International students International students

You can apply for a scholarship for exceptionally committed international students if you fulfil the following criteria:

• You are an international student at HAW Hamburg (i.e. you obtained your higher education entrance qualification abroad or you have successfully completed preparatory studies at a German Studienkolleg).
• You undertake volunteer work in at least one intercultural programme of the International Office (proof required)
  • e.g. weBuddy Programme, Welcome Weeks, Culture Cafe, country evenings, language tandems
• Bachelor's students: You've been studying at HAW Hamburg for at least one semesters.
• Master's students: You've been studying at HAW Hamburg for at least one semester.
• You are not receiving other HAW Hamburg funding during the scholarship period.
• If your personal income exceeds €992 per month during the funding period, the scholarship amount will be reduced.

Student initiatives with an international angle (e.g. AIESEC, ESN) or other student bodies with an international component will additionally be considered, but do not replace a commitment with the International Office.

 The scholarships for exceptional social commitment is €1,000 per year.

 30 September 2025

Unfortunately, applications received after these deadlines cannot be considered.

All of the following documents must be completed and submitted:

• CV (max. 2 pages, with a focus on your academic path and volunteer activity)
• Letter of application (max. 2 pages): Why are you a good candidate for a social commitment scholarship? What volunteer activities have you been involved in and what activities have you planned for the next semester? What additional services that you would also like to become involved in could the International Office provide for international students? What did you lear from this experience?
• Clear proof of volunteer work (The activity, as well as the extent and duration of the activity, must be clearly demonstrated, e.g. in a letter of recommendation from a person who can confirm your involvement.)
• Current transcript of records from myHAW
• Bank account information form
• Financial circumstances form

Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, please send them by email to Mariana Müller before the deadline. Be sure to allow yourself enough time. We will inform you about the outcome of your application within four weeks after the deadline.

Contact information

International Office

Mariana Müller
T +49.40.428 75-9834
In-person office hours:
2nd floor / room 233

Berliner Tor Campus
Student Center
Stiftstr. 69 / Gebäude (Building) G
20099 Hamburg

Which residency permit do I need to have in order to apply for a social commitment scholarship?

Students with residency status pursuant to section 16 of the federal residency act (residency for the purpose of study) and EU citizens are eligible to apply for the scholarships issued by the International Office, if they are not eligible for BAföG or other state funding. International students with a different residency status can only apply in exceptional cases and following clarification of their individual situation.

I currently have only a temporary residence permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung). Can I still apply?

Yes. 

How are the scholarship recipients selected?

The length and extent of students' volunteer activity in an international context at HAW Hamburg are what count the most for this scholarship. Their average grade plays less of a role. Other criteria are also taken into account, such as students' financial situation and whether they have already received the scholarship. In the case of students who have already received a scholarship, the committee will assess whether their volunteer activity has increased relative to the last application.

When can I expect a decision?

You can generally expect to hear about the outcome of your application within four weeks of the deadline.

Am I eligible to receive a scholarship for exceptional social commitment if I am receiving BAföG (student financial aid)?

No.

When are international students eligible to receive BAföG?

You are eligible to receive BAföG if you fulfil the criteria listed in  section 8 of the federal law on student financial assistance (BAföG) . If you are uncertain whether you meet these criteria, please contact the Student Financial Aid Advising Centre before submitting your application. You should be sure to do this in the following cases:

• You do not have a residency permit under section 16 of the Aufenthaltsgesetz (the federal residency act).
• You are an EU citizen and you have a student job or worked in Germany before your studies.
• You are married to a German citizen who is working in Germany.

Am I permitted to receive other scholarships in addition to a social commitment scholarship?

Receiving other scholarships in addition to a social commitment scholarship is not permitted. However, you can apply for multiple scholarships in order to increase your chances of receiving funding.

What is considered volunteer activity or social commitment in an international context at HAW Hamburg?

The activity must take place in the university context and have an international component. The minimum requirement is a commitment in at least one intercultural programme of the International Office, e.g.:

• weBuddy Programme
• Welcome Weeks
• HAW Worldwide Culture Cafe
• Language Tandem Programme

Volunteer work in student initiatives with an international component will be considered additionally, but does not replace a commitment with the International Office.

HAW Hamburg initiatives

• Students' Union (AStA) - International Affairs Working Group
• Bunte Hände (Colourful Hands)

Cross-university initiatives

• AIESEC
• EESTEC
• ESN (Erasmus Student Network)
• STUBE Nord

Does volunteer work outside the university count?

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has clearly specified that this scholarship is intended to fund students who are active in an international context at their own university. Volunteer work outside of the university can only be considered as an additional factor to engagement in an international context at HAW Hamburg.

I have been active in an international context at HAW Hamburg as part of a student position. Does this activity count?

It is your unpaid activities that are considered to demonstrate social commitment. If you have worked as a volunteer in addition to your student position, you must clearly delineate the volunteer work from your paid work. This delineation also has to be made clear in the proof you provide about your volunteer activity.

Why should I indicate my financial situation in my application?

If you are receiving the scholarship for social commitment, your personal income cannot exceed €992per month; otherwise, the scholarship amount will be reduced. Having a limited income can have a positive impact on the decision to award the scholarship.

Is there a limit to how often I can receive the scholarship?

You can be awarded this scholarship a maximum of two times. 

Do I need to submit letters of reference from my instructors or professors?

You do not need to submit letters of reference from instructors/professors to apply for a scholarship for social commitment.

What points do I need to cover in the letter of application?

Please try to answer the following questions:

• In which contexts are you active as a volunteer? 
• What motivated you to undertake your volunteer work?
• Optional: What volunteer work have you planned for the next semester?
• What additional services that you would also like to become involved in could the International Office provide for international students?
• What experience did you make?

I have exceeded the standard period of study. Can I still apply for a scholarship?

Yes.