If someone had told me when I was handing out my high school diploma that I would be studying with a scholarship, I would have laughed out loud.
My Abitur was mediocre at best, as were my academic ambitions.
Money for studying, practically given as a gift – completely unthinkable for me.
I would have credited those who shook hands with our upper school coordinator with awards and an A-level in their pocket.
Because when I was called and ran weak-kneed up the narrow stairs onto the stage, the coordinator handed me the fruit of 12 years of schooling with a “Yeah.
Something can definitely be made of this.”
That might have spurred some on.
For me, the words were more of a further confirmation of my mediocrity.
A reason to bury my ambition – at least when it comes to studying.
A scholarship and I were worlds apart.
At least I was firmly convinced of that.
Now, over three years later, I know better.
Scholarships do not necessarily always have to go to those who need them the least.
Outstanding grades in the Abitur have become more common, but still very rare.
And what about the rest, us average students?
Do we stand a chance?
Are scholarships also made for us?
Who deserves a scholarship anyway?
It is specified who may award student grants and how high the amount is.
The money for this comes from the Federal Ministry of Education.
Those who receive support receive a "book money" of 300 euros per month - regardless of their parents' income.
The 13 promotional organizations have individual selection criteria.
First and foremost are very good grades in high school or university, voluntary work and personal development.
The German National Academic Foundation is the largest organization and supported 29,000 students in 2021.
Party-affiliated foundations are behind many of the promotional organizations.
Around one percent of all students in Germany receive a scholarship.
The Ministry of Education wants to stick to this number.
Even if the number of students keeps increasing.
In 2005, the ministry allowed the scholarships to cost 80.5 million euros.
In 2022 it was an impressive 312.9 million euros.
Are scholarships a reflection of diversity?
The Federal Ministry of Education writes at the top of its website: "The organizations for the promotion of young talent reflect the diversity of German society." In my experience, this is unfortunately nonsense.
Most of my fellows are white, western, and come from academic backgrounds.
Just like me.
One thing is true: in Germany, around every fourth person has a migration background.
Our society is diverse, but from my perspective, most funding organizations are not yet.
Oh wonder!
Of course, this problem is not unique to scholarships, but runs through our society.
Structural discrimination is behind this – of people with a migration background, those affected by poverty and working-class children.
I think it's wrong to put the blame solely on the selection process and the funding agencies.
There are already some attempts to work on the problem.
The system has not failed
Nevertheless, scholarships do not necessarily lead to elite clubs for high achievers.
Something seems to have changed in recent years.
People with crooked CVs, a two before the comma in their high school diploma and first-time graduates also have a good chance of being promoted.
There are also funding programs specifically for people with a migration background.
Those responsible seem to understand that the usual criteria are outdated.
Social background is increasingly recognized as an important diversity factor.
Have courage to apply.
Scholarships are supported by all of us and are therefore open to all of us.
Due to a lack of self-confidence, young first-time graduates often seem less likely to take advantage of the opportunity to apply.
In the selection interviews, each funding agency assesses the applicants a little differently.
Personality and commitment are important.
The criteria for admission or rejection are pretty vague.
That can also be an opportunity.
Precisely because the criteria are not fixed, you can score points in the interviews with your unique perspectives and personal strengths if you were not necessarily among the best in your Abitur.
The selection committees are mostly made up of academics who may prefer young academics.
That will only change when people with different perspectives have something to say about the funding.
So many people with important talents don't seem to believe themselves capable of a scholarship.
That urgently needs to change.
Network more valuable than financial support
The system for promoting talented people is repeatedly glorified as unfair.
And it often is.
Nevertheless, it remains a possible contact point for all those who would shy away from studying without the money.
And a wonderful opportunity for first-time graduates who have to do without their parents' B vitamins.
Because the network can sometimes be much more valuable than all the money.
In the end, my upper school coordinator was right in his words.
I've been able to make "something" out of my mediocre high school diploma - and I'm happy with it.
I wish I had known that back then.
The arrogance of others will never slow me down again.