The 13 Federations for the Gifted (Begabtenförderungswerke)

Which of federations suits you?

With a share of 25% of all scholarships awarded in Germany, the 13 Federations for the Gifted (Begabtenförderungswerke) constitute a significant resource for financing studies.


The federations promote talented and high-achieving students by offering financial assistance. These can also be earmarked scholarships such as study abroad or research projects. The basic scholarship is based on the amount of the approved BAföG state grant; in addition, a study cost allowance of 300 Euros per month is granted. The funds provided by the Federations of the Gifted do not have to be repaid. When applying, above-average performance is just as important as social commitment. To identify with the values of the respective organization is helpful or a prerequisite when applying.


Which of the federations is the most fitting for you and which one you best fit into, depends on your ideological, religious, political, business, or union beliefs.


To make it easier to find the most suitable of the 13 Federations for the Gifted, please find an overview of the individual organizations below:

Overview of the Federations for the Gifted

Advisory hotline

The BMBF advisory hotline is a good place to start if you have any questions on scholarships and can be reached at phone: 0800 6223634.

BMBF funding calculator


The BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research) provides a funding calculator to help you calculate a possible claim:

BMBF-funding calculator


Tuition fee reductions and combinability

Scholarship holders of the above-mentioned thirteen federations for the gifted receive a tuition fee reduction of 25% for the entire master's program from ZU.


Applicants who are already scholarship holders of a Begabtenförderungswerk during their first studies, please indicate this in their application form.

Please note:
It is not possible to combine a ZU scholarship and a reduction due to a scholarship from one of the 13 Begabtenförderungswerke.


If you already receive a ZU scholarship, a reduction in connection with the Begabtenförderungswerke will come into effect after the standard period of study.


Admissions Office and Selection Procedure

Dierolf Nadine, Hurlebaus Silvia, Wallace Birgit
Dierolf Nadine, Hurlebaus Silvia, Wallace Birgit
Team Admissions
Phone:+49 7541 6009-2000
Room:FAB 3 | 0.31
Time to decide

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