Bremen Foundation Launches EUR1M Scholarship for Ukrainian Students
Locales: Bremen, GERMANY

BREMEN, Germany (January 30th, 2026) - The Bremen Foundation today announced a significant expansion of its support for Ukrainian refugees, launching a EUR1 million scholarship campaign aimed at providing educational pathways for 500 students over the next three years. This initiative comes as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to displace millions, and as Germany grapples with the long-term integration of those seeking refuge within its borders.
The campaign, officially unveiled this morning, isn't simply about financial assistance; it's a holistic approach designed to empower Ukrainian students and facilitate their successful integration into German society. Scholarships will encompass not only tuition fees for universities, vocational schools, and other educational institutions, but also essential living expenses and crucially, integration courses. These courses will focus on language acquisition, cultural understanding, and the practical skills needed to navigate the German education system and job market.
"Education is the key to a new beginning for many Ukrainian refugees," explained Andrea Gerber, chairwoman of the Bremen Foundation, during a press conference. "We've observed a strong desire amongst young Ukrainians to continue their studies despite the disruption they've faced. With these scholarships, we want to give them the opportunity to rebuild their lives, shape their future, and ultimately contribute to both the Ukrainian rebuilding effort and to German society."
The genesis of this expanded program stems from the foundation's initial response to the refugee crisis in 2022. Early efforts focused on emergency aid - providing food, shelter, and basic necessities. However, foundation leaders quickly recognized that long-term integration demanded a more sustainable and forward-looking strategy. A pilot scholarship program, launched in late 2023, proved remarkably successful, with participating students demonstrating high levels of academic achievement and rapid integration into campus life. The current campaign builds directly on these positive results, scaling up the program to reach a significantly larger cohort of students.
The EUR1 million fundraising goal represents a substantial commitment, and the foundation is actively soliciting donations from individuals, businesses, and other organizations. The campaign leverages a multi-channel approach, accepting contributions online through a dedicated website (www.bremen-foundation.de/ukraine-scholarships - website is a hypothetical example), via postal mail, and through corporate sponsorship opportunities. Several prominent Bremen-based companies have already pledged significant support, including NordwestLotto Bremen and Hachez Chocolate, demonstrating a strong local commitment to the cause.
The campaign also highlights the broader European context of supporting Ukrainian refugees. While Germany has welcomed a large number of Ukrainians, similar initiatives are underway across the continent. However, funding remains a critical challenge. Experts warn that without sustained financial support for education and integration programs, a generation of Ukrainian youth risks being lost to economic hardship and social exclusion. The Bremen Foundation's campaign hopes to inspire similar efforts in other German states and throughout Europe.
Beyond the direct impact on individual students, the foundation envisions the scholarship program fostering a valuable exchange of knowledge and culture between Ukraine and Germany. Many students have expressed a strong desire to return to Ukraine once the conflict subsides and contribute to the country's reconstruction, armed with the skills and experience gained in Germany. This "brain gain" for Ukraine is seen as a crucial component of the long-term recovery process.
The foundation is partnering with several Ukrainian educational institutions to identify eligible candidates and streamline the application process. Priority will be given to students pursuing fields of study deemed critical for Ukraine's future, such as engineering, technology, medicine, and agriculture. The application window is expected to open in February 2026, with the first scholarships awarded in the autumn semester.
The Bremen Foundation is optimistic about reaching its fundraising goal and providing vital educational opportunities to hundreds of deserving Ukrainian students. This initiative serves as a powerful example of how civil society organizations can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by humanitarian crises and building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
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