The Amirana Scholarship is an emergency funding program exclusively for international medical and dental students from low- and middle-income countries of the Global South. It provides short-term financial support to students who face sudden hardship beyond their control or need assistance in the final phase of their studies.
Heidelberg University, founded in 1386, is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious research universities. The Amirana Scholarship Fund was established in 2016 by U.S. alumni Dr. Mahomed T. Amirana and Dr. Annelene J. Amirana, who met during their medical studies in Heidelberg and wanted to give back to students facing financial barriers.
Benefits
- Short-term financial support (usually up to one year)
- Helps students remain enrolled, complete clinical training, and graduate
- Provides flexibility to reduce working hours and focus on final academic obligations
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be enrolled in medicine or dentistry at Heidelberg University (Heidelberg or Mannheim campuses)
- Must originate from low- and middle-income countries of the Global South (per OECD DAC list)
- Must demonstrate temporary financial hardship due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g., family emergency, loss of sponsorship, currency collapse)
- Must not be educational residents in Germany
How to Apply for Amirana Scholarship?
- Prepare documents in German: application form, motivation letter explaining hardship, proof of enrolment, and supporting documents for financial distress
- Submit complete application documents via email to [email protected]
- Deadline: 15 November 2026 (for funding in the following year)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Amirana Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Amirana Scholarship?
The Amirana Scholarship is an emergency funding program at Heidelberg University for international medical and dental students from low- and middle-income countries. It provides short-term financial support to students facing sudden hardship or needing help in the final phase of their studies.
Who can apply for the Amirana Scholarship?
Applicants must be enrolled in medicine or dentistry at Heidelberg University (Heidelberg or Mannheim), originate from low- and middle-income countries of the Global South, demonstrate temporary financial hardship, and not be educational residents in Germany.
What is the deadline for the Amirana Scholarship?
The application deadline is 15 November 2026 for funding in the following year.
What benefits does the Amirana Scholarship provide?
The scholarship offers short-term financial support for up to one year. It helps students remain enrolled, complete clinical training, and graduate by providing flexibility to reduce working hours and focus on final academic obligations.
How long does the Amirana Scholarship last?
The scholarship covers short periods of financial hardship, usually up to one year. It does not fund the entire study program.
Can I re-apply for the Amirana Scholarship?
Re-application is possible only if a new, special hardship has arisen or if you are in the final phase of your studies and need a grant to successfully complete your studies, such as reducing work hours.
How do I apply for the Amirana Scholarship?
Prepare documents in German: application form, motivation letter explaining hardship, proof of enrolment, and supporting documents for financial distress. Submit via email to [email protected].
What fields of study are eligible for the Amirana Scholarship?
The scholarship is available only for medicine and dentistry at Heidelberg University’s Heidelberg and Mannheim campuses.
Which countries are eligible for the Amirana Scholarship?
Students from low- and middle-income countries of the Global South, as per the OECD DAC list, are eligible. Educational residents in Germany are not eligible.
Who initiated the Amirana Scholarship?
The scholarship fund was established in 2016 by U.S. alumni Dr. Mahomed T. Amirana and Dr. Annelene J. Amirana, who met during their medical studies in Heidelberg and wanted to support students facing financial barriers.
Discover more from Scholarship Union
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.