Max Bense: Law student with big plans and strong support!

Max Bense: Law student with big plans and strong support!

On June 19, 2025, Max Bense, a 30-year-old law student at the University of Potsdam, engages in his student life while holding a position at Deloitte. Bense, who previously studied business administration at the University of Bremen and received his doctorate, decided to study law in order to acquire the missing legal knowledge. In the fifth semester he already has previous knowledge of business and tax law, but has to start from the beginning with criminal law. This decision shows his determination to continue his education in a new area.

He currently receives a monthly scholarship of 300 euros through the Potsdam University Scholarship, which is supported by both federal funds and private sponsors. Among these sponsors are the lawyers Dr. Constantin von Köckritz and Marc Repey, who are also alumni of the University of Potsdam. They are not only committed to scholarships, but also to supporting youth teams of the SG NARVA Berlin sports club. It is important to note that Bense applied for a Germany scholarship four times during his initial studies and was unsuccessful.

The Potsdam University Scholarship

The Potsdam University Scholarship represents important support, especially for students who are not entitled to BAföG or other initial study scholarships. It is awarded annually and students must reapply. This regulation ensures continuous evaluation of scholarship holders and at the same time offers the opportunity to support committed and talented students who need support due to their individual life circumstances.

The Deutschlandstipendium, which Bense cites as an example, also amounts to 300 euros per month, with 150 euros provided by private sponsors and 150 euros by the federal government. The selection criteria are diverse and include school and study performance, professional experience, commitment and overcoming biographical obstacles. This also includes a refugee background, which can be important for many students. Applications must be submitted directly to the respective universities, which will also decide whether to offer the scholarship based on the respective requirements.

Diverse scholarship opportunities

There are numerous other scholarship offers for foreign students that are supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). These include extensive information on funding offers for study or research stays in Germany. Foundations such as the Otto Benecke Stiftung e.V. and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation also offer specific programs to support international students.

Access to such scholarships is crucial for many students to advance their academic careers. There are various funding options that take different life situations into account, and the application processes are often specifically geared towards committed students. The diversity of the funding programs ensures that there is room for talent from all areas of society in the university landscape.