More Than Just Financial Support

A scholarship also provided computer science student Emil Jung with new connections, interdisciplinary exchange, and exciting insights beyond his own field of study. In this interview, he explains how he received his scholarship and why he encourages other students to apply.

What degree program and semester are you currently in?

Emil Jung: I’m pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Applied Computer Science and will be entering my fifth semester in the winter semester of 2026–2027.

What scholarship did you receive?

I am a scholarship recipient of the Heinrich Böll Foundation.

How did you find out about the scholarship?

I already knew from my social circle and friends that there was an opportunity to receive financial support through a scholarship while studying. I then searched the usual online portals for foundations and scholarships that might be a good fit for me and applied accordingly.

How time-consuming was the application process?

I found the first round of the application process—in which I had to fill out a questionnaire and submit it along with a resume and other documents—to be quite extensive, especially since I was also looking for an apartment and moving to Weingarten at the same time. The second and third phases, each consisting of interviews with various people from the foundation, were, however—aside from a little preparation for each interview—relatively easy to fit into my daily routine. I should also mention, though, that these took place during my first semester.

What advice would you give to other students who’d like to apply?

Just go for it and give it a try. Nothing bad can happen—except that you might not get the scholarship you’re hoping for. But even then, you’ll still come away with a valuable experience. There are only benefits.

Which opportunities offered by your scholarship provider have you taken particular advantage of so far?

In addition to the orientation session, I’ve already attended several meetings of local initiatives and participated in networking events, especially in Baden-Württemberg. That’s also what I enjoy most about the scholarship: the exchange with other students and doctoral candidates from a wide variety of disciplines and the resulting different perspectives on the same problems and topics.

Were there any challenges where the scholarship provided support?

Especially when it came to finding an apartment—which is difficult given the tight housing market—the support from the Heinrich Böll Foundation helped me a lot and took some of the pressure off. 

How has the scholarship specifically changed your daily life?

The scholarship has primarily enriched my daily life through the events I’ve already mentioned. Of course, the financial support is also a significant factor that shouldn’t be overlooked.

The best thing about my scholarship is...

The opportunity for interdisciplinary networking with other students and doctoral candidates, and the creation of conditions that enable and promote this.