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Master Scholarships of the Klipstein Foundation

Key information on funding for master's theses at a glance.

Master's scholarships will be offered again in 2026 (application deadline: August 31, 2026).

 

Purpose of the Foundation

Schmuckbild: Versuchspflanzen in kleinen Töpfen
Foto: Rolf K. Wegst

The focus is on environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural production. The purpose of the Dr.-Ernst-Leopold-Klipstein-Foundation is to promote science and research at Justus-Liebig-University Giessen (JLU). Established in 2018 as a legally independent foundation, its mission is to advance innovative, sustainable, and knowledge-based concepts in order to help shape the future of our agriculture.

 

Call for Applications

  • Up to 2 scholarships to support master’s theses
  • Application deadline: August 31, 2026
  • Planned start date of funding: October 1, 2026
  • Duration of funding: one semester (with the possibility of a one-semester extension in justified cases)
  • Monthly grant amount: €300
  • Applicants must have already begun their master’s program and be enrolled at JLU.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors decides on exceptions to the funding opportunities listed above and on any possible extensions of funding.

 

Main Focus of Funding

  • Phytomedical and
  • Plant biotechnological research

for the development and conservation of sustainable biosystems for resource use:

The Dr.-Ernst-Leopold-Klipstein-Foundation is dedicated to developing and preserving sustainable, functional biosystems in agriculture and forestry that not only optimize the use of resources but also take into account complex biological mechanisms, including epidemiological and evolutionary factors. The aim is to create a sustainable agricultural landscape.

Other key scientific disciplines, such as biology, chemistry, computer science, medicine or physics, can also be included to open up new perspectives and solutions.

 

Increased Need for Research on the Sustainable Production of Crops

For example, this involves

  • Improving plants through modern breeding techniques, such as genome editing
  • Developing new plant protection methods using environmentally friendly plant protection agents, such as “biologicals”
  • Use of new non-chemical, non-synthetic active substances, such as non-coding RNA or microbial compositions for controlling plant diseases
  • Introduction of biotechnological methods to reduce phosphate and nitrate fertilisation, as well as 
  • Improvement of crop yields in tropical and subtropical regions through substantial sustainable production strategies.

 

Guidelines for Submitting an Application for a Master’s Scholarship

Required Documents

When applying for funding from the Dr.-Ernst-Leopold-Klipstein-Foundation—including applications for scholarship extensions—the following must be submitted:
  • The application form, completed and signed the applicant (see the separate application form at the end of this page)
  • Files/scans of relevant documents, such as transcripts, a PDF copy of the bachelor’s degree, proof of admission to the master’s program, and proof of enrollment at JLU
  • Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages) 
  • Letter of Motivation (maximum 2 pages) 
  • Description of the research project/project outline (maximum 2 pages)
  • Timeline (maximum 1 page)

General Information

The Foundation Board decides on the allocation of the Foundation’s income. The Foundation Board also decides on exceptions to the stated funding opportunities and/or any extensions of funding (which are only possible in justified exceptional cases). 
If a grant is awarded, the grantee is required to submit a written report on the progress of the work to the Foundation Board within the timeframe specified in the grant notification; a summary in both German and English must be attached.
General information regarding the grants (number of scholarships awarded, topics of funded projects, etc.) will be published on the Foundation’s website; with the consent of the grantees, details about the recipients may also be included. A corresponding declaration is made via the above-mentioned application form. 
There is no legal entitlement to receive a grant from the Foundation’s funds; expenses incurred through the application process cannot be reimbursed.

Please note: 

The scholarship is generally tax-exempt under Section 3, Number 44 of the Income Tax Act. It is not subject to social insurance contributions, as it does not constitute remuneration within the meaning of Section 14 of Book IV of the Social Code (SGB IV). It does not establish an employment relationship with Justus-Liebig-University Giessen (JLU).

In accordance with the JLU regulations governing the awarding of graduate scholarships, only employment activities that are beneficial to the master’s program may be undertaken (e.g., work as a student assistant for no more than 42 hours per month); income from such employment is not counted against the scholarship amount.

Other income of the scholarship recipient as defined by income tax law, however, is counted against the scholarship amount if the annual income exceeds €15,350. In the event of employment (other than as a student assistant) or funding from other sources, the entitlement to the scholarship ceases; the Foundation’s Board of Directors must be informed immediately of the occurrence of the aforementioned circumstances.

Addressee of the Application and Privacy Notice

Applicants are requested to submit their grant applications by August 31, 2026, exclusively as a PDF file via email to Claudia.Schick
Please note the information regarding data protection: Data processing by JLU Gießen is carried out in accordance with the JLU privacy policy (available in German).

 

Application Form

Application Form for the Funding of Master's Theses (docx)

 

 

More about the Klipstein-Foundation