Oskar Karl Forster Scholarship 2025 at the University of Würzburg (Fully Funded Study Support for International and Local Students)
Studying in Germany is a dream for many students across the world. The University of Würzburg has once again opened applications for the Oskar Karl Forster Scholarship 2025. This program provides opended to both local and international students who demonstrate talent and financial need.
This award focuses on easing the practical burdens of academic life. Students can receive grants between €100 and €500 to cover the costs of essential books, study materials, or, in exceptional cases, dissertation printing. It is available to students of all nationalities, provided they are enrolled at Würzburg and meet the indigence criteria.
The application process for 2025 is already open and follows a strict first-come, first-served principle, which means students should prepare their documents quickly. For first-year students starting in the summer semester of 2025, applications can be submitted from 1 October 2025 onward.
Background of the Oskar Karl Forster Scholarship
The Oskar Karl Forster Scholarship is part of Germany’s strong tradition of supporting students not only with tuition-free education but also with targeted funding programs. Unlike large full-ride scholarships, this grant has a micro-support model: rather than covering tuition or living costs, it focuses specifically on academic expenses such as learning materials.
Scholarship is valuable for students in fields with heavy book or research costs—law, medicine, engineering, and the humanities. It also recognizes the financial strain faced by students preparing their doctoral dissertations, who may require printing support for submission.
The University of Würzburg, known for its history of innovation and research excellence, has structured this scholarship to ensure that both German and international students benefit equally.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility is one of the most important parts of the scholarship. The Oskar Karl Forster Scholarship 2025 is available to:
Enrolled gifted and needy students of all nationalities
Starting from the second semester of study (except Master’s students, who may apply immediately after enrollment)
Students who can provide proof of financial need according to BAföG or equivalent criteria
Students who maintain satisfactory academic progress (usually measured in ECTS credits per semester)
📌 Note: First-semester students in the summer term of 2025 will be allowed to apply from October 1, 2025.
Financial Benefits of the Scholarship
The Oskar Karl Forster Scholarship does not provide monthly stipends or cover tuition fees. Instead, it delivers targeted financial relief:
One-time grants for books or learning materials
Between €100 and €500
Requires approval from a university lecturer confirming the necessity of the purchase
Exceptional grants for dissertation printing
Available only in special cases
Requires proof of financial need with stricter income limits (€1,800 monthly net income cap for 2023 reference year)
Indigence and Financial Requirements
A critical element of this scholarship is the indigence requirement, which determines whether a student qualifies as financially needy.
Students receiving BAföG support are automatically recognized as indigent.
Those not on BAföG must provide alternative proof.
Income Thresholds for 2025 Applications
Married parents/partners (not separated): €5,080 per month net income allowance
Single parent: €3,380 per month net income allowance
Additional allowance for each dependent child (including the applicant): €770 per month
For dissertation printing grants, applicants themselves must not exceed €1,800 net income per month (2023 reference year).
Acceptable Proof of Income
Parents’ income tax assessment for 2023
Alternatively: pay slips, pension statements, unemployment benefit documents, or profit and loss accounts for self-employed parents
Students’ own income proof: employment contracts, pay slips, or current scholarship documents
📌 Important for International Students: Foreign documents must be translated into German or provided in officially certified English versions to be valid.
Academic Progress Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate that they are making steady progress:
30 ECTS credits per semester is the standard expectation
20 ECTS credits per semester is generally considered acceptable progress
Falling significantly below this may reduce eligibility
However, exceptional grades are not required—the focus is on reasonable advancement through the program within the standard period of study.
Application Process for 2025
The application process is clear but requires attention to detail.
Download the application form
Available online (German only)
Must be filled out electronically, printed, and signed
Get lecturer approval
A full-time university lecturer (professor, research assistant, or teaching specialist) must confirm the necessity of the requested book/material purchase
Prepare required documents
Current certificate of enrollment
Proof of financial need (BAföG notice or income documents)
Proof of academic progress (transcripts, ECTS records)
Submit application by post
Send to the designated Scholarship Office address provided on the form
Keep a photocopy of the book list for your records
📌 Applications are processed in the order received. The earlier you submit, the better your chances before funds run out.
Why International Students Should Apply
For international students in Germany, managing finances can be challenging. The Oskar Karl Forster Scholarship is particularly attractive because:
It is open to all nationalities without restrictions
It supports direct academic costs (books, materials, dissertation printing)
It recognizes foreign income documentation if properly translated
It does not require exceptional grades—just steady progress
Tips for a Successful Application
Apply early – Since it’s first-come, first-served, delays can cost you the opportunity.
Prepare translations in advance – International students should budget time for certified translations.
Get lecturer approval quickly – Schedule a meeting with your professor early to confirm the necessity of your book/material purchase.
Keep proof of purchases – After receiving the grant, receipts must be submitted to the Scholarship Office.
Maintain steady progress – Even if you don’t have perfect grades, make sure your transcript reflects consistent academic advancement.
Key Dates for 2025
Application procedure opened: August 21, 2025 (approx.)
Applications accepted immediately on a first-come, first-served basis
First-year students (Summer Semester 2025 = 1st semester): Eligible to apply from October 1, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the scholarship only for German students?
No, it is open to students of all nationalities, provided they are enrolled at the University of Würzburg.
2. Can first-semester students apply in 2025?
Yes, but only from October 1, 2025 onward.
3. What is the maximum grant amount?
The grant ranges from €100 to €500, depending on need and lecturer approval.
4. Can I use the grant for living expenses?
No, it is strictly for books, learning materials, or dissertation printing.
5. How long does it take to process applications?
Processing is first-come, first-served, so faster applications are prioritized until funds are exhausted.
Conclusion: Apply Early Before Funds Run Out
The Oskar Karl Forster Scholarship 2025 at the University of Würzburg is a valuable opportunity for students who need help covering essential study expenses. With grants of up to €500 and support for dissertation printing, it directly addresses real academic costs that can otherwise burden students.
Since the application process is already open and follows a first-come, first-served rule, students should prepare their documents and apply as soon as possible. For first-semester students, the critical date is October 1, 2025, when eligibility begins.
Don’t miss the chance to secure this support—read more on the official website and make your academic journey at Würzburg more affordable.
