Scholarships
Kulturkreis Scholarship
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KIT Career ServiceStudentsScholarshipsKulturkreis Stipendium
Information Session: “What Moves Me—and What Do I Set in Motion?”
A theatrical exploration of posture, expression, and self-efficacy
Information Session on the Kulturkreis Scholarship
December 9 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) As part of the information session on the Kulturkreis Scholarship, we are pleased to welcome actress, theater educator, performer, director, and voice coach Ibadete Kadrijaj. For over 20 years, she has been inspiring people through theater and creating spaces where expressiveness, creativity, and personal growth can be experienced.
Whether on stage, in schools, or in social and cultural institutions: At the heart of her work is the conviction that every person possesses untapped potential that needs to be discovered and developed. In her workshop, Ibadete Kadrijaj invites participants to gain a fresh perspective on themselves and their own impact. Drawing on the body, voice, breath, and imagination, she opens up new pathways to presence, posture, and self-efficacy. Through shared experiences, participants learn how to shift their perspectives, how to build confidence in their own abilities, and how creative processes can help them address challenges openly and responsibly. These experiences are particularly important for future leaders. Social responsibility begins with the ability to understand different perspectives, inspire people, and actively help shape change. Art and culture can provide valuable inspiration in this regard. Next, we’ll introduce the Kulturkreis Scholarship, share real-world examples, and answer questions about the program, its content, and the application process. Learn about the Kulturkreis Scholarship and discover how engaging with art and culture can help you take on responsibility, develop new perspectives, and actively shape the future.
Register here
December 9 | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) As part of the information session on the Kulturkreis Scholarship, we are pleased to welcome actress, theater educator, performer, director, and voice coach Ibadete Kadrijaj. For over 20 years, she has been inspiring people through theater and creating spaces where expressiveness, creativity, and personal growth can be experienced.
Whether on stage, in schools, or in social and cultural institutions: At the heart of her work is the conviction that every person possesses untapped potential that needs to be discovered and developed. In her workshop, Ibadete Kadrijaj invites participants to gain a fresh perspective on themselves and their own impact. Drawing on the body, voice, breath, and imagination, she opens up new pathways to presence, posture, and self-efficacy. Through shared experiences, participants learn how to shift their perspectives, how to build confidence in their own abilities, and how creative processes can help them address challenges openly and responsibly. These experiences are particularly important for future leaders. Social responsibility begins with the ability to understand different perspectives, inspire people, and actively help shape change. Art and culture can provide valuable inspiration in this regard. Next, we’ll introduce the Kulturkreis Scholarship, share real-world examples, and answer questions about the program, its content, and the application process. Learn about the Kulturkreis Scholarship and discover how engaging with art and culture can help you take on responsibility, develop new perspectives, and actively shape the future.
Register here
The most important facts at a glance
Study programmes: STEM
Status: Master's students, doctoral students
Programme duration: March 2027 to February 2028
Application phases 2027: 11.11.26-24.01.27
Info event: December 9, 5 – 7 p.m., Präsidiumsfoyer of KIT, incl. improvisation trainingFurther details can be found on the official website of the Kulturkreis.
Status: Master's students, doctoral students
Programme duration: March 2027 to February 2028
Application phases 2027: 11.11.26-24.01.27
Info event: December 9, 5 – 7 p.m., Präsidiumsfoyer of KIT, incl. improvisation trainingFurther details can be found on the official website of the Kulturkreis.
Content
What is the Kulturkreis Scholarship about?
Scholarship description and contents
Art reflects social developments and values. A sense of responsibility and a deep cultural understanding are crucial for future leaders in research and science. In 2004, the Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft launched the ‘Kulturkreis Stipendium’ with the aim of promoting these skills and getting Master's and doctoral students at KIT and the University of Mannheim interested in art and helping them to understand artistic processes.The exchange with artists and cultural professionals promotes new approaches and creative solutions. These skills - inspiration, creativity and intuition - are also in demand in business and science today. Under the guidance of curator Konstantin Adamopoulos, enthusiasm for art and culture is awakened and participants are motivated to take responsibility and actively help shape social change. After the programme, the scholarship remains alive thanks to a strong alumni network.
Programme content and structure
The two-semester cultural curriculum of the Kulturkreis consists of around ten thematic blocks that take place from March to February of the following year. In each block, you and the other scholarship holders work together with an artist from a specific art form - such as painting, music, dance, architecture or theatre. You will experience the creative process up close and can try out the respective art form in practice. A special focus is placed on the interplay between art, business, science and society. The programme includes workshops, seminars and excursions to various locations in Germany, where you can and should get actively involved and help shape the programme.Participation in all events is compulsory. You will also be invited to the Kulturkreis 2026 annual conference. The programme starts in March with a weekend at Bronnbach Monastery, where the new scholarship holders get to know each other. All costs, including accommodation and travel, are covered by the scholarship.
Cultural Circle Alumni:ae
The Kulturkreis Scholarship was founded in 2004 and first awarded at the University of Mannheim. Since 2016, KIT has been a partner of the scholarship, which was transferred to the Career Service & Alumni department in 2022. Today, there are over 300 alumni and alumnae who regularly organise events and build up a strong network. They are committed to contemporary art and drive forward joint projects. The annual alumni meeting ‘Bronnbacher & Friends’ takes place every year in February. It has had its own website since 2019, and since 2020 the association ‘Alumni und Freunde des Bronnbacher Stipendiums e.V.’ has organised all activities.To the Alumni:Alumnae website
Application process
Application documents
Please submit the required documents in a PDF document on the website of the Kulturkreis :
If you have any questions, please send us an email: info∂careerservice.kit.edu. Participation in all events is mandatory and a prerequisite for admission to the Kulturkreis Scholarship. Therefore, please check before your application whether you can make the date for the selection interview as well as the kick-off weekend at Bronnbach Monastery. As the curriculum is taught in German, a very good knowledge of German is required.Programme duration 24th year: March 2027 to February 2028
- Motivation report (one DIN A4 page, in German)
- CV (in German)
- Certificate of higher education entrance qualification
- Current certificate of enrolment
- Transcript of Records and Bachelor's certificate (or corresponding intermediate examination)
If you have any questions, please send us an email: info∂careerservice.kit.edu. Participation in all events is mandatory and a prerequisite for admission to the Kulturkreis Scholarship. Therefore, please check before your application whether you can make the date for the selection interview as well as the kick-off weekend at Bronnbach Monastery. As the curriculum is taught in German, a very good knowledge of German is required.Programme duration 24th year: March 2027 to February 2028
Here you can find out how the selection process works
The scholarship holders are selected in a two-stage process: [NL]
~The first stage involves a written application with a letter of motivation, CV and certificates (as described above).
~Among all applications received by the deadline of 24 January 2027, the Kulturkreis and the universities will nominate a shortlist of up to 16 candidates per university. These will be invited to a personal selection interview on 16 February at the University of Mannheim. Up to 18 scholarships will be awarded per year.
[NL]
~The first stage involves a written application with a letter of motivation, CV and certificates (as described above).
~Among all applications received by the deadline of 24 January 2027, the Kulturkreis and the universities will nominate a shortlist of up to 16 candidates per university. These will be invited to a personal selection interview on 16 February at the University of Mannheim. Up to 18 scholarships will be awarded per year.
[NL]
Who decides on the authorisation?
The interview (3 to 4 applicants together) takes place in front of a committee at the University of Mannheim. The admission of the candidates is decided in a counselling session.
The selection committee consists of The curator, the management of the Kulturkreis, members of the Kulturkreis and alumni of the scholarship.
The selection committee consists of The curator, the management of the Kulturkreis, members of the Kulturkreis and alumni of the scholarship.
When will I find out if I have been admitted?
Students will be informed of the panel's decision after the selection committee has deliberated, usually within 72 hours of the interview.
Further links
Here you can find all information about the application process on the Kulturkreis Stipendium website
Find out everything you need to know about the culture of the German economy
The Podcast The Future Is Now Now from the Alumni:Alumnae (former Bronnbacher Stipendium)
