Students planning to study computer science in Germany now have an opportunity to receive financial support from one of the country’s leading technology institutions. The Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) has officially opened applications for its 2026 scholarship programmes, offering monthly funding of €500 to outstanding bachelor’s and master’s students enrolling for the Winter Semester 2026/27.
The scholarships are designed to help students overcome the financial challenges of starting university, including relocation, accommodation, and other living expenses during their first year of study. In addition to the monthly stipend, eligible bachelor’s students relocating to Potsdam may also receive extra relocation assistance.
Rather than offering a single funding scheme, HPI has introduced multiple scholarships that support students from different backgrounds, including first-generation university students, women pursuing careers in technology, and international master’s applicants.
Three HPI Scholarship Programmes Available
The institute is currently accepting applications under three separate scholarship schemes, each tailored to a specific category of students.
1. HPI Bachelor Starting Fund
The Bachelor Starting Fund supports students admitted to the Bachelor of Science in IT Systems Engineering for the Winter Semester 2026/27.
The scholarship is intended to reduce the financial burden associated with beginning university studies, such as relocation costs, rental deposits, transportation, and purchasing study materials.
Priority may be given to applicants who:
- Need to relocate to Potsdam for their studies
- Are first-generation university students
- Have a migration background
- Have faced challenging personal circumstances
- Demonstrate outstanding academic performance
Applicants are generally expected to have academic results comparable to a German GPA of 1.2 or better.
2. Women in Tech EmpowerPack
HPI also offers the Women in Tech EmpowerPack, a scholarship designed to encourage greater female participation in computer science and engineering.
The programme supports women enrolling in the Bachelor’s programme in IT Systems Engineering by providing financial assistance during the transition into university life while promoting diversity within the technology sector.
The initiative forms part of HPI’s broader commitment to increasing female representation in digital innovation and engineering careers.
3. HPI Computer Science Scholarship
International students applying for the Master of Science in Computer Science are eligible to compete for the HPI Computer Science Scholarship.
The programme welcomes applicants from both EU and non-EU countries who demonstrate excellent academic achievement and a strong interest in advanced computing, software engineering, and digital technologies.
The scholarship aims to attract talented graduates who can contribute to HPI’s international academic and research community while easing the financial challenges of studying abroad.
Academic Programmes at HPI
Successful scholarship recipients will study within one of HPI’s internationally recognised technology programmes.
Available degree programmes include:
- Bachelor of Science in IT Systems Engineering
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Digital Health
- Supplementary Studies in Design Thinking
- Doctoral (PhD) Programmes
The current scholarship competition specifically supports students entering the Bachelor’s programme in IT Systems Engineering and the Master’s programme in Computer Science.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients of HPI scholarships will receive financial support aimed at easing their transition into university life.
Benefits include:
- €500 monthly stipend for 12 months
- Additional relocation grant for eligible bachelor’s students moving to Potsdam
- Financial support during the first academic year
- Recognition from one of Germany’s leading computer science institutes
HPI expects successful applicants to be notified by the end of July 2026, allowing sufficient time to prepare before classes begin.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarships are intended for academically talented students who require financial assistance to begin their studies in Germany.
Applicants are encouraged to apply if they:
- Have been admitted or intend to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in IT Systems Engineering
- Are applying for the Master of Science in Computer Science as an international student
- Have an excellent academic record
- Require financial support during the transition to university
- Need to relocate for their studies
- Are first-generation university students or come from migration backgrounds
- Are committed to building careers in technology, software engineering, or digital innovation
Female applicants interested in computer science are also encouraged to apply for the Women in Tech EmpowerPack.
Why These Scholarships Are Worth Considering
Germany continues to attract students from around the world because of its high-quality education system and thriving technology sector. HPI’s scholarship programmes address one of the biggest challenges faced by new students—the cost of settling into university life.
By supporting relocation expenses and providing a monthly living stipend, the institute enables students to focus on their studies rather than immediate financial pressures.
Combined with HPI’s strong reputation in computer science, artificial intelligence, and software engineering, these scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for students seeking to build careers in Europe’s growing digital economy.
Application Deadline
Applications for both admission and the HPI scholarship programmes must be submitted by 15 July 2026.
Applicants should note that scholarships are awarded only to students who successfully gain admission and enrol for the Winter Semester 2026/27, making it essential to complete both the programme application and scholarship application before the deadline.
