In 1990, the German Chancellors Award program was created under an agreement between the German and U.S. governments in the hope that future important U.S. leadership positions would be filled with people who have a first-hand knowledge of Germany. Sponsored by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the high-profile committee of political and scientific leaders, annually awards up to ten scholarships per year to prospective U.S. leaders in the academic world, in business or in politics in order to strengthen transatlantic ties.
The Bundeskanzler Awards generally provide for one year (12 months) of study/research preferably in the arts, humanities, social and policy sciences, law, journalism and communications, management, finance, and economics at a German university and/or research institution. These awards are also a great opportunity to gain insight into the political, economic, social and cultural life of Germany. Scholarship holders are free to structure their stay themselves (e.g., you may determine the location(s), institute(s), and the focus of study/research). Practical experience in the form of internships, junior staff positions, or training/performance programs with appropriate organizations may also be arranged. Bundeskanzler Scholars will have an academic advisor and a mentor during their stay in Germany.
AWARD VALUE
- Monthly allowance for housing and living expenses
- Travel expenses to and from Germany for the scholar.
- Expenses for the German language course, the introductory seminar, the study tour, and the final meeting in Berlin.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- U.S. Citizen
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Graduating seniors, graduate and post-graduate students as well as young professionals (generally not older than 35) who are interested in further academic training to improve their career prospects. We especially encourage graduating seniors to apply.
- Although the Humboldt Foundation prefers that applicants have studied the German language, it is not required.
PRELIMINARY STEPS
If you are a Stanford student interested in the Bundeskanzler Awards, you must apply through the Overseas Resource Center (ORC). Information, applications, and advising are available to you at the ORC. The following is a list of preliminary steps to take if you are interested in applying:
Bundeskanzler Preapplication Form: In order to establish a file at the ORC for the campus level evaluation, please submit a completed preapplication form.
The following may be helpful as you begin to think about your application.
Consider applying for the IIE Fulbright and DAAD Scholarships to Germany. Information is available at the ORC.
THE CAMPUS DEADLINE
For the Campus Deadline Please submit 3 copies* of each of the following:
* Materials should be collated into 3 complete packets.
Mailed or sent separately to the ORC:
- 3 Letters of Reference [Using "Confidential Letter of Recommendation" forms.] Although the "Instructions for completing the forms" says that references should be sent directly to Germany, ALL reference letters should be sent to the ORC.
References and language certificates can be sent to the ORC via Stanford inter-departmental mail (Mail Code: 8245) or U.S. mail, or submitted in person.
CAMPUS AND NATIONAL REVIEW PROCESS
At the campus level, applicants will be reviewed by a committee of Stanford faculty and staff from various departments. This campus review committee may conduct interviews of the candidates the week following the campus deadline.
Evaluation Criteria
The decisions of the Committee are primarily based on the candidate's leadership qualities, ability to demonstrate responsibility, academic performance, proposed plan of study or research, and the feasibility of these studies at German institutions. The candidate's leadership qualities and ability to demonstrate responsibility rank at the top of the list of criteria for the selection committee. Students intending to seek careers in government and professional fields are at an advantage in the competition for these awards. For grants submitted by advanced graduate students or Ph.D. candidates, students should have a well-defined research proposal, or pursue research that will be enhanced by cooperation with German scholars.
