NRWege grants for students with refugee experience

NRWege grants header picture
© International Office

 

The International Office  awards grants for students with refugee experience. The programme is funded by the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia.

 

 

 

Eligible to apply for the grants are:

Students with refugee experience who are enrolled at the University of Münster. Language course participants and PhD students are not eligible to apply for the grant.

Application deadline:

We invite applications for NRWege grants twice a year. The next application period is expected to run from 24 June to 19 July 2026.

Terms and conditions

  • What are the application requirements?

    You can apply for the NRWege grants:

    • if your university entrance qualification was obtained outside Germany/abroad
    • if you are expected to successfully complete your studies
    • if you do not receive social benefits/welfare
    • if you do not have a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
    • if you do not have German citizenship
    • if you have entered Germany no more than five years ago. There are exceptions to this rule. Please contact us if this rule applies to you/your situation
    • if you have applied for BAföG and your request was rejected
    • if you have no other income ≥ 992 €

  • What are the selection criteria?

    • Financial situation
    • Academic achievement(s)
    • Motivation
    • Voluntary/social commitment

    All criteria are relevant for selection. Above-average academic performance is a prerequisite for a merit-based scholarship.

  • What types of grants are available?

    Full grant | max. 12 months | max. 1000 € per month

    Merit-based grants | max. 12 months | max. 300 € per month (in addition to BAföG, income or another scholarship)

  • How can I apply for the NRWege grants?

    1. Please complete our online application form by the deadline and upload the required documents.

    2. A selection committee will evaluate all grant applications. A decision will be made based on the submitted documents.

     

    What application documents do you need to submit?

    • Curriculum vitae (CV)

    • Letter of motivation

    • Why do you need financial support?
    • What made you choose your study programme?
    • What are your plans after the completion of your studies?

    • Enrolment certificate

    • Residence permit (both sides)

    • Self-declaration of income (form can be found on the application portal Indico)

    • BAföG: Notification of application or rejection (without a certificate from the BAföG office, we cannot proceed with your application)

    • Current Transcript of Records (from the 2nd semester onwards)

    • Required from the 4th semester onwards or for a follow-up scholarship: Reference from a professor regarding academic performance and prospects for successful completion of studies.

    • Proof of social commitment or voluntary work (if available)

    • Final declaration (document can be found on the application portal Indico)

  • What are the peculiarities related to BAföG, income or other grants?

    If you are a recipient of an income or another grant ≤ 992 €, this will be deducted from the monthly grant sum. If you receive BAföG, you cannot apply for the NRWege grants.  

    If you receive funding from another source retroactively (e.g. BAföG or other grant), you must inform the respective source about the receipt of the NRWege grant and expect a reclaim. You need to tell the International Office about any changes in your financial circumstances. If your financial situation changes, a modification of the amount of the NRWege grant can be expected.

  • Information on residence titles

    You need to meet one of the following requirements:

    • An initial decision on your asylum application has been made by the BAMF (except for §24)
    • You have been admitted for temporary protection
    • You have been admitted on humanitarian grounds
    • You have been admitted from abroad
    • There is no enforceable obligation to leave the country