FAQs
Can I apply for the fellowship if I do not have German nationality?
It is only possible to apply for the postgraduate program "Stiftungskolleg für internationale Aufgaben" if you have German nationality. The program is explicitly aimed at increasing the proportion of German staff in international organizations.
Which documents are recognized as proof of foreign language skills?
If you state language skills in your application, you must provide proof of the relevant level of proficiency for the named languages. Such proof includes certificates from language schools and internationally recognized language tests (TOEFL, DELF/DALF, DAAD language certificate, language school or similar). The fact that you have worked for a long period of time in the relevant country or have been an intern or studied there is also accepted as proof of language skills. We also recognize a language that is one of your study subjects for which you have written language tests as part of your final exams.
Can I apply with a Bachelor’s degree?
A Bachelor’s degree is not recognized as a primary professional degree for this program.
Can alumni of the Carlo Schmid Program apply?
A fellowship is not possible if you have already taken part in the Carlo Schmid Program.
Does the age limit of 28 years apply to the application deadline or the beginning of the program?
The age limit refers to the application deadline.
Are military service, community service and maternity/paternity periods taken into account?
Military service and community service periods are taken into account. Maternity/paternity periods are calculated at one year per child.
Can I apply if I have exceeded the age limit of 28?
It is possible to apply if you are a little older than the age limit. Ultimately, the overall impression of the application documents counts in comparison with those of other applicants. If two applicants have the same qualifications, priority will be given to the applicant that meets the age limit.
What exactly is meant by the “Project outline indicating possible internships"?
The information on how to apply and the project outline is presented on the website. Project outlines by alumni are available at www.stiftungskolleg.org.
Practical relevance is a key criterion in developing the project concept: During the year, you should work on current problems being handled by organizations in your relevant field. The focus should be on work on existing solution approaches, cooperation with different institutions and commissions, and where possible, developing improvement proposals. The project should not be an abstract, theoretical research project, so that the outline should also not contain a theoretical section.
Please also name possible institutions (including any relevant departments) where you could implement your project. Applicants are required to identify suitable institutions themselves. We recommend considering two or three alternatives, since applications for internships in institutions are not always immediately successful. You should research the websites of international organizations with departments and projects that already address the subject matter of your project. Telephoning is often the simplest way of finding practical points of reference and ideas for possible internships.
Does the project outline have to have a specific format?
There are no guidelines for the project outline. You should outline your plan on roughly one page (see also the guidelines for the online application). It should be as up to date and practice-oriented as possible. State in which framework and with which organizations you wish to work on your project and which results you will aim for as the target for your year’s work.
Are there any project plans by way of example?
Here you can find two characteristic project plans:
Applications for internships are organized by the applicants themselves after being accepted into the program. In exceptional cases, the foundation can provide support in this respect, e.g. by contacting alumni. No acceptance into an internship is required when applying to join the program.
Is it possible to combine the fellowship project with a dissertation?
The aim of the postgraduate program is to gather professional experience in international organizations and thereby improve participants’ career opportunities. Since fellows either participate in seminars or work full time in an institution, a planned dissertation is impossible during the 13-month program due to time constraints. The chosen project theme can, however, be linked to a dissertation and the experience from the fellowship used in a dissertation project. In assessing the project outline during the application process, its topicality and practical relevance are decisive. The project should not relate to academic and theoretical questions or an empirical research plan.
Can I apply for the fellowship if I will only complete my studies after the application deadline, but before the fellowship year begins?
You are welcome to apply even if you have not completed your studies by the deadline for applications. However, the final date for producing graduation certification is July 31 of the same year. To assess your university performance in as comprehensive a way as possible, we suggest you ask the Registrar's Office at your university for a transcript of all course credits and grades achieved to date.
Does the application deadline refer to the date of the postmark or the date of receipt at the foundation?
The application deadline refers to the date of receipt at the foundation. When mailing applications from abroad, please make sure your application will be received in time. Please remember to send two additional copies of the application to the German National Academic Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes).