany to support students. Many watch out for different criteria in their applicants, which means an applicant does not necessarily need the “perfect grades” to qualify for a scholarship. Concerning the Studienstiftung, the admissions team also looks out explicitly for academic excellence. Nonetheless, the main concern is to support individuals who will advance society, not only those achieving academic excellence.  

Are you still with this student foundation?

Yes, I am still with the Studienstiftung and am currently ‘pausing’ my scholarship, as I am doing a gap year between my undergraduate and graduate studies. It is possible to do so for up to three years. When I return to university in autumn 2021, I will go on for graduate studies outside Germany, where I will receive support for my tuition fees as mentioned above. The Studienstiftung also offers a dedicated scholarship program for doctoral students, which I hope to apply to if I continue in research upon the end of my graduate studies. As you can see, a foundation can accompany you for quite some time – and maybe one day, I will nominate students as Professor Alexander Himme did for me.
    

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