Studienstiftung Des Deutschen Volkes

the german national academic foundation (german: studienstiftung des deutschen volkes, short: studienstiftung) is germany's largest organisation sponsoring students of outstanding academic achievements. it is non-political and non-denominational. currently supporting about 0.25 percent of university students in germany, it is often referred to as "germany's secret elite university". the foundation's official motto is "leistung, initiative, verantwortung" (achievement, initiative, responsibility). the studienstiftung promotes future excellence in the areas of science, business, public administration, and the arts. through its sponsorship programme it promotes academic consolidation, interdisciplinary dialogue, a cosmopolitan world view and international experience. the studienstiftung is funded by the federal government of germany, the german federal states and local authorities as well as by private donors.