If you’re a student from Eastern and Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, or Central Asia with big dreams and a thirst for knowledge, the International Excellence Scholarship Program (IES) in Berlin offers you an extraordinary opportunity to take your education to the next level. This Berlin Copernicus IES scholarship program is designed to empower ambitious individuals like you to study at some of Germany’s top universities, including Humboldt University (HU) Berlin, Freie Universität (FU) Berlin, HWR Berlin, and the University of Potsdam.
Why Choose the Copernicus IES Scholarship?
The IES program isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about immersing yourself in a vibrant, culturally rich environment that will shape your academic and personal growth. This program offers more than classroom learning; it’s a chance to engage with German culture, build lifelong friendships, and participate actively in a community that values your ideas and energy.
During your time in Berlin, you’ll have the chance to participate in cultural events, social gatherings, and professional workshops, all while contributing to the community through social volunteering. Whether you’re attending international seminars, exploring Berlin’s cultural scene, or gaining hands-on experience through a full-time internship, you’ll find that the IES program provides a well-rounded, transformative experience.
What Does the IES Program Include?
- Study: Spend one or two semesters at one of Berlin’s top universities, deepening your academic knowledge in your chosen field of study.
- Internship: After completing your exams, you’ll begin a full-time internship, where you can apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and grow professionally.
- Volunteering: Throughout your studies, you’ll engage in daily volunteering activities, helping to enhance both your personal and professional skills.
- Travel: Experience German culture and language firsthand, and explore other European countries during your time abroad.
Program Structure
- Month 1: Administrative formalities, university courses, and social volunteering.
- Month 2: University courses, international seminar, and social volunteering.
- Month 3: University courses, cultural events, and social volunteering.
- Month 4: Exam phase, cultural events, and social volunteering.
- Month 5-6: Full-time internship, international seminar, professional workshops, and a closing gala.
Funding Opportunities
The IES program, offered by Copernicus Berlin, provides three levels of scholarships:
- Full Scholarship: Monthly pocket money, health insurance costs reimbursed, and coverage for accommodation, enrollment, liability insurance, educational trips, social meetings, cultural events, and more. The full scholarship covers a value of approximately €12,590, including accommodation, international seminars, and other essential costs.
- Partial Scholarship Plus: Monthly pocket money, and coverage for accommodation and program-related costs (health insurance not included)
- Partial Scholarship: Monthly pocket money, and coverage for enrollment, liability insurance, and more (accommodation partially covered).
Eligibility and Application Process
To apply for the IES program, you must:
- Application Form: https://copernicusberlin.org/ies/
- Call letter: https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=1&origin=&subjectGrps=&daad=&intention=4&q=&page=2&detail=10000547
- Be a Bachelor, Master, or Doctorate student at the time of starting the scholarship.
- Be under 28 years old.
- Have at least B1 level skills in German or English.
Application Timeline:
- Online Application: August 1, 2024 – December 20, 2024
- Task Phase: Selected candidates will complete tasks via the IES YouTube channel.
- Interview Phase: Final candidates will be invited for an interview.
