The Reichstag building in Berlin with the German flag flying above the glass dome at dusk.

Germany 2026/27 cycle: applications for international students typically close around 1 July each year — confirm on hss.de

Hanns Seidel Foundation Scholarship

The Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung (HSS) is the political foundation aligned with Bavaria's CSU party and one of Germany's six major foundations that fund international scholars. Its scholarship for international students pays a monthly stipend of around EUR 992 (LKR 340k+) plus study and, where applicable, family and health-insurance allowances, for Master's and PhD candidates already enrolled at a German university. Alongside a strong academic record, HSS looks for applicants who share its Christian-social, democratic and pro-European values and who show civic engagement — volunteering, community leadership, interfaith or development work. For Sri Lankan applicants with a first-class degree and a record of social or community service, HSS is a genuine alternative to the heavily contested DAAD route, with a smaller, well-supported scholar community. Confirm current values and deadlines on the HSS website.

Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung

External Organization-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

savings

Value

~EUR 992/mo + Allowances

school

Level

Master's / PhD

public

Scope

International Students in Germany

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

school

Enrolled at a German University

You must already be enrolled at, or hold firm admission to, a state or state-recognised German university for a Master's or PhD. HSS does not fund the admission stage — secure your place first. Programmes in any discipline are eligible.

work

Strong Academic Record

A first-class or strong upper-second Bachelor's (for Master's applicants), or a strong Master's plus a clear research proposal (for PhD applicants). Sri Lankan degrees from recognised universities are assessed on equivalence.

volunteer_activism

Values and Civic Engagement

HSS expects applicants to identify with its Christian-social, democratic and pro-European principles and to show concrete civic engagement — community service, volunteering, student or NGO leadership, interfaith or development work. Purely academic profiles are less competitive.

language

German Language Ability

German proficiency (typically B2 or above) is strongly preferred, as HSS seminars and scholar events run largely in German. English-taught programme students may apply but should show a plan to reach working German.

account_tree Application Process

Secure German university admission

Apply to and gain admission to your German Master's or PhD programme. HSS funds enrolled students, so line up your university place before or alongside the scholarship application.

Submit the HSS online application

Apply through the HSS scholarship portal with your CV, motivation letter, transcripts, proof of admission/enrolment, two references, and evidence of civic engagement. Note the annual deadline (around 1 July).

Selection interview

Shortlisted candidates attend an interview with an HSS selection panel, which explores both academic plans and personal values/engagement. Interviews are usually held in German.

Award and scholar programme

Successful applicants receive the monthly stipend paid into a German account and join the HSS scholar programme of seminars, mentoring and networking. Scholars are expected to take part actively in foundation events.

Why Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung?

Founded in 1967 and based in Munich, the Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung runs civic-education and international-development work in over 60 countries and supports a select community of scholarship holders in Germany. Its smaller scale means closer mentoring and a strong Bavaria-centred network — a distinctive, values-driven funding route for Sri Lankan students who combine academic strength with community engagement.