Scholarships and Funding Programs

General requirements

• University entrance qualification (Abitur)
• Enrolment at the Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies (HfJS) in the degree programs B.A. Jewish Studies 50% (teaching degree), B.A. Jewish Studies 50% or 75%, M.A. Jewish Studies or Master of Education (teaching degree at grammar schools or extension subject)
• Compulsory attendance at the HfJS
• Age limit: 35 years
• German language skills: C1 and higher

Application documents

• Curriculum vitae
• University entrance qualification
• Letter of motivation
• Proof of membership in a Jewish community affiliated with the Central Council of Jews in Germany
• Proof of affiliation to Judaism
• Letter of recommendation from a Jewish religious teacher, a rabbi, a Jewish organization or a Jewish regional association
• Proof of voluntary work (if available)

Scope and framework of the grant

• the basic monthly scholarship amounts to 1,300 euros.
• The surcharges for children up to the age of 13 are: 1st child 200 euros, 2nd child 100 euros, for each additional child 50 euros.
• The scholarship is initially granted for a period of twelve months.
• Further approval will be granted annually after review of the continuing eligibility requirements on the basis of semester or progress reports and performance records to be submitted.
• The scholarship is limited to the standard period of study. Exceptions are only possible in justified cases.
• When transferring from a Bachelor's to a Master's degree course, a new application for a scholarship is required.
• During the course of study, at least one four-week internship must be completed in a Jewish school or community during the semester break.
• The scholarship holder undertakes to work in a Jewish organization, Jewish community or Jewish educational institution in Germany for one year after graduation for each year in which the scholarship was received.
• Multiple sponsorship is generally excluded.
• The award is subject to the availability of funds.
• The Central Council of Jews reserves the right to revoke and reclaim funding in whole or in part in the event of false information or violations of the funding conditions.

Note on the selection procedure

• In addition to the formal examination of the documents, a personal or digital selection interview may take place. The Central Council of Jews in Germany reserves the right to request further information.
• There is no legal entitlement to the award of a scholarship. Decisions of the selection committee cannot be contested.

Application form

Please send your application documents to stipendien(at)zentralratderjuden.de

Postal applications cannot be considered.

The funding period will begin October 2025 upon arrival in Heidelberg and entails monthly payments of an amount equivalent to the "BAFöG-Höchstsatz", for a maximum duration of 12 months. The number of scholarships for candidates studying the M.A. programme "Jewish Civilizations" is limited to three.

This scholarship is exclusively for students with a Jewish family background and without a citizenship of an EU country. Please note that due to their own statutes, the Szloma-Albam-Stiftung can only support Jewish students that will have to be proven by any form of documentation.

Preference will be given to highly focussed candidates that want to do "Jewish Civilizations" as their first final study degree. Being able to prove strong ties to their own Jewish communities or being institutionally engaged in fostering Jewish life and culture are advantages.

Applications can be in German or English and should include:

• A Letter of Motivation (no more than two A4 pages), outlining

1. how the MA in Jewish Civilizations is instrumental in achieving your professional goals
2. why financial assistance is required (also list your past, current and requested scholarships), and
3. what your Jewish belonging means to you personally.

• Your Curriculum vitae with listed details on education, personal interests and language skills (no more than two A4 pages)
• Academic, community-oriented or professional recommendations, references or certificates
• Verification of your membership in a Jewish community or your Jewish background
• Verification of your enrollment at the Hochschule für Jüdische Studien Heidelberg (to be handed in later).

The deadline for submissions is January 15th, 2027

Please send all application materials as a single PDF to

Mr. Grischa Zeller, Head of Funding
E-Mail: grischa.zeller(at)szloma-albam-stiftung.de

Phone: 0 30 - 23 63 20 18-3
Fax: 0 30 - 23 63 20 18-9

Szloma-Albam-Stiftung, Ansbacher Straße 74, D-10777 Berlin

Applications by Jewish candidates for scholarships for other qualification programs are also possible, please enquire or consult www.szloma-albam-stiftung.de.