German - Study & Travel

The German Programme has a proven track record of promoting international connectedness through international exchanges and study abroad opportunities for our students. Each year the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) provides various scholarships for students of German, and the PAD (Pedagogic Exchange Service) as well as the Bavarian Ministry of Education offer positions for assistant teachers in Germany. Students can apply for study at one of our exchange universities, for example in Osnabrueck, or for the Baden-Wuerttemberg Scholarship that enables students to study in Freiburg, in the Black Forest. We also have close links with employment services in Germany and can assist students with finding jobs in the German tourism industry. Every year the New Zealand Embassy in Berlin invites New Zealand students of German to apply for a job as an assistant receptionist - another great opportunity to work in a vibrant multi-cultural environment.

1. DAAD Winter Course Scholarship in German Language and Culture:

Duration: 8 weeks commencing in January.
Value: Partial travel subsidy, living expenses subsidy and all study and cultural fees (EUR 1800).
Eligibility: Students must have completed 2 years of University study and 2 years of University-level German at the time they take up the scholarship, and must possess an academic record better than a B-average.
Application deadline: August of each year.

2. DAAD Semester Scholarships:

These are intended to enable students to improve their proficiency in language and literature and to acquire an active knowledge of Germany.
Duration: 1 semester study at a German University (Summer Semester begins ca. 1 April, or more usually, the Winter semester begins ca. 1 October).
Value: Monthly living allowance (EUR 615), group accident and public liability insurance and a grant towards international travel expenses (EUR 1300).
Eligibility: Students majoring in German who, at the time of application are in their third year, and who intend to enrol for a Master of Arts programme. Applicants must possess New Zealand citizenship.
Application deadline: July of preceding year.
Note: Students may cross-credit courses taken in Germany towards their New Zealand degree.

3. One-Year Scholarships for Foreign Students and Young Academics:

These are awarded to students from every academic field according to the applicant's academic qualifications and depend on whether the necessary study place is available. The purpose is for students to undertake graduate studies at a German University, research in connection with a doctoral dissertation or post-doctoral studies.
Duration: 12 months beginning in October or April.
Value: A monthly living allowance (between EUR 715 and EUR 975), travel (booked and paid by the DAAD), medical and book allowances.
Eligibility: A Bachelor Degree or its equivalent. Age 18 - 32.

4. Short-Term Grants for PhD Candidates and Junior Scientists:

Study grants for visits of between 1 and 6 months in duration are offered to PhD candidates and junior scientists, who either want to collect material for their thesis or who are seeking a short-term further education or research visit in Germany.
Value: A monthly living allowance (between EUR 715 and EUR 975), a travel allowance, health and accident insurance for the period covered.
Eligibility: Good exam results, at least 2 years attendance at a university or another research institution, sufficient knowledge of German.
Age limit: 32 prior to taking up award.

5. Goethe Institute Wellington Language Course Scholarships in Germany:

These scholarships offer teachers and students of German the chance to improve their German language skills at all levels.
Duration: 4 or 8 weeks at Goethe Institutes in Germany.
Value: Board and tuition expenses. Travel expenses are not included.
Application deadline: 31 July each year.

6. Teaching Assistantships at German High Schools:

These give recent graduates of German the opportunity to work approximately 12 hours a week under supervision of the German foreign language teachers in German high schools. Their primary task is to further the English pronunciation and communication skills of German pupils through speaking and conversational classes. They are also expected to introduce pupils to the life and culture of their own native country.
Duration: From September or November to the end of the following June.
Value: A monthly living allowance of approximately EUR 620.
Eligibility: A Bachelor of Arts degree at the time of commencement of duties.

7. Vacation Work Scheme for Students of German at the University of Waikato:

Assistance with work placements is offered to University of Waikato students of German.
Duration: December to February.
Value: Approx. EUR 700 per month.
Eligibility: Adequate competence in German is essential, as is flexibility and a good work ethic.
Application deadline: 1 April each year.

8. For students of all disciplines and faculties: an ever increasing number of German universities are offering programmes taught in English.

We strongly encourage students of all disciplines to avail themselves of these opportunities for overseas study. There may even be the possibility of obtaining a DAAD scholarship for this purpose.

For further information please contact:

Norman P. Franke, German Programme, Phone: +64 7 838 4466 ext: 8361
email: franke@waikato.ac.nz

Beate Jones, German Programme, Phone: +64 7 838 4466 ext: 6173
email: bjones@waikato.ac.nz