Programme Description
The Cusanuswerk offers fellowships to particularly gifted students and doctoral candidates of catholic faith from all disciplines. Besides the funding the support entails an interdisciplinary training programme, which aims at encouraging debates on the roles of science and belief or society and the Church. Financial support for students consists of a monthly, non-repayable grant based on the BAföG and a standard study cost allowance; doctoral candidates receive an income-independent grant and a research cost allowance. If necessary, family allowances and contributions to child care are granted. A large number of cross-disciplinary educational events and discussion groups provide non-material support.
Target Group
students and doctoral candidates of catholic faith with an excellent academic record, strong reflection skills and a commitment to standing up for the catholic faith and the Church
Academic Requirements
students and doctoral candidates
Duration
For scientific reasons, the doctorate can be funded for a maximum of 3 years and 6 months; in the event of illness or child care, the funding period can be extended to a maximum of 4 years.
The duration of the funding for students is individually agreed.
The duration of the funding for students is individually agreed.
Scholarship Value
- The monthly amount is modelled after the BAföG grant and calculated depending on the income or assets of the candidate, the candidate's parents or spouse. In addition, a standard study cost allowance of 300 EUR per month is granted.
- Doctoral candidates receive a monthly stipend of 1,650 EUR per month regardless of parental income plus a research cost allowance of 100 EUR as well as health care-, child- and family allowances, if required.
- Cusanuswerk encourages the fellows to supplement their studies with a stay abroad during the funding period, and therefore supports studies, language courses, practical years, clinical traineeships, internships, study trips, research stays and specialist courses abroad.
Application Papers
Please find the application forms and further information on the application procedure here.
Application Deadline
The updated application deadlines may be found here.
Application Requirements
- excellent academic merit in the respective subject area and an interest in an interdisciplinary approach
- strong sense of social responsibility, volunteer work, creativity and open-mindedness, reflective skills
- membership in the catholic Church (applicants who are members of a non-united orthodox or an oriental-orthodox Church may be admitted after individual assessment), living the Christian faith and being ready to play an active part in shaping the Church
- at least C1 level (CEFR) language skills in German
- enrolment certificate
For students:
- German citizenship; international applicants may be admitted to the selection process, if they are eligible for financial support as per BAföG § 8, 1-3, the German Federal Training Assistance Act
- Abitur or higher-education entrance qualification, which enables the holder to study at a German state or state-recognised higher-education institution
For doctoral candidates:
- foreign nationals who have been admitted to a doctoral programme at a German state or state-recognised higher education institution
- applicants from a developing or emerging country in Africa, Asia, the Near or Middle East, Latin America, or Eastern Europe who, for formal reasons, are unable to apply to the Catholic Academic Exchange Service (KAAD), which offers special programmes for these target groups. An application to the Cusanuswerk is only possible if KAAD confirms that an application there is not possible for formal reasons.
