For many years a graduate direct exchange agreement has existed between Stanford University and the Free University Berlin. Prospective applicants should also be aware that this exchange is one of numerous awards for study in Germany at the graduate level. Additional programs, administered by the ORC, include DAAD, Fulbright, and German Chancellor's Award.

The Award

The Free University Berlin Graduate Exchange Award is designed to support Stanford graduate students who must study or conduct research in Berlin, as part of their dissertation or graduate work. Current Stanford graduate students returning to Stanford after their year in Germany are preferred, however, some exceptions may be considered. Participants are expected to be based at the Free University Berlin, but may also do independent archival research or affiliate with other research institutes. One award will be offered (per year) for study at the Free University Berlin.

The award consists of:

Monthly grant (living and housing allowance for the period of ten months, from October 1 to July 31)
Health insurance allowance
Student fees allowance
A waiver of registration fees

NOTE: This award is not a full scholarship. Applicants should arrange some supplementary funding.

Eligibility

Applicants for the Free University Berlin-Stanford University Graduate Exchange should be Stanford PhD candidates in good standing. Graduate students may also apply but preference is given to doctoral candidates. Citizens of Germany are not eligible to participate in this exchange. Citizens of countries other than Germany are generally eligible, but should confirm this with the ORC staff before applying. This award cannot be used to pursue study in numerous fields such as medicine.

The Application

A FUB Graduate Exchange Fellowship application consists of the following:

Pre-Application form (see link above in yellow area)
Statement of Purpose: one version in German & one version in English, no more than 1,000 words
Statement of Language Proficiency, indicating courses taken to date and any relevant practical experience
Curriculum Vitae
Two Photographs (passport photos are fine, we take them @ the ORC)
One Letter of Recommendation from major advisor
One Letter of Support from department chair, if other than the major advisor
Official Transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from each post-secondary institution attended

The Campus Process

If you are interested in the FUB Graduate Exchange, you must apply through the Overseas Resource Center (ORC). Information, applications, and advising are available to you at the ORC.

Please submit 2 hard copies of your completed application to the Overseas Resource Center by 5pm on the campus deadline.

The applications will be reviewed by a committee of Stanford faculty from various departments. The winner will be notified within 3-4 weeks of the Campus Deadline.

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