B-First – Claussen-Simon Foundation
Scholarship for first-generation university students in their first semester at German higher education institutions for ideological and financial support.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The goal of the B-First program is the idealistic and financial support of students whose parents have not attended university (first-generation academics), in order to establish equal opportunities in access to higher education and to promote social engagement.
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- First-generation academic (no parent has studied)
- In the 1st semester of a full-time on-campus degree program at a German university
- No previously completed bachelor's degree
- Maximum age of 25 years at application
- (Subject) high school diploma or university entrance qualification with a grade average ≤ 2.5
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Documents required for application
- Completed application form
- Curriculum vitae (signed)
- (Subject-specific) high school diploma or university entrance qualification
- Proof of university application or enrollment
- Motivation letter (1 DIN A4 page)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of internships/volunteering/engagement (max. 3)
- Overview of financial needs (monthly living expenses and income)
- German language certificate B1 (if German is not the first language)
Description
The B-First Program of the Claussen-Simon Foundation is aimed at committed first-generation university students who are enrolled in the first semester of a full-time on-campus degree program at a German university. Funding is provided to students whose parents do not hold a university degree, up to the age of 25, and with a university entrance qualification (Fach-Abitur) of no more than 2.5. The scholarship combines ideal support from experts in academia and higher education with financial assistance to create equal opportunities and strengthen social engagement. Applicants should, in addition to formal academic achievements, also demonstrate initial experience from internships, volunteer work, or similar activities, as well as very good German language skills (at least B1).
The application process is fully digital: a completed online form is supplemented by a CV, high school diploma, proof of enrollment or university application, a one-page motivation letter, and two letters of recommendation. Additionally, evidence of engagement activities (maximum three), a tabular overview of monthly financial needs, and—if German is not the native language—a language certificate at B1 level must be submitted. Selection is conducted through a transparent process including a review round and personal interviews in Hamburg. The funding period and application deadlines are announced annually on the Claussen-Simon Foundation’s website. The program offers first-generation university students comprehensive support to successfully start their studies and to engage socially in the long term.
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