Studienkolleg – fellowship programme for students training to be teachers
Students who want to become teachers in Germany can apply to the Foundation of German Business for acceptance into a special fellowship programme designed to accompany their course of study. This Studienkolleg aims to prepare students to meet the specific challenges they will confront as young, ambitious teachers. It is directed toward students with personalities with potential for educational leadership – individuals, who want to lead the enterprise of school into the future as far as instruction and also school development is concerned.
Students invited into the Studienkolleg receive scholarships funded by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research. The extensive promotional programme complementing the students’ course of study is financed by the Foundation of German Business (SDW) and its partners in the business and industry sector. During its establishment phase, the cooperation partner of the Studienkolleg is the Robert Bosch Foundation.
Parallel to their academic course of study, students will become acquainted with modern work methods and instruments in the areas of project management, quality development, team formation and personnel leadership during special seminars, training sessions and academies. Moreover, their communicative skills, ability to work in a team and intercultural competence will be strengthened as key competences. Likewise, the programme will enable students to gather practical experience apart from practice in schools, by e.g. providing insight into the work of companies. All participants will be organised in local chapters, in which they can also develop independent projects.
Applicants for admission to the Studienkolleg undergo a two-step process. The final decision whether an applicant will be awarded a scholarship and be invited to take part in the excellence promotion programme is made during an assessment centre. SDW expects applicants to exhibit above-average academic achievement, proven social commitment, enthusiasm in working with children and adolescents, ability to work in a team, ability to motivate, creativity, good communicative skills and initiative. Students who fulfil these criteria to a high degree can look forward to an exciting and stimulating time in the excellence programme.
Applications of foreign students
All non-German students studying to be teachers can apply for admission to the Studienkolleg, if they are registered at a German college or university and are aspiring to be a teacher in Germany. However, there are restrictions for non-EU applicants. They must be eligible to receive assistance in Germany according to § 8 of the Federal Education and Training Assistance Act (BAföG) or as immigrants have a residence permit in Germany with the perspective of obtaining permanent residence status.
Detailed information about the application requirements and procedure can be found in the German version of this website. Non-German applicants must also have a very good command of German, since the entire excellence programme is conducted in German. All students selected to be in the SDW Studienkolleg are expected to actively participate in this programme.