Applications are now open for the ZIS Scholarship, a programme that supports young people to design and complete a self-directed study journey with mentoring and financial assistance.
The initiative promotes curiosity, independence and cultural exploration through slow, land-based travel.
Aim
The scholarship supports deeper cultural engagement by funding travel projects connected to Germany or German-speaking regions.
Applicants living in Germany may travel to any destination, while applicants based outside Germany must either travel to a German-speaking country or focus on a topic related to German culture.
The programme seeks to nurture reflective young travellers who can examine society through personal experience, critical observation and structured inquiry.
Funding details
Each selected participant receives $750 USD, access to one-on-one mentoring, participation in a preparation workshop at Salem Monastery and Palace and a recommendation letter upon successful completion.
Scholars also join a network of motivated young travellers and receive guidance before, during and after their journey.
The funding is intended to cover the full four-week trip, reinforcing the programme’s emphasis on modest and sustainable travel.
Who can apply
The scholarship is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 16 to 20 at the start of the journey.
- Be able to organise and complete an independent trip lasting at least four weeks.
- Be willing to travel without air transport, using land or sea routes only.
- Live in Germany or pursue a destination or topic connected to German culture.
- Be able to manage the journey within the scholarship budget.
- Be willing to participate fully in mentoring and documentation activities.
Flexibility is available for applicants with disabilities or medical conditions, including adapted travel plans, additional support or restorative breaks.
Programme requirements
Participants are responsible for planning their entire journey independently and documenting their experiences in a travel diary.
After completing the journey, scholars must submit:
- An 8,000-word study report on their chosen topic.
- A complete and transparent expense statement.
- The travel diary or an approved alternative format such as film, artwork, performance or a website, accompanied by a reflective written report.
These submissions are assessed by at least three jury members, with mentors contributing to the evaluation due to their close involvement in planning and supporting the journey.
Deadline
The application deadline is February 15, 2026. Interested applicants should visit the ZIS Stiftung für Studienreisen website to apply.
Explore our Opportunities page for more travel scholarships.
Summary not available at this time.
