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Scholarships & Awards

The Department of German, Scandinavian & Dutch has several scholarships and awards that are specificially for our students:

German Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen

Each year, two incoming students who intend to major in German are awarded 4-year tuition scholarships of $3000 annually. These scholarships are funded jointly by CLA, as CLA Dean's Scholarships, and by GSD, as the Carl Schlenker Memorial Scholarship and the Samuel Kroesch Scholarship.

One of the annual four-year awards, the CLA Dean’s Scholar College in the Schools German Award, is designated for a student who has been enrolled in the College in the Schools program. Application information is sent to CIS instructors in the fall.

GSD Scholarships for Current German Majors

Each year we award one $3000 tuition scholarship to an undergraduate student majoring in German. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of merit, with some consideration given to financial need. Priority is given to students who have not previously received our tuition scholarships.

Eligible candidates:

The application deadline for the Weiss Scholarship is 1 April 2009. To apply, submit the following to the GSD office in 205 Folwell:

  1. Application form (DOC)
    Also available in hard copy in 205 Folwell.
  2. A one-page statement of why you are studying German and why you are applying for a scholarship and a brief indication of financial need.
  3. A letter of recommendation from a GSD instructor (preferably a faculty member).
  4. A current transcript.

Frank D. Hirschbach Study Abroad Scholarship

A $1500 scholarship has been established in honor of Frank D. Hirschbach, who was committed to developing and directing study abroad programs to Germany and Austria. This scholarship will be given to an undergraduate student for study in a German-speaking country. Preference is given to students studying abroad for one or both terms of the academic year, but the committee will consider summer programs as well. The scholarship may be used for tuition, fees, travel expenses and purchase of academic books.

Eligible candidates:

The application deadline is 1 April 2009. To apply, submit the following to the GSD Office in 205 Folwell by the deadline:

  1. Hirschbach Study Abroad Scholarship application form (DOC)
    Also available in hard copy in 205 Folwell.
  2. A statement including your background in German, a detailed outline of your plan of studies while abroad and how it would further your academic development, and a brief indication of financial need.
  3. A letter of recommendation from a GSD instructor (preferably a faculty member).
  4. A copy of your most recent U of M transcript, unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Max Kade Travel Grants for Study in Germany

We have received 4 travel grants of $1000 each from the Max Kade Foundation in order to support undergraduate majors or minors in German who will be participating in a study program in Germany. The program can be for the summer, or one or both terms of the academic year. The grants are awarded on the basis of merit with some consideration given to financial need.

Eligible candidates:

The application deadline is 1 April 2009. To apply, submit the following materials by the deadline to the GSD Office in 205 Folwell:

  1. Max Kade Travel Grants application form (DOC)
    Also available in hard copy in 205 Folwell.
  2. A statement that includes:
    1. location, dates, and description of the program to which you have applied
    2. some background information on yourself
    3. how the program fits into your academic plans and long-term goals
    4. a brief indication of financial need
  3. A letter of recommendation from a GSD instructor (preferably a faculty member).
  4. A current U of M transcript, unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Junior Year in Munich Scholarship

We have several scholarships of $500-1000 each for undergraduate German majors or minors who are participating in the Junior Year in Munich program. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, with some consideration given to financial need.

Eligible candidates:

The application deadline is 1 April 2009. To apply, submit the following materials by the deadline to the GSD Office in 205 Folwell:

  1. Junior Year in Munich Scholarship application form (DOC)
    Also available in hard copy in 205 Folwell.
  2. A statement that includes:
    1. some background information on yourself
    2. how the program fits into your academic plans and long-term goals
    3. a brief indication of financial need
  3. A letter of recommendation from a GSD instructor (preferably a faculty member).
  4. A current U of M transcript, unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Undergraduate Recognition Event

At the end of spring semester each year, we recognize our outstanding undergraduates, including our graduating seniors. Students of all levels and languages are nominated by their instructors and are invited to the recognition event, where awards are announced.

Major Project Awards

Each spring, a special departmental committee chooses the best major projects in German and Scandinavian of that academic year, and awards are presented to the students at the annual undergraduate recognition event. The German award was established through a generous gift by Professor Emeritus Gerhard Weiss.

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