One year scholarship program for graduates from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe Scholarship 2026

The Free State of Bavaria offers a special one-year scholarship program for graduates from Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe who wish to pursue postgraduate studies or research in Germany. This program supports students who want to continue their academic studies or research in Bavaria, one of Germany's most prosperous and culturally rich regions. It is designed to promote academic exchange and strengthen scientific cooperation between Bavaria and selected European countries through educational partnerships.

If you want to explore other opportunities alongside this scholarship, you can check fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students for more options in the same country.

Quick Overview

• Host Region: Free State of Bavaria, Germany

• Program Type: One-year scholarship for postgraduate studies or research

• Study Levels: Master's, PhD, or one-year research stays

• Monthly Amount: €992 (€11,904 per year) – higher amount for students with children

• Family Support: Students with at least one child receive €1,152 per month (€13,824 per year)

• Duration: One year initially, can usually be extended twice (up to 3 years total)

• Eligible Countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine

• Next Application Call: Summer 2026 (for 2027/28 funding year)

For students interested in other European opportunities, list of all open scholarships in Europe provides additional options to consider.

Program Overview

The one-year scholarship program promotes academic exchange and scientific cooperation between Bavaria and Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. For the academic year 2026/27, Bavaria will again award these scholarships to qualified graduates who are citizens of specific countries. The main aim of this program is to encourage closer academic ties between Bavaria and countries in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe through educational exchange.

By supporting talented graduates from these regions, Bavaria promotes international cooperation, cultural exchange, and long-term partnerships between universities and research institutions across borders.

For students interested in other Central European opportunities, fully funded scholarships in Austria for international students offers another excellent option in a neighboring country.

Eligible Countries

For the academic year 2026/27, eligible nationalities include:

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Czechia

• Hungary

• Poland

• Romania

• Russia

• Serbia

• Slovakia

• Ukraine

This geographic focus reflects the program's aim to strengthen academic ties with neighboring regions.

Note for Czech citizens: Applicants with Czech citizenship should contact the Bayerisch-Tschechische Hochschulagentur (Czech-Bavarian Higher Education Agency) for further information and guidance about the application process.

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Study Opportunities

The scholarship is available for students who wish to pursue:

• Postgraduate studies (Master's programs)

• PhD programs (doctoral studies)

• One-year research stays at a state or state-funded university in Bavaria

This flexibility allows students to choose the academic path that best suits their goals, whether coursework-based or research-focused. Participants can study at any eligible institution across Bavaria, accessing Germany's world-renowned higher education system.

For students interested in research-focused programs, fully funded scholarships in Switzerland for international students offers another perspective on European research opportunities.

Scholarship Duration and Extension

The scholarship provides:

• Initial funding: One year of financial support

• Extension possibility: Can usually be extended twice, allowing students to receive funding for up to three years total

• Long-term stability: Particularly helpful for students enrolled in longer programs such as doctoral studies

• Extension process: Requires submitting a new application demonstrating satisfactory academic progress

Monthly Scholarship Amount

The financial support is substantial and designed to cover living expenses in Germany.

Standard Amount

• €992 per month

• €11,904 per year

Family Supplement

• Students with at least one child receive €1,152 per month

• €13,824 per year

This family-friendly approach makes the scholarship accessible to students with children, recognizing the additional financial responsibilities of parenting while studying.

For students comparing funding packages, fully funded scholarships in Netherlands for international students provides another perspective on European scholarship benefits.

Important Notes for 2026/27

• Selection process for 2026/27 funding year is currently ongoing

• All applicants will be notified of results by email in May 2026

• The call for applications for the 2027/28 funding year will be published in summer 2026

Application Types and Deadlines

There are two types of applications with different deadlines.

First-Time Applications

• Deadline: December 1, 2025 (for 2026/27 funding year – now passed)

• Next deadline will be announced with summer 2026 call for 2027/28

Extension Applications (for current scholarship holders)

• Deadline: February 28, 2026

• Must use online StipSys form

• May need to submit Expert Opinion according to guidelines

Important: All complete application documents must be submitted online to BAYHOST by the deadline. This is a strict closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

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Required Documents and Guidelines

Applicants can find helpful information in:

• Official call for applications

• Application guidelines

• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Instructions for the required Letter of Endorsement

The Letter of Endorsement is an important part of the application and must follow the provided guidelines exactly as specified.

All documents must be uploaded through the online application system called StipSys, which streamlines the submission process.

Extension Applications

Students who are already receiving the scholarship and wish to extend it for additional years must:

• Apply again through the online StipSys system

• Meet the February 28, 2026 deadline

• Follow the official guidelines provided by BAYHOST

• Submit an Expert Opinion according to instructions (evaluating academic progress)

Why Choose Bavaria for Your Studies

• World-Class Education: Bavaria is home to many prestigious German universities

• Cultural Richness: Experience one of Germany's most culturally vibrant regions

• Strong Economy: Bavaria has a prosperous economy with excellent career opportunities

• International Environment: Join students and researchers from around the world

• Research Excellence: Access to cutting-edge facilities and research networks

• Central Location: Easy access to other European destinations

• Quality of Life: High standard of living in beautiful German cities

For students interested in other German regions, fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students provides additional options across the country.

Tips for Future Applications

• Prepare Early: Start gathering documents before the summer 2026 call

• Check Eligibility: Ensure your citizenship is from one of the eligible countries

• Letter of Endorsement: Follow guidelines exactly for this crucial document

• Complete Documentation: Incomplete applications will not be considered

• Submit Online: Use the StipSys system correctly

• Meet Deadlines: Late submissions are strictly rejected

• For Czech Applicants: Contact the specialized agency for guidance

Final Thoughts

The Bavaria One-Year Scholarship Program is an excellent opportunity for graduates from selected European countries who want to study or conduct research in Germany with comprehensive financial support. It provides €992 monthly (€11,904 yearly) for standard students, with higher amounts for those with children, and can be extended up to three years.

The program supports Master's, PhD, and research stays at Bavarian universities, promoting academic exchange between Bavaria and Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. Eligible countries include Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, and Ukraine.

While the 2026/27 selection process is ongoing, interested students should watch for the summer 2026 call for the 2027/28 funding year. Prepare your documents early, follow guidelines carefully, and submit complete applications before the deadline.

If you are a graduate from an eligible country dreaming of studying in Germany with substantial financial support, this program could be your pathway to academic success in one of Europe's most dynamic regions.

Good luck with your future application

Apply Now

For complete and official information and to access the application portal when the next call opens, visit the official BAYHOST website:

Apply for Bavaria One-Year Scholarship Program 2027/28 Germany