Study with a scholarship from the Böckler Foundation

Anyone who is active in labor unions and the community and wants to study—but lacks the financial means—can apply for a scholarship from the labor-affiliated Hans Böckler Foundation (HBS). While other student aid organizations often focus on “supporting the elite”—with scholarships for the “highest achievers,” who usually come from financially well-off academic families anyway—the HBS stands for equal opportunity.

Who is eligible?

In addition to undergraduate and doctoral studies at universities and universities of applied sciences, the HBS also supports students who are earning their high school diploma through adult education programs. And most importantly: Grades aren’t the only thing that counts. Applicants’ involvement in labor unions and community service is a key requirement. In addition, the HBS awards scholarships to socially disadvantaged students from educationally underserved and immigrant families who would otherwise have little chance of receiving support.

Applications for scholarships to earn a high school diploma through adult education, for undergraduate studies, or for a doctoral program must be submitted exclusively through the online application portal.

Application Deadlines

August 1 for the following summer semester— the online application portal is open from May 15 to August 1.
February 1 for the upcoming winter semester —the online application portal is open from November 19 to February 1.

For members of IG Metall, a letter of recommendation from the local office or district leadership is an essential requirement for a scholarship. To receive a recommendation based on their social or union involvement, interested members should contact their local office.

Metalworkers who apply without a recommendation from their local office or district leadership and without providing a contact email address will be identified by us during the further application process. We will clarify with the relevant local office whether the member in question is eligible for funding.

How much is the scholarship?

High School Diploma (Abitur): Adult education programs are typically funded by BAföG independent of parental income—though for evening high school, this applies only starting in the fourth semester (12th grade, second semester). Those receiving the student BAföG will have this amount topped up to the rate for college students. In addition, the HBS provides a flat-rate study allowance currently amounting to 300 euros per month. Those who are not eligible for BAföG due to age restrictions may receive a full scholarship from the HBS.
Undergraduate Studies: Students receive 649 euros per month for living expenses. In addition, there is a flat-rate study cost allowance of 300 euros, and in some cases, subsidies for health and long-term care insurance.
Doctoral Studies: The scholarship consists of a basic monthly stipend of 1,350 euros plus a 100-euro flat-rate research allowance. Additionally, a family allowance of 155 euros, a 155-euro child allowance for the first child, a 50-euro child allowance for each additional child, and a health insurance subsidy of up to 100 euros may be paid.

In addition to financial support, the HBS also offers an extensive support network: expert presentations, faculty advisors, former scholarship recipients serving as mentors—and scholarship recipient groups at many university locations nationwide. This unique support is possible because the HBS relies not only on federal funding but also on its own resources: Unlike employers, union members on the supervisory board remit their bonuses—to the HBS. In this way, employee participation promotes education.

Information Brochure: Application and Selection Process for Undergraduate and Doctoral Funding ( PDF, 13 pages)

Information Flyer: HBS Scholarship for High School Graduation – Undergraduate Studies – Doctorate (PDF, 2 pages)

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For those active in unions and society Studying with a scholarship from the Böckler Foundation

Who is eligible?

Application Deadlines

How much is the scholarship?