The national scholarship programme is aimed at all first-year students and students already enrolled on a Bachelor's or Master's programme. Scholarships are generally awarded for a period of two semesters based on talent and performance. In addition to previous achievements, social commitment, willingness to take on responsibility or special social, family or personal circumstances are also taken into account. Half of the scholarships of 300 euros are funded by the federal government, the other half by companies, foundations, associations or private sponsors. The first Germany Scholarships were awarded by the University of Erfurt in 2012.