Fostering motivation, talent and an exceptional willingness to perform – this is what the professional advancement scholarship programme is all about. It aims to give dedicated, skilled professionals – who have completed vocational training and gained practical experience – the financial support they need to start studying for a degree.
By supporting precisely this group of people, the programme supplements the Federal Ministry of Education and Research’s (BMBF) funding for the gifted and talented in vocational training and higher education. Valuable educational pathways and continuing education are supported as the key to successful career progression.
Professional advancement scholarships fund a person’s first undergraduate degree (full-time or part-time alongside work) at a public or state-recognized university. It is the only funding programme for the gifted and talented in academic education that is explicitly aimed at people with experience of the world of work and for studying at university whilst working at the same time. The professional advancement scholarship (Aufstiegsstipendium) and the continuing training scholarship (Weiterbildungsstipendium) are the only forms of vocational funding for the gifted and talented that can also be used for part-time courses alongside work. There is no requirement to perform voluntary work in addition to previous professional achievements.
A professional advancement scholarship provides financial support in particular. Scholarship holders receive lump sum payments. The amount depends on whether the degree is completed on a full-time basis or part-time alongside work. In some instances, additional payments may also be made on an individual basis. Grants do not need to be repaid after recipients have completed their degree.
However, the scholarship programme also has much more to offer! From extracurricular activities and personal development to valuable networking opportunities with people in similar situations or with similar interests to building interesting contacts in the fields of science, industry or politics. Recipients of a professional advancement scholarship may also make use of the educational programmes offered by organizations for the promotion of the gifted.
Scholarships are awarded by the Foundation for the Promotion of the Gifted in Vocation Training (Stiftung Begabtenförderung berufliche Bildung). The Foundation’s team are available to help with enquiries from anyone considering making an application, grant recipients and businesses as well as institutions of vocational training or higher education.
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Believe in yourself!
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There’s nothing to lose and certainly plenty to gain!
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Check the requirements
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Or do you want to apply using an employer’s reference?
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Let’s go!
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Make a note of the application dates and wait for submissions to open.
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Received a confirmation?
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Have you met the criteria and received a confirmation email? Complete the Skills Check and submit your supporting documents.
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Received an invitation?
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Have you received an interview invitation? Feel free to ask the SBB any questions beforehand. After all, they want the very best for you. You will shine in the interview – show off your skills to the panel!
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Successfully applied?
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Your scholarship is a sign of recognition and should serve to support you as you develop your talents and skills. You can decide for yourself what exactly it is that you need.
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Make the most of your opportunity!
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Expand your network with exciting contacts from a variety of backgrounds.
Editorial deadline for this text: 01.11.2024