Scholarship Program for the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications

The scholarship program for the recognition of foreign professional qualifications in Hamburg supports individuals with professional qualifications obtained abroad who have their main residence in Hamburg. The goal is to assist unemployed, job-seeking, or underqualified employees—regardless of nationality (German citizens, EU citizens, holders of a valid residence permit, or tolerated persons)—in the formal recognition of their qualifications. Through a combination of one-time grants, interest-free loans, and a monthly scholarship, financial barriers in the recognition process are minimized, and necessary adjustment measures such as language courses, examinations, or compensatory training are made possible. The funding makes an important contribution to professional integration and the strengthening of the skilled labor potential in the Hanseatic city.

Eligible costs include, among others, expenses for translations, fees and charges related to the recognition procedure, compensatory measures, travel and childcare costs, as well as a scholarship amounting to the current maximum parent-independent BAföG rate. One-time grants cover up to €4,000; beyond that, an interest-free loan of up to €6,000 (exception: up to €10,000) can be granted. The monthly scholarship is paid half as a grant and half as an interest-free loan and is valid for a maximum of 36 months. Applications must be submitted before the start of the measure; applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Interested parties can find comprehensive information at IFB Hamburg and the Central Recognition Office of the Diakonisches Werk Hamburg—thus paving the way early on for successful professional recognition.