HPI Scholarship Programs 2026 in Germany (Funded). Apply for fully funded scholarships here. The Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) in Potsdam runs three funded scholarship programs for computer science students in 2026. Unlike broad national schemes, these are institute-specific awards tied directly to admission at HPI.
Two target Bachelor’s applicants for IT Systems Engineering, and one supports international Master’s students in Computer Science. All three require a separate scholarship application alongside your regular admission application.
HPI is a private, non-profit institute funded by the Hasso Plattner Foundation, and it operates its Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees jointly with the public University of Potsdam through the Digital Engineering Faculty. That structure is part of why its scholarships work differently from typical government-run programs.
HPI Scholarship Programs 2026 Details:
| Offered by: | Hasso Plattner Institute |
| Degree level: | Bachelor’s, Master’s & PhD |
| Scholarship coverage: | Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | All Nationalities |
| Award country: | Germany |
| Last date: | 15 July 2026 |
Financial Benefits
Each HPI scholarship covers a different slice of student costs, from relocation expenses to multi-year monthly stipends. None of them cover tuition directly, since HPI’s programs already charge little to no tuition for enrolled students.
| Scholarship | Monthly Amount | Duration | Extra Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPI Bachelor Starting Fund | €500 | 12 months | Possible additional relocation grant with proof of residence |
| Women-in-Tech EmpowerPack | €1,100 | 6 semesters (standard Bachelor’s duration) | Coaching, networking events, role-modeling program |
| HPI Computer Science Scholarship | €1,100 | 4 semesters (standard Master’s duration) | Open to both EU and non-EU applicants |
Available Study Programs
IT Systems Engineering (B.Sc.): HPI’s flagship Bachelor’s degree, combining computer science fundamentals with software and systems engineering. Both scholarship-eligible Bachelor’s programs feed directly into this course.
Computer Science (M.Sc.): A research-oriented Master’s degree offered jointly by HPI and the University of Potsdam’s Digital Engineering Faculty, with tracks spanning AI, cybersecurity, and data engineering. Instruction is in English.
Digital Health (M.Sc.): A separate Master’s degree combining healthcare and IT, though it isn’t currently tied to one of the three scholarships listed above. Applicants interested in health-tech should still check for separate funding options.
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About Hasso Plattner Institute
Rather than a list of separate universities, this scholarship centers on one institute working in partnership with a public university. Here’s what that partnership actually looks like.
| Institution | City | Recognition | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) | Potsdam | Consistently top-ranked in Germany’s CHE ZEIT ranking | Delivers degree programs and awards all three scholarships |
| University of Potsdam | Potsdam | Ranked #1 in Germany and #17 worldwide in the 2025 THE Young University Ranking | Joint Digital Engineering Faculty partner for the Master’s degree |
HPI itself charges no tuition fees for its degree programs, only a modest semester contribution common across German public universities. That’s separate from the scholarship stipends, which cover living costs rather than academic fees.
Eligibility Criteria
Each scholarship has its own specific criteria, so applicants should check which one actually applies to their situation before starting an application.
- HPI Bachelor Starting Fund: Requires an academic performance equivalent to a German GPA of 1.2 or better, plus a recognized university entrance qualification. Priority goes to students relocating to Potsdam, first-generation university students, those with a migration background, or applicants facing challenging personal circumstances.
- Women-in-Tech EmpowerPack: Open to young women applying to the Bachelor’s program, with a two-page letter of motivation and secondary school diploma required.
- HPI Computer Science Scholarship: For applicants who haven’t yet earned their first academic degree in Germany, applying to the Master’s in Computer Science, open to both EU and non-EU nationals.
Across all three, a scholarship offer never guarantees a study place. You must separately apply for, and be accepted into, the relevant degree program for the scholarship to actually be paid out.
It’s also worth noting that HPI’s admission standards for the underlying degree programs are demanding in their own right, quite apart from the scholarship criteria. Strong applicants typically combine excellent grades with genuine, demonstrable interest in computer science, whether through personal projects, competitions, or prior coursework.
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Required Documents
| Document | Required For |
|---|---|
| Completed scholarship application form | All three scholarships |
| University entrance qualification / secondary school diploma | Bachelor Starting Fund, EmpowerPack |
| Recognition certificate (foreign diplomas, via Cottbus School Authority or uni-assist) | Bachelor Starting Fund applicants with non-German diplomas |
| Two-page letter of motivation | Women-in-Tech EmpowerPack |
| Bachelor’s degree transcript (180+ credit points in a relevant field) | HPI Computer Science Scholarship |
| Separate program admission application | All three scholarships |
Application Process
Step 1: Decide which scholarship matches your profile: Bachelor’s applicant needing relocation support, a young woman entering Bachelor’s studies, or a Master’s applicant in Computer Science.
Step 2: Check the specific application window for your scholarship, since these differ by program and semester intake.
Step 3: Prepare your academic documents, including transcripts, diplomas, and any required recognition certificates.
Step 4: For the EmpowerPack, draft a genuine, specific two-page letter of motivation rather than a generic one.
Step 5: Submit your scholarship application through HPI’s official application portal before the relevant deadline.
Step 6: Separately, submit your full admission application to the degree program itself; scholarships are never awarded without an accepted study place.
Step 7: For the Master’s scholarship, include your scholarship acceptance letter with your program application, or add it before the application phase closes.
Step 8: Wait for HPI’s decision; Bachelor Starting Fund applicants typically hear back by the end of July.
Step 9: Once admitted and enrolled as a full-time student, confirm your scholarship payment setup with your program’s contact person.
Step 10: Begin planning your visa, accommodation, and relocation timeline as soon as your offer is confirmed.
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Student Visa Guide
Non-EU students need a German national (Type D) student visa before arriving, applied for through the German embassy or consulate in their home country. EU/EEA and Swiss students don’t need a visa to study in Germany.
Financial proof is usually shown through a blocked account, and this requirement applies whether or not you hold a partial HPI scholarship, unless your funding fully covers the threshold amount.
| Requirement | Current Detail (2026) |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | National (Type D) student visa for non-EU applicants |
| Processing Time | Typically 6–12 weeks; apply as early as possible |
| Financial Proof (Blocked Account) | €11,904 per year, released at €992 per month |
| Biometrics | Fingerprints and photo collected at the visa application appointment |
| Core Documents | Passport, admission letter, blocked account confirmation, health insurance proof |
Once in Germany, students register their address locally and convert their visa into a residence permit at the Foreigners’ Office, usually within the visa’s initial validity window.
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Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for every student in Germany, whether local or international, and you can’t complete university enrollment without proof of valid coverage. Most non-EU students under 30 join Germany’s statutory public health system.
Public statutory student health insurance typically costs around €120–€140 per month in 2026, though exact rates vary slightly by provider. Students over 30, or in a doctoral rather than degree program, sometimes need private insurance instead, which can cost more or less depending on age and coverage.
Blocked account providers like Expatrio and Fintiba often bundle compliant health insurance options alongside the account itself, which can simplify meeting both requirements at once.
Accommodation & Living Costs
Potsdam sits just outside Berlin, so students often weigh university dormitories against the wider Berlin-Potsdam rental market. Dorm spots fill quickly, so applying the moment you accept your offer matters.
- University dormitory room: roughly €300–€450/month
- Shared apartment (WG) in Potsdam: roughly €400–€600/month
- Solo private apartment: roughly €600–€950/month
- Monthly living expenses (food, transport, utilities): roughly €500–€750
The University of Potsdam’s own student services office also lists additional financing and housing resources for HPI students, worth checking alongside HPI’s own scholarship pages.
Potsdam itself is smaller and quieter than central Berlin, which tends to mean lower rents than comparable neighborhoods closer to the city center, while still offering a direct rail connection into Berlin in well under an hour. Many students split time between both cities for social life and part-time work opportunities.
Post-Study Work Opportunities
Germany remains one of the more generous countries in Europe for graduates who want to convert a degree into long-term work. HPI’s close ties to companies like SAP also mean many students secure job leads well before graduating.
Non-EU graduates of German universities can apply for an 18-month residence permit specifically to search for qualified work, one of the longest such windows in Europe. Once employed in a role matching your qualifications, most graduates move onto a standard work visa or the EU Blue Card, a route tied to a minimum salary threshold that’s generally lower for shortage occupations like IT and engineering.
Computer science and IT graduates are particularly well-positioned, since Germany’s tech and engineering sectors continue to report skill shortages, and HPI graduates specifically benefit from the institute’s direct industry partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these scholarships cover tuition fees?
Not directly, since HPI’s degree programs already charge little to no tuition. The stipends cover living and relocation costs instead.
Can non-EU students apply for the HPI Computer Science Scholarship?
Yes, it’s explicitly open to both EU and non-EU applicants who haven’t yet completed their first academic degree in Germany.
Is a scholarship offer the same as university admission?
No. HPI is clear that scholarship selection never guarantees a study place, and the scholarship only pays out once you’re formally admitted and enrolled.
What GPA do I need for the Bachelor Starting Fund?
Applicants are generally expected to show academic results comparable to a German GPA of 1.2 or better.
Is the Women-in-Tech EmpowerPack only for German citizens?
No, it’s open to young women applying to the Bachelor’s program regardless of nationality, though standard university entrance requirements still apply.
How long does a German student visa take to process?
Usually 6 to 12 weeks, though timing can vary by embassy and season, so applying early is strongly advised.
Can I work part-time while studying at HPI?
Yes, international students in Germany can generally work part-time, typically up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year without special permission.
What happens if I don’t find a job during the post-study work permit?
You’d generally need to leave Germany once the 18-month window expires, unless you qualify for another visa category in the meantime.
Conclusion
HPI’s 2026 scholarship programs offer real, need- and merit-based support for both Bachelor’s and Master’s computer science students, backed by one of Germany’s most industry-connected technical institutes. They’re narrower than a national scholarship, but that focus also makes the eligibility criteria and benefits far more concrete.
With the Bachelor’s deadline on 15 July 2026 fast approaching, prospective applicants should apply directly through HPI’s official pages, and confirm master’s scholarship windows directly with HPI closer to the next application period.
Official Resources
| Website Type | Official Website | Latest Application Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Scholarship Page | HPI – Study with a Scholarship | Bachelor scholarships: 15 July 2026 | Applications Open |
| Master’s Scholarship (Computer Science) | HPI Computer Science Scholarship Application | Expected to Open (Next Intake) – Check Official Website | Expected Next Intake |
| University Admissions | HPI – Application Overview | Bachelor: 15 July 2026 | Applications Open |
| Student Visa (Germany) | German Missions Visa Portal | N/A | Official |
| Immigration & Post-Study Work | Make it in Germany | N/A | Official |
Note: The Master’s Computer Science Scholarship application window (per HPI’s published pattern) runs roughly September to early November for a following-summer start. Always confirm exact opening dates directly on HPI’s official pages before applying.