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Our mission statement

Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst e.V. is a scholarship organization for gifted students funded by the Protestant church of Germany. It was founded in 1948. We offer scholarships for students in all subjects, at all universities and universities of applied sciences in Germany, at undergraduate and graduate levels. Additionally, there is a special program for European students who want to study at a German university. Currently, more than 1.000 undergraduate students and 250 PhD Students receive a scholarship.

Our scholarship holders want to pursue an excellent academic education, and they want to take responsibility in society. Inidvidual counselling, semesters abroad as well as internships and our famous summer university are at the core of a scholarship program that is motivated by Christian values. Important are critic reflexion, interdisciplinary discussions, and international encounters. After a challenging selection process students are accepted for the duration of their programme of studies. Since 2001, the Studienwerk also supports European students who study at a German university. Students who study and learn at Villigst will later work in a wide variety of professions. Despite all changes, the Studienwerk still feels committed to its beginnings: It was founded in order to allow a different kind of intellectual education after the national socialist dictatorship. Villigst aimed to ensure that the next generation of academics would learn and understand the Christian and democratic principles of tolerance, social responsibility, and human dignity. The aims of Villigst have remained the same over the years, and the principles of the founding declaration are just as relevant now as they were then.

 

Scholarship program for undergraduate students

The scholarship of Evangelisches Studienwerk provides a monthly allowance and wide range of academic offers:

  • Monthly allowance
    of up to 597 Euros plus 150 Euros for books
  • Summer university
    A broad variety of seminars are held at the Villigst Campus during the summer months. Academics, experts, students and graduates with different academic and professional backgrounds come together to discuss issues in an interdisciplinary atmosphere.
  • Study/work abroad
    Gaining professional competence and broadening one's horizon demands for global experience. This is why Evangelisches Studienwerk actively encourages its students to spend time abroad and usually covers tuition and expenses for travelling.
  • Work practice
    Professional experiences in profit and non-profit environments help students to enhance their knowledge in their field of study and to broaden their horizon at the same time. Therefore, Evangelisches Studienwerk supports internships up to one semester.
  • Democracy
    Villigst is a democratic organisation and encourages all students contribute to the institutional life. They are represented at all levels of the Studienwerk's management.
  • Contact and advice
    Students experience individual advice and support not only through their Director of Studies in Villigst but also through a regional counsellor at their school's location.

Application process

Anyone who has completed their Abitur (High School or A-Level), baccalaureate or equivalent, or who is already enrolled at a German university, can apply. We admit students based on their academic and personal accomplishments, as well as their potential to contribute to the Villigst community. There is a two-step application process that includes two interviews and

Requirements

  • Affiliation to a protestant church.
  • Citizenship of a member-country of the European Union.
  • Demonstrable religious, social, or politic commitment.
  • Authorisation for university entrance (high school diploma).
  • Academic excellence at school and university.
  • Applicants who study at a university must not have exceeded their 5th semester at the time of the selection process.
  • Applicants who study at a university of applied sciences or polytechnic must not have exceeded their 3rd semester at the time of the selection process.
  • For applicants pursuing a double degree, the number of semesters of the first field of study is taken into account.
  • Exceptions are possible.

Application documents

In order to be considered for admission, students need to submit the following documents.
(Postal address: Ev. Studienwerk, Bewerbungsabteilung, Iserlohner Str. 25, 58239 Schwerte)

  • Two Application Forms [ PDF | 1 Page | 60 KB ] each accompanied by a photograph.
  • One CV in table form
  • One detailed résumé (2–4 pages), outlining the academic and personal development, the religious, social, or political commitment, and other areas of interest.
  • Report (2–3 pages) on the previous academic year, and, if applicable, on work experience, social service, army duty, internships, etc. The report should also explain the study motivation.
  • Copy of the authorisation for university entrance as well as other transcripts.
  • Two letters of recommendation: one academic recommendation by a teacher or professor and one that informs about the religious, social, and/or political commitment.

 

European scholarship

We also support students from member countries of the European Union and acceding countries for the duration of the complete course of studies in Germany.

Application requirements

  • High academic achievement at school or university
  • Proven commitment in social, political, religious or cultural affairs
  • Membership of a Protestant or Anglican church (exceptions possible)
  • Fulfillment of the general entry requirements for German universities and colleges
  • Enrolment at a German university or college for the period of the scholarship
  • Students at a university can apply until the 5th semester
  • Students at a university of applied sciences can apply until the 3rd semester
  • An advanced or proficient level of German (DSH)

Admission deadlines and selection dates

For winter admission:

  • Application deadline: March 1st
  • Pre-selection within the period of time from May to June
  • Final selection within the period of time from July to August

For summer admission:

  • Application deadline: September 1st
  • Pre-selection within the period of time from November to December
  • Final selection within the period of time from February to March

If you have further questions or need help, please contact our office of Admission:

Phone: +49. 2304. 755 213
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Our graduate scholarship

Villigst also offers scholarships for PhD students. Graduate students apply on their own initiative. Scholarships are awarded in compliance with the regulations of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Scholars receive financial aid of  1050 Euro a month plus a book allowance of 100 Euro. Scholarships are initially awarded for one year. They can be extended on request, but may not exceed three years.

Besides providing financial aid, the graduate scholarship of Evangelisches Studienwerk comprises a wide range of academic offers:

  • Summer university
    A broad variety of seminars are held at the Villigst Campus during the summer months. Academics, experts, students and graduates with different academic and professional backgrounds come together to discuss issues in an interdisciplinary atmosphere.
  • Graduates' Convention
    Graduate scholars meet twice a year to discuss and present research. Those who wish can be part of a network of Villigst graduates who offer help and advice to undergraduate students.
  • Democracy
    Villigst is a democratic organization and encourages all students contribute to the institutional life.
  • Local groups
    Scholars meet regularly with other Villigsters from their university in local groups. Group meetings may often take place in pubs, but there is usually some Villigst business to be discussed.
  • Publications
    PhD students have the opportunity to publish their dissertation (see »Villigst Perspektiven«)

Requirements

  • Affiliation to a protestant church
  • Completion of first university degree in a short period of time
  • Academic excellence (grades should be »good« to »very good«, in law »fully satisfying«)
  • University degree authorising conferral of a doctorate; foreign students can apply if they have been admitted to a doctorate programme at a German university.

Application process

Deadlines for applications are June 15th and December 15th; the decision on whether a scholarship is granted or not is made in late October, respectively late May.

If you want to apply for a scholarship, please submit the following documents (two copies each):

  • Certified copy of final university transcript with proof of the grades attained in each single subject
  • On CV in table form and one detailed and signed CV
  • Outline, concept, und timeline of the thesis (max. 15 pages)
  • Two letters of recommendations by university professors (one needs to be written by the doctoral advisor)
  • »Personalbogen« [ PDF | 1 Page | 60 KB ] accompanied by a photograph

The application fee is 19 Euros. Please wire transfer the total amount at the time you submit your application to the following account:

KD Bank
Account No. 211 257 001 5
Routing No. 350 601 90

For international wire transfers please use
BIC/SWIFT: GENO DE DE1 DKD
IBAN: DE52 3506 0190 2112 5700 23

If you have any further questions or need advice, please contact our office of Admission:

Phone: +49. 2304 755 215
Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist gegen Spambots geschützt! JavaScript muss aktiviert werden, damit sie angezeigt werden kann.

 
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