Germany continues to lead in providing humanitarian access to higher education through the HessenFonds Scholarship 2026, an initiative funded by the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture (HMWK). This exceptional opportunity enables refugee students, doctoral candidates, and researchers to pursue or continue their studies and academic careers at state universities in Hesse.
About the HessenFonds Scholarship
The HessenFonds program aims to support exceptionally gifted and high-achieving individuals who have been displaced or forced to seek asylum. Administered by World University Service e.V., the program helps talented refugees integrate into Germany’s academic landscape and rebuild their educational paths.
Since 2022, eligibility has expanded to include persecuted scientists and doctoral candidates—those endangered due to their political, religious, or social circumstances in their countries of origin.
HessenFouds Scholarship Plan Offer for 2026 Batch
The HessenFonds provides financial support to help scholars focus fully on their academic journey:
| Category | Monthly Funding (€) |
|---|---|
| Students | 300 EUR/month |
| Doctoral Candidates | 1,200 EUR/month |
| Scientists | 2,300 EUR/month |
The funding period extends from April 2026 to March 2027.
Who Can Apply?
The HessenFonds Scholarship is open to individuals who meet the following requirements:
General Eligibility
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- Applicant must be an asylum seeker, person entitled to asylum, or recognized refugee.
- Applicants should have been registered in Germany for no more than four years at the start of the funding period.
- Continuous residence in Germany must not exceed five years (extensions up to six or seven years are possible in special cases, such as childcare responsibilities).
- Applications for renewal require a special justification.
For Students
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- Must be enrolled at a state university in Hesse.
- Must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements.
For Doctoral Candidates
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- Must have official acceptance as a doctoral candidate and a supervision commitment from a state university in Hesse.
- Must show excellent performance in prior studies or research.
For Scientists (Researchers)
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- Must hold a research or teaching position offer and supervision confirmation from a university in Hesse.
- Must demonstrate remarkable research or teaching excellence.
Application & Nomination Process
Applications are not submitted directly to the Ministry. Instead, each Hessian university handles its own application process and internal deadlines.
- Apply at your university’s International Office or Refugee Coordinator’s Office.
- The university evaluates and nominates qualified candidates.
- Nominated applicants are forwarded to the Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture.
Important:
- Direct applications to the Ministry are not accepted.
- Each university may have its own earlier internal deadline before the official nomination date.
Application Deadline
The nomination deadline for universities to submit applications for German HessenFonds Scholarship to the Ministry is January 20, 2026.