The Free State of Bavaria is expanding its state-run program to support gifted students by increasing the monthly allowance under the Max Weber Program to 300 euros. Science Minister Blume describes this as a “financial boost for bright minds” and a clear signal in support of educational equity.
The Free State of Bavaria is bolstering its state-run program for gifted students. “We are increasing the monthly allowance under the Max Weber Program to 300 euros. This will improve conditions for scholarship holders and send a clear message: The Free State is investing in its talented young people – and keeps supporting them,” says Science Minister Markus Blume.
“We are giving our brightest minds an extra financial boost and, in times of rising living and educational costs, sending a clear signal in support of educational equity. Through the Max Weber Program, which is unique in Germany, we provide financial, structural and, above all, moral support. For we do not merely seek to foster excellence, but to develop individuals and bring them together. This benefits society as a whole. The increase in the education allowance is part of a significant expansion of funding for the support of gifted students in the Elite Network of Bavaria: The 2026/2027 two-year budget allocates an additional 4.1 million euros for this purpose.”
The education allowance—often referred to as "Büchergeld" —helps recipients cover additional study-related expenses, such as specialized literature, digital equipment, language courses, academic conferences or international experiences. At the same time, this adjustment enhances the appeal of the Max Weber Program as a central pillar of Bavaria’s support for outstanding students. Increasing the education allowance was a particular priority for Science Minister Blume.
Thanks to the Max Weber Program, Bavaria has had a unique selling point at the national level for 20 years now: the Free State remains the only federal state with an independent state-funded scholarship program for exceptionally talented students. Between 2006 and 2025, Bavaria invested a total of approximately 126 million euros in supporting talented students.
The Max Weber Program is the Free State of Bavaria’s funding program for particularly high-achieving and dedicated students at Bavarian universities. It is sponsored by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts, while the German Academic Scholarship Foundation is responsible for administering the program. Currently, approximately 1,750 promising young talents are receiving support until they complete their studies. The program now has more than 6,000 alumni, including numerous individuals who have achieved outstanding professional and social success.
In addition to financial support, scholarship recipients benefit from a wide range of non-financial support services. These include academies, language courses, soft skills seminars, conferences, personal counseling, as well as assistance with stays abroad and international networking. The Max Weber Program is regarded as a long-standing and cornerstone pillar of excellence and early-career support in Bavaria and sustainably strengthens Bavaria as a center of academic excellence.
Text: Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts
