In the service of democracy, peace and development

Our Work

 

Global challenges today can only be tackled through global cooperation. One player in this process is the Institute for International Cooperation, with projects in more than 50 countries worldwide. The aim of this international engagement, which is based on Christian social ideals, is to promote humane living conditions and to contribute to sustainable development by strengthening peace, democracy and social market economies. Together with local partners, projects are implemented that focus on strengthening civil society and its organisations, public participation and promoting the rule of law, advising decision makers in politics, business and administration, promoting women, overcoming social and ethnic divisions and strengthening environmental awareness.

 

Scolarship Programmes

Scholarship programmes enrich studies – and not just financially. More than 1,000 fellows receive a scholarship from the Institute for Scholarship Programmes.  These scholarships consist of both conceptual and financial support. The aim is to contribute to the education of personally and academically qualified young academics and to reward outstanding scholarly achievements in doctoral programmes.  Conceptual support here means participating in courses aimed at enabling fellows to critically and constructively contribute to the development of the democratic rule of law.  Their political, professional, social and personal skills are primed and are expected to serve as broader foundations for their future leadership capabilities.  Those receiving a scholarship are chosen by a selection committee based on the combination of personality, performance and social engagement.

 

Financial Support

• Graduates

The sum of 934.– EUR per month is given to graduates whose completed degree is equivalent to the German intermediate diploma or the bachelor’s degree.

• Post-Graduates

The sum of 1300.– EUR per month is given to doctoral candidates, scientists holding a doctorate, university graduates whose degree is recognised as equal to a German degree, who go to Germany for research purposes.

Other forms of financial support include travel expenses, one-off payments and printing costs and may be provided depending on the budget available to HSF.

 

Application Requirement

The applicant (less than 45 years of age) must:

• hold a university degree with an outstanding academic record;
• have verified competence and experience in the field of independent research work;
• have proven socio-political commitment;
• have proven good knowledge of the German language (at least Level B2);

The application documents must include:
A completed Hanns Seidel Foundation scholarship application form and all supporting documents, as:

• certificates;
• letters of recommendation;
• expert opinions;
• written proof of admission to a university in Germany;
• detailed description of the research project or further special training;
• letter from a university teacher confirming his/her supervision of the applicant;
• project timeline.