Bard College Berlin offers a range of scholarships tailored to different student profiles across our degree programs and the Academy Year. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Scholarship recipients typically have a predicted IB score of at least 34, complete an Abitur in the 1,0-1,5 range, or have a US high school GPA of at least 3.7. Applicants who have already completed a prior degree are not eligible for scholarships and financial aid.
By submitting a financial aid application, you are automatically considered for every scholarship for which you qualify. It is possible to receive multiple scholarships. Scholarships amounting to the full comprehensive fee are highly competitive and awarded on a limited basis. Even if you are not awarded a named scholarship, you remain eligible for need-based financial aid.
An offer of scholarship/financial aid, unless otherwise stated, is made on the assumption that the applicant will be a full-time student and will incur full-time tuition, room and board charges at Bard College Berlin. If these assumptions are wrong, the applicant should expect a revision of the scholarship/financial aid offer.
Visit our Financial Aid page for deadlines and application details.
Bard College Berlin is committed to making its degree programs accessible to students of all socioeconomic backgrounds. In recent years, approximately 80% of students received financial support from the College. Scholarships and financial aid range from €3,000 per year up to the full comprehensive fee.
Which scholarships am I eligible for?
First-Year and Transfer BA Applicants
-
AP Capstone Scholarship
The AP Capstone Scholarship is for high school students who have completed or will complete the AP Capstone Diploma program. The highest award amounts are reserved for students with the following AP subject combination: math (Calculus AB or BC), natural science (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics C), a language (French, Spanish, German, English Literature or English Language and Composition), and a social science (such as American History, European History, or Macro- and Microeconomics).Berlin Scholarship
The Berlin Scholarship supports students who have demonstrated a sustained interest in German language and culture through their coursework or extracurricular activities. Strong candidates may also have participated in German honor society or taken a leadership role in their school’s German club.First Generation Scholarship
The First Generation Scholarship supports highly motivated students who demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence and will be the first in their family to attend university.Global Citizen Scholarship
The Global Citizen Scholarship is intended to support students who have demonstrated a commitment to being part of an international community by studying or working abroad for at least 6 months during or after high school.IB Scholarship
The IB Scholarship supports students who will earn a full International Baccalaureate diploma with excellent predicted final results in a challenging subject combinationJulie Johnson Kidd Scholarship
Established in 2026 through the generosity of the Endeavor Foundation, this scholarship program honors Julie Johnson Kidd, who has dedicated her life's work to promoting liberal arts education and was an early supporter of Bard College Berlin.
The Julie Johnson Kidd Scholarship Program seeks to preserve and strengthen the vibrant international character of Bard College Berlin. Scholarships are awarded to top students who demonstrate financial need and a strong commitment to contributing to an international community.Open Europe Scholarship
The Open Europe Scholarship is intended to support talented students from different regions of Europe seeking higher education in an international environment.Program for International Education and Social Change (PIESC) Scholarship
The Program for International Education and Social Change scholarship intends to support students from areas of crisis and conflict who demonstrate academic excellence and a deep commitment to social change, democracy, and human rights. Applicants must:- Have residence or origin in a crisis region or country in crisis. One of the following criteria must be demonstrated:
- Current residence or origin in a region of crisis as defined by UNHCR
- Background of (forced) migration or (internal) displacement or living under threatening circumstances due to economic, political or environmental reasons, discrimination, war or violent conflicts
- Refugee status, granted asylum, or recognition of displacement by a national government or an international organization
- Satisfy the following academic criteria:
- Have a secondary school qualification or equivalent that permits university entrance by the time they enroll at BCB
- Have no previous undergraduate degree or equivalent from another institution
- Have C1 English proficiency
- Be age 25 or under
- Demonstrate extreme financial need and lack of other support to start academic study
- Demonstrate commitment to social change:
- Commitment to making a difference in the lives of others
- Demonstration of exemplary social service with leadership, strong sense of civic responsibility
- Advocacy for democracy, human rights and social justice
- Potential to serve as change agent
Scholarship in Aesthetics
The Scholarship in Aesthetics supports students with an outstanding record of artistic involvement who express an interest in the Art and Aesthetics concentration within the BA in Humanities, the Arts, and Social Thought. Examples of involvement include creating art, helping curate school art exhibitions, or arts-related volunteer engagement.Scholarship in Economics
The Scholarship in Politics and Economics supports students with an exceptional record of involvement and interest in economics who plan to pursue the Economics concentration of the BA in Economics, Politics, and Social Thought.Scholarship in Liberal Arts
The Scholarship in Liberal Arts supports talented students with a demonstrated interest in interdisciplinary study and the liberal arts.Scholarship in Literary Arts
The Scholarship in Literary Arts supports students with an outstanding record of involvement in the written and theater arts who express an interest in the Literature and Rhetoric concentration within the BA in Humanities, the Arts, and Social Thought. Examples of involvement include participating in school journals and newspapers, publishing original work (fiction, non-fiction, or poetry), and composing or performing theatrical pieces.Academy Year Applicants
Current Students
Financial aid is awarded on an annual basis (per academic year) and applicants need to reapply each year. Scholarship recipients must maintain a GPA of 3 or higher. The continuation of financial aid is generally offered at the same amount for up to four consecutive academic years, contingent upon the student's timely submission of required documents each year, the demonstration of a similar level of financial need, and the maintenance of good academic standing. For more information on the scholarship renewal process, please visit the Financial Aid Renewal page.