Overcome obstacles, embrace opportunity
The Changemaker Scholarship supports underrepresented students with education, development, and a vibrant community.
Programme
The programme lasts for an academic year and includes several components that complement an academic scholarship already awarded by a university.
The scholarship first and foremost makes it possible to accept the academic scholarship. This contributes to the general development of the students as they experience living far from home and getting to know new cultures for the first time. Additionally, the students are offered a programme that stimulates them in various ways to work on their personal and professional development. The complete scholarship consists of:
Accommodation and development
One year of housing in one of The Social Hub's locations, with all associated facilities, and access to a wide range of training modules (professional development and upskilling).Personal growth
A personal coach from the TSH community (mentor), the opportunity to engage in volunteer work, participation in social and cultural events, and the opportunity to work on physical (gym) and mental well-being (counselling).Network and collaboration
Participation in social activities organised at each TSH location and (after completion) membership of the TSH network, consisting of the Changemaker Community of former participants and all other TSH stakeholders.
The Foundation aims to fund the following number of scholarships
Academic year 2024/25: 37
Academic year 2025/26: 120
Academic year 2026/27: 160
Scholarships are provided in collaboration with education institutions. We seek to develop multi-year partnerships to enhance and scale our programme. Please contact us to explore opportunities.
Impact Measurement
To determine the success of the programme, the Foundation will develop a comprehensive impact measurement system.
Target Group
The TSH Talent Foundation aims to contribute to increasing equal opportunities and promoting social mobility through this programme. Both are essential for creating a just, inclusive, and peaceful society. Within this framework, the programme specifically targets students who, due to their personal background and specific socio-economic and cultural circumstances, have faced disadvantages.
These students possess the talent, creativity, and motivation to make valuable contributions to society but are hindered by circumstances from realising their ambitions and ideas. As a result, society loses valuable impulses. Talent, ideas, and initiatives that could enrich society do not reach their full potential, and diversity and inclusivity fall behind.
The disadvantages that limit these students in their full personal and professional development may include:
A lack of financial resources, creating barriers in terms of tuition fees, housing, travel, and regular physical and mental development opportunities.
Limited social capital, leading to less trust and support from their immediate environment.
Reduced physical and mental health due to a lack of resources and knowledge, resulting in greater vulnerability and reduced performance.
Incomplete personal development due to the home environment or a lack of educational experiences, causing (for example) difficulties in networking and job interviews.
A lack of knowledge and skills regarding educational opportunities, labour market prospects, and requirements for starting business or social initiatives.
A general sense of insecurity due to personal characteristics and circumstances, limiting creativity and initiative.
Selection Criteria
The Foundation will select students who have shown characteristics of a changemaker to some extent and who are interested in further developing in this direction. The following criteria and principles are applied:
Have been unconditionally admitted to our partner university for a one-year ECTS-qualified Master's program
A scholarship awarded based on financial need, with an uncertain situation regarding additional financial resources (living expenses) or personal safety.
The student has sufficient English proficiency to successfully participate in our program
Additionally, students may have a background that brings obstacles to their personal and professional development, such as:
No alternative financial means to accept the offered scholarship.
Limited access to social resources, education, and healthcare.
Refugee/newcomer status.
Membership in an ethnic, religious, or otherwise marginalised group.
Physical or mental disabilities.
First-generation student.
Part of the LGBTQI+ community, with associated personal safety risks.
Skill gap regarding educational opportunities, labour market prospects
Personal characteristics and circumstances leading to a sense of insecurity
In the application form, students are also asked:
How they believe they can contribute to a better society.
How they have already contributed to their own community.
How they plan to contribute to the community of participants and alumni that the Foundation seeks to create to continue supporting and strengthening the positive social impact of the programme.
As a young woman from Lebanon, a small country that has been marred by ongoing conflict and economic struggles, your generosity provided me with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I had never imagined being in the position I am today and it is due to your generosity that my life has been forever changed.
Interested in making a difference?
Join us as a partner and help empower the next generation of changemakers.