Commitment for Change

The programme is designed for refugee women who have fled to Germany from their countries of origin for political/religious/ethnic reasons or because of their sexual orientation. The support provided by Brot für die Welt includes:

• Financial support to obtain a degree (bachelor’s or master’s degree; state examination; doctorate in exceptional cases) in Germany
• Empowerment to pursue development, social and charitable work in the refugee community and in German society
• Opportunities for networking between the scholarship holders, Brot für die Welt and various civil society networks

Through their volunteer work or their professional role as change agents, the young women contribute to social justice and ecologically sustainable development in Germany and the Global South. Their commitment also helps to promote an inclusive society in Germany.

• Young refugee women in Germany who have fled war and persecution.

• Candidates must be nominated for the scholarship by a Protestant student congregation, a faith-based charitable organisation, a university, etc. The nominating institution also provides local support.

Financial aid:

Monthly scholarship to cover living costs, payment of semester fees and, if applicable, tuition fees and health insurance

Mentoring and support during the scholarship:

The study accompanying programme promotes networking and personal development among the scholarship holders. It includes various seminars on socially relevant topics. The scholarship holders are actively involved in the design of the programme. Further information can be obtained from STIPE/Global Learning Unit.

Personal requirements:

• A-levels/university entrance qualification and/or fulfilment of the admission requirements for the desired course of study, online courses of study are also possible
• No age limit, women up to 40 years preferred
• Social commitment in a professional and/or voluntary capacity in Germany or in the country of origin

Formal requirements:

• Lack of means to pay for studies in Germany
• Resident of Germany
• Humanitarian residence permit, residence under the Asylum Seekers Act or comparable status
• Not entitled to training assistance  from the state (BAföG); letter of rejection must be submitted
• Submission of a proposal for an initiative project or proposal to continue previous volunteer work during the scholarship

Information on the selection procedure:

Applications are accepted throughout the year. A committee meets every 1 to 2 months to approve scholarship applications. However, the application documents should be received at least 4 months before the start of the programme.