Deadline Date: February 15, 2026
Applications are now open for the ZIS Scholarship to offer young individuals the chance to undertake an independent, topic-based journey supported through mentoring and financial assistance.
The focus areas, objectives, priorities, and themes are that you have to live in Germany, travel to a German-speaking country or choose a topic with a context to German culture and they cannot assist you with any visa-applications.
The ZIS scholarship provides a grant of 700 Euro alongside intensive mentoring, a recommendation letter and access to a network of motivated young travelers. Applicants are expected to plan and conduct a self-organised journey abroad lasting at least four weeks without air travel, ensuring that the entire trip is funded within the grant amount. A preparation workshop is held in May at Salem Monastery and Palace where participants refine their travel concepts with guidance from mentors.
Non-German applicants must either travel to a German-speaking country or choose a topic connected to German culture, and ZIS does not support visa-related procedures. The program stresses slow travel by land or sea to encourage awareness of distances and deeper engagement with destinations. Flexibility is offered to applicants with disabilities or medical conditions, allowing adaptations such as assistance, medical stops, or breaks.
During the journey, travelers keep a diary documenting their experiences and emotions, later submitting it along with an 8000-word research study and a complete expense report within three months of returning. You are at least 16 and at most 20 years old at the start of the journey.
Alternative documentation formats such as films, websites, performances, or artistic workpieces may be approved, provided they are accompanied by a reflective written report. Each submission undergoes evaluation by at least three jury members, with mentors playing an important role due to their involvement throughout the preparation process.
