Stiftung Bildung und Wissenschaft

The Stiftung Bildung und Wissenschaft was established on December 19, 1986, under the name "Society for the Promotion of Independent Young People" as a non-profit foundation based in Essen and has borne the name "Stiftung Bildung und Wissenschaft" since January 8, 1992. It is administered by the Donors' Association for the Promotion of Sciences and Humanities in Germany. The foundation's purpose is to support young people in the fields of education, science, and research. Its focus areas include the awarding of doctoral and graduation scholarships in the fields of literary studies and historical sciences (particularly economic and social history) as well as project funding in economic and social history. Funding is provided regardless of national, ideological, or religious affiliation and only when no other public or private assistance is available. The donors remain anonymous to the public.

Independent individuals can make a significant contribution to balancing the group interests present in society. With this conviction, the Stiftung Bildung und Wissenschaft supports young researchers and committed young people in education, science, and research. Our goal is to promote innovative doctoral and final projects as well as collaborative research initiatives that contribute to the advancement of science and society.

Priority is given to doctoral candidates in literary studies as well as in history, economics, and social sciences, whose projects focus particularly on modern German literature, German and European economic and social history (preferably after World War II). Applicants should demonstrate above-average aptitude, social responsibility, and commitment, as well as largely independent financing of their studies (e.g., BAföG or own employment). For doctoral scholarships, applicants are generally not expected to have reached the age of 30. Completion scholarships are aimed at doctoral candidates whose funding from other sources has expired and who wish to complete their dissertation within one year.