If you are planning to continue your higher education at a leading university in the United States, the ERP Scholarship Program 2026 offers an excellent opportunity to support your academic journey.

This scholarship provides financial assistance for Master’s degree studies, PhD coursework, or research stays lasting one to two years at top universities across the United States. The program is designed to strengthen academic cooperation between Germany and the United States while supporting talented graduates who aim to build careers in public service, research, international organizations, think tanks, NGOs, and government institutions.

ERP Scholarship 2026 Overview

ERP Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive financial package, including:

• Monthly living stipend of USD 2,500
• One-time settling allowance of USD 500
• Travel grant worth USD 1,000
• Tuition fee support of up to USD 25,000 per academic year

Additional Benefits

Besides financial assistance, scholarship recipients also receive several professional development opportunities, including:

• Membership in the German National Academic Foundation network
• Access to a worldwide ERP alumni community
• Pre-departure orientation and kick-off event
• Virtual semester welcome session
• Annual networking meeting for ERP scholars in the United States
• Dedicated support throughout the scholarship period

Recipients may also combine the ERP Scholarship with other scholarships, including university awards or selected external funding programs.

Fields of Study

Applications are welcomed from almost every academic discipline except artistic subjects such as:

• Music
• Fine Arts
• Acting
• Film Studies

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree before the application deadline.
• The latest completed university degree (including doctoral degree) must have been awarded within the last five years.
• Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
• Law graduates should normally have at least a “fully satisfactory” academic result.
• Previous funding from the German National Academic Foundation is not required.
• Applicants do not need admission from a US university before applying for the ERP Scholarship.
• Study plans at the Harvard Kennedy School are not eligible under this scholarship because they are covered through the McCloy Scholarship Program.
• Non-German applicants may also apply if they satisfy the official eligibility conditions.

Scholarship Awards Available

The exact number of scholarships awarded each year has not been officially announced. Selection is based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and the quality of the proposed study or research plan.

Application Deadline

September 20, 2026

Late or incomplete applications are generally not considered.

Required Application Documents

Applicants are typically required to prepare:

• Completed application form
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation letter
• Additional documents requested in the official application guidelines

Applicants should carefully review the official instructions before submitting their application.

Selection Process

After the initial review, shortlisted candidates are invited to participate in a selection seminar. Final scholarship decisions are made after the evaluation process.

Applicants are responsible for applying separately to their preferred US universities and arranging any required internship or research placements.

How to Apply

To apply for the ERP Scholarship Program:

1. Download the official application documents.
2. Complete all required forms accurately.
3. Prepare the supporting documents listed in the application guidelines.
4. Combine all documents into a single PDF file.
5. Submit the application via email before September 20, 2026.

Applications sent by postal mail are generally not required.

Final Thoughts

The ERP Scholarship Program 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for highly motivated graduates who wish to pursue Master’s or PhD studies or conduct research at leading universities in the United States. With generous financial support, networking opportunities, and access to an international community of scholars, the program helps participants advance their academic and professional careers while strengthening international cooperation.