Young people are confronted with numerous challenges all coinciding at the same time. They achieve above-average results during their studies and participate in social engagement. The Hirschmann grant provides support to students such as this, allowing them to focus on their studies.
The key points in brief
Grant amount
The scholarship for a Master's degree is usually CHF 5'000. In very rare cases, CHF 10'000 may be awarded. Personal circumstances are taken into account in the assessment.
Target group
Prospective master's degree students, who
- have completed their bachelor's degree studies with above-average results
- are intending to pursue a consecutive master's degree at a federally recognised Swiss university of applied sciences – with no major interruptions during their bachelor's degree studies
- engage themselves socially in a Policy Kitchen led by foraus (cf Obligations and FAQ).
Applications are particularly welcomed from students who were originally admitted to the degree programme via vocational training.
Conditions
Receipt of a grant is contingent on the following conditions being met:
- The master's degree programme must be pursued purposefully and with above-average effort.
- Participation is expected in a Policy Kitchen* led by foraus during the grant period: the Policy Kitchen includes a physical Ideation Workshop (2-3 hrs) and written contributions to the online discussions on socio-political challenges
- Reference must be made to the Hirschmann grant in the event of awards or prizes received during the period of study or on qualification.
- Participation in Hirschmann Foundation events for grant holders (every two years, next event: 07.12.2023).
- Publication of the names and a photo of the grant holders on the homepage of the Hirschmann Foundation, with personal statements on grant, study motivation, social engagement and career goals.
- The Hirschmann Foundation must be notified of any termination of, or break in, studies.
*Policy Kitchen is a method devised by the foraus foreign policy forum for generating solutions to urgent (foreign) policy challenges by leveraging the wisdom of the "crowd". The method combines a digital innovation platform with a physical workshop. The aim of this workshop is to work together on developing possible solutions to a concrete problem (or "challenge") defined by the grant holders, which are then be further developed collaboratively online.
To learn more about Policy Kitchen of the grant holders click on the following links:
Catalyst or a competitor? AI’s influence on creativity and innovation
Revolutionising creativity: AI in graphic design
The false promise of objectivity: Examining bias in predictive policing
Let’s ask future decision makers for their visions of AI technologies
Recall of the grant
The Grants Committee of the Hirschmann Foundation reserves the right to revoke its award of a grant
- if the conditions cease to be met and/or
- the studies are terminated.
In both cases, any amounts already disbursed must be reimbursed.
When applying for a grant, applicants declare in writing their agreement to these conditions.
Recourse to legal action
Recourse to the courts is excluded in respect of the awarding of grants.
Deadlines
Applications must be submitted by 15 April or 15 October. Applications in respect of master's degrees already started will be considered if you are not in the last semester on 15 April or 15 October (submission deadlines).
We recommend you submit your application a week or two before the submission deadline.
Applicants will be notified of the decision of the Grants Committee of the Hirschmann Foundation within three and a half months (31 July or 31 January). No correspondence will be entered into regarding the processing of applications.
Wir nehmen Bewerbungen auf Deutsch, Französisch, Italienisch und Englisch entgegen.
Nous acceptons les candidatures en allemand, anglais, français et italien.
We accept applications for a grant in German, French, English and Italian.
Accettiamo le applicazioni in tedesco, inglese, francese e italiano.