The call for applications for the DHET Funda Germany Scholarship Programme is now open.
The Department of Higher Education and Training is offering fully-funded scholarships to South African students to study at Constructor University in Germany, commencing in September 2026 for bachelor’s, master’s and PhD students.
Constructor University is an English-medium, campus university in Bremen, ranked among the top 30% globally. With students from around 120 different nations, it is among the world’s most international universities, offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in a wide variety of fields.
Degree level
Bachelor’s
Master’s
PhD
Who can apply for the scholarship?
- South African citizens in good health
- Have a strong academic record:
- Bachelor’s applicants require a minimum average of 65% or above in their NSC (including Life Orientation as well as Mathematics and 1 other STEM subject)
- Postgraduate applicants should have performed well in their previous studies with a minimum of 60% average mark or above achieved in their previous studies
- Must have an interest to study in Germany and demonstrate commitment to the development of South Africa
- Available and eligible to study full-time in Germany from September 2026
- Meet the entry criteria for the selected study programme at Constructor University
Deadline for receipt of applications
15 February 2026
Fields of Study
A wide range of study fields are available for bachelor’s and master’s degrees and PhD projects, including various engineering fields,
- robotics
- management
- mathematics,
- fuel cell development,
- artificial intelligence,
- neuroscience,
- computational systems biology,
- nano electronics,
- specialist areas in physics,
- chemistry,
- applied mathematics and geosciences,
- social data sciences,
- cognitive psychology,
- computer science,
- biotechnology,
- accounting and auditing,
- political sciences,
- international logistics,
- computational drug discovery,
- communication science,
- history, economics,
- sociology and many more.
A comprehensive list of fields of study for the bachelor’s degree is available at https://constructor.university/programs/undergraduate-education and for master’s programmes at https://constructor.university/programs/graduate-education.
A comprehensive list of fields of study for the PhD can be accessed via https://constructor.university/phd-degrees-constructor-university
What the scholarship offers
The scholarship will cover the following:
- Return airfare to Germany
- Tuition fees
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Accommodation
- A once-off settlement allowance
- Annual flights at the end of the academic year for bachelor’s students. Master’s students may qualify for annual flights if accommodated on campus
- Mid-term flights after 18 months (PhD students)
- Medical insurance allowance
- An annual allowance at the beginning of each academic year
- Academic support for qualifying postgraduate students
- Psychosocial support
- Pre-departure orientation
- SAQA verification of qualification and one professional board examination (if applicable).
Application process
Application for the scholarships is strictly online via the application portal.
Applicants at the bachelor’s and master’s level are required to complete the online application on the Constructor University application portal accessible on the website by the deadline indicated and fulfil all requirements as stipulated.
Doctoral applicants:
Step 1: Identify a research area and contact a potential supervisor. View available research fields and supervisors here: https://constructor.university/phd-degrees-constructor-university
Step 2: Develop a PhD Proposal Outline (max. 1000 words) with supervisor support.
Step 3: Obtain a Proof of Acceptance from a Constructor University faculty member confirming their willingness to supervise your research.
Step 4: Submit your online application via the dedicated PhD application form: Constructor University PhD Application Form
Important: This is a separate PhD application link. Do not use the general applicant portal for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes.
Bachelor’s applicants:
- Proof of identity (copy of ID document and of passport – applicants without a passport can apply and submit an ID document at the time of application, stating that they are not in possession of a valid SA passport)
- Copy of South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelor’s pass OR a certificate of equivalence (from the Matriculation Board) if a school leaving certificate other than the NSC was obtained.
- A motivation letter discussing interests, motivation, alignment with your chosen university programme and any other relevant information pertaining your application.
- A signed reference/recommendation letter from a school official, professor, employer or principal. The letter must be signed and on an official letterhead, with a contact number and email address. The letter must attest to reliability, integrity, academic performance and suitability for an international scholarship.
Master’s applicants:
- Proof of identity (copy of ID document and of passport – applicants without a passport can apply and submit an ID document at the time of application, stating that they are not in possession of a valid SA passport)
- Copy of South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent
- Copy of bachelor’s and honours degree (NQF level 8) certificate
- Copy of transcripts for bachelor’s/honours (NQF level 8) degree
- Copy of SAQA verification certificate if a qualification was obtained from an international institution
- A comprehensive CV highlighting educational history, qualifications, achievements, skills, extracurricular activities, languages.
- A comprehensive essay discussing interests, motivation, alignment with the chosen university programme, and contributions to the campus community (if any).
- A signed reference letter from either a lecturer or professor and/or your current/previous employer. The letter must be signed and on an official letterhead, with a contact number and email address. The letter must attest to reliability, integrity, academic performance and suitability for an international scholarship.
PhD applicants:
- Proof of identity (copy of ID document and of passport – applicants without passport can apply and submit an ID document at the time of application, stating that they are not in possession of a valid SA passport)
- Copy of South African National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent
- Copy of bachelor’s degree certificate
- Copy of master’s degree certificate
- Copies of transcripts for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Copy of SAQA verification certificates if your qualification(s) was obtained from an international institution
- A comprehensive CV highlighting educational history, qualifications, achievements, skills, extracurricular activities, languages.
- A comprehensive essay discussing interests, motivation, alignment with the chosen university programme, and contributions to the campus community (if any).
- A signed reference letter from either a lecturer or professor and/or your current/previous employer. The letter must be signed and on an official letterhead, with a contact number and email address. The letter must attest to reliability, integrity, academic performance and suitability for an international scholarship.
- An outline of the proposed research project as agreed between yourself and the prospective supervisor at Constructor University, no more than 1000 words.
Only applications submitted on the Constructor University application portal will be assessed by the South African Department of Higher Education and Training for selection.
Applicants must click on the consent box to grant permission and consent for their application to be shared with scholarship provider (DHET) to be considered for the DHET Funda Germany Scholarship Programme. Failure to click this button will result in your application not being considered for the DHET scholarship.
NB: Successful awardees who withdraw from the programme after signing the Constructor University contract will be liable for the full costs as stipulated in the Constructor University student contract.
Enquiries
Queries about specific study programmes should be addressed to Constructor university via email at projectfunda@constructor.university.
Queries about the selection process can be submitted to scholarshipapplications@dhet.gov.za