Deutschlandstipendium Scholarship 2027 at Berlin School of Economics and Law is Not Fully Funded

The Berlin School of Economics and Law, better known as HWR Berlin, is preparing to open its next Deutschlandstipendium competition for the Summer Semester 2027, giving high-performing international students a chance to receive €300 per month for one year.

The funding is not a full-cost scholarship, and applicants should be clear about that from the beginning. It does not pay all tuition, housing and living expenses. Instead, the Deutschlandstipendium is a merit-and-engagement scholarship worth €3,600 over 12 months, designed to reward strong academic performance alongside social commitment, personal achievement and difficult circumstances overcome along the way.

Quick Information Box for You About HWR Berlin Scholarship

This Is Not Just a “Highest GPA Wins” Scholarship of Germany!

Academic performance is central, but HWR Berlin does not stop there.

The selection panel can also consider social engagement, exceptional achievements, personal background and significant biographical challenges. Students who have had to overcome difficult family circumstances, educational disadvantage or other obstacles may therefore have relevant evidence to present alongside their grades.

This makes the scholarship particularly interesting for applicants whose profile is strong beyond the classroom.

The scholarship is also independent of income and does not reduce support received under Germany’s BAföG system.

Can International Students Apply?

Yes. HWR Berlin states that students of all nationalities can compete for the Deutschlandstipendium as long as they meet the university’s eligibility conditions. The main target group is students in undergraduate Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes across Departments 1 to 5 of HWR Berlin.

Students enrolled in the fast-track degree programmes for the Police Service or Administration of Justice are excluded, and the Berlin Professional School is not the main target group for this competition.

Applicants should also have at least two semesters remaining within the standard period of study.

Can New Students Apply Before Starting at HWR Berlin?

Yes, but there is a condition.

University entrants can apply where their previous academic record suggests a strong level of future performance, but they should already have confirmation of a study place at HWR Berlin.

For first-semester students who do not yet have HWR grades, the university assesses academic performance using earlier qualifications.

For Bachelor’s entrants, that normally means the grade from the university entrance qualification.

For Master’s entrants, HWR Berlin looks at the final grade from the previous degree used for admission.

Existing Students Are Judged Differently

Students already enrolled at HWR Berlin should expect their current average grade and accumulated ECTS credits to matter.

Their transcript must show both an officially calculated average grade and the total number of ECTS credits earned.

If that information does not appear automatically on the transcript, the student must arrange for the relevant study office to calculate and officially confirm it.

That small administrative detail matters because incomplete academic evidence can make an otherwise strong application difficult to assess.

How to Apply for Berlin School of economics & Law Scholarship?

The 2027 application process is online and consists of one stage.

• First, confirm that you have an HWR Berlin study place or are already enrolled.
• Check that you still have at least two semesters remaining within your standard study period.
• Prepare your academic evidence. Existing students should obtain their current average grade and total ECTS credits.
• Collect evidence of social commitment or exceptional achievement where relevant.
• Think carefully about personal circumstances worth explaining. Significant educational, family, social or biographical challenges can form part of the assessment.
• Use the correct application portal. Current HWR students apply using their HWR account.
• Future students without an HWR account use the HWR application platform.
• Complete the application in German. HWR Berlin states that the application and selection process is conducted in German.
• Upload complete evidence for every relevant claim.
• Submit electronically between January 4 and January 31, 2027.

Applicants with an existing HWR account may need to connect through the university network, Eduroam or the HWR VPN when accessing the application externally.

One Important Funding Restriction

Students already receiving another merit-based scholarship worth €30 or more per month may not be eligible to hold the Deutschlandstipendium simultaneously where prohibited under the duplicate-funding rules.

Applicants who have already exceeded the standard period of study are also excluded from the 2027 award.

So this is not a scholarship that can simply be stacked on top of every other funding source.

What Happens After January 31, 2027?

HWR Berlin plans to review applications during February and March 2027.

The selection panel considers academic achievement, exceptional engagement and relevant personal or family circumstances before making the final decisions.

Successful scholars are expected to receive their awards around mid-April, with the funding period officially running from April 1, 2027 until March 31, 2028.

Is This Scholarship Worth Applying For?

For an international student already admitted to HWR Berlin, €300 per month may not fund life in Berlin by itself, but €3,600 over a year can still make a meaningful difference to rent, food, transport or study costs.

The bigger advantage is that the award is not based only on financial hardship. A student with excellent grades, strong social engagement, leadership or an unusually difficult personal journey can potentially build a competitive case.

The last date to apply for the HWR Berlin Deutschlandstipendium 2027 is January 31, 2027, with applications opening on January 4.

If you are unsure whether your degree programme qualifies, your grades are competitive, your social work counts, another scholarship creates a funding conflict, or how to explain difficult personal circumstances, leave your question in the comments below the article. Mention whether you are a current HWR student or a new 2027 entrant so the relevant eligibility rule can be clarified.