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Are you an architect or urban planner passionate about reshaping real-world landscapes? The Gottfried Böhm Scholarship 2025-26 is now open for applications! Hosted by the Cologne University of Applied Sciences (TH Köln) in Germany, this prestigious fully funded scholarship offers a one-year residency that allows you to live, work, and create in the vibrant city of Cologne. The program provides a €2,500 monthly stipend, free accommodation, and comprehensive professional support. If you have earned a master’s degree in architecture or urban planning and are eager to innovate in real urban spaces, this could be the perfect next chapter in your career.
About Cologne University of Applied Sciences
Known as Technische Hochschule Köln (TH Köln), Cologne University of Applied Sciences stands among Germany’s largest and most forward-thinking universities. Recognized for its dedication to innovation, creativity, and industry collaboration, TH Köln offers an inspiring setting where architects and urban planners can craft groundbreaking projects while learning from distinguished professionals.
Gottfried Böhm Scholarship 2025
| Scholarship Name | Gottfried Böhm Scholarship 2025–26 |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Cologne University of Applied Sciences (TH Köln) |
| Location | Cologne, Germany |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded Residency for Architects/Planners |
| Degree Level | Post-master’s/Early-career professionals |
| Duration | 1 Year (Oct 1, 2025 – Sept 30, 2026) |
| Monthly Grant | €2,500 |
| Accommodation | Free housing provided |
| Workspace | Free studio in Cologne city center |
| Application Deadline | May 31, 2025 |
Benefits of Gottfried Böhm Scholarship 2025
- Receive a monthly allowance of €2,500 to cover living costs.
- Free accommodation provided within Cologne.
- Access to a free professional workspace in a central creative hub.
- Full-year residency from October 2025 to September 2026.
- Continuous mentorship under a renowned architectural expert.
- Participation in advisory meetings and regular collaborative discussions.
- Final public presentation at Cologne City Hall, followed by a two-week exhibition.
- Retain non-exclusive publication rights to your work.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
-
- Hold a completed master’s degree in architecture or urban planning by 2025.
- Be working as a freelancer (not employed full-time).
- Be available for a one-year stay in Cologne (minimum 280 days).
- Not currently enrolled in a full-time study program (doctoral candidates can apply).
- For non-EU citizens: Must hold a residence permit allowing self-employment in Germany.
- Should not have completed another postgraduate fellowship before.
- Possess proficiency in English or German (C1 level or native).
- Open to candidates from any country worldwide.
Application Requirements
- Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Completed personal information form
- Valid passport or ID card copy
- Motivation letter (maximum 1 page)
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (up to 2 pages)
- Project proposal relating to Cologne’s urban development (up to 6 pages)
- Optional: Portfolio or examples of previous work (maximum 6 pages)
- Optional: 1–3 recommendation letters
- Optional: 1–3 published scientific articles
All documents should be merged into a single PDF file, named in the following format:
lastname_firstname_residence_2025.pdf
The application must be submitted in either English or German.
Application Process for Gottfried Böhm Scholarship 2025
- Confirm eligibility based on official application conditions
- Compile all necessary documents into a single PDF file.
- Fill out the online application form
- Upload and submit your application before the May 31, 2025 deadline.
- Receive confirmation of successful submission via email.
Suggested Project Topics for 2025–26
You can submit a project of your choice or align it with one of these proposed topics:
- High-rise urban concepts for Cologne
- Redevelopment strategies for the Heumarkt area
- Innovative design approaches for Cologne’s bridges
- Application of circular construction techniques
- Enhancing the aesthetic appeal of Cologne’s cityscape
- Strengthening community ties within neighborhoods
Projects should reflect Gottfried Böhm’s spirit of visionary architecture and show strong relevance to Cologne’s urban identity.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: May 31, 2025
- Selection Interviews/Presentations: July–August 2025
- Final Selection Announcement: End of August 2025
- Residency Period: October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026
Expectations for Selected Scholars
- Must reside in Cologne for a minimum of 280 days during the residency.
- Participate in at least six professional advisory meetings with the assigned mentor.
- Collaborate with local stakeholders linked to your project.
- Present interim project results to the selection jury approximately eight weeks before completion.
- Publicly showcase final project outcomes at Cologne City Hall.
- Grant non-exclusive publication rights for project materials to the scholarship sponsor.
If you’re an architect or planner with a vision for sustainable, creative, and bold urban transformation, the Gottfried Böhm Scholarship could be your ideal platform. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to work in Germany, get mentored by experts, and make your mark in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Apply Now before May 31, 2025. For full program details, visit the Official Scholarship Website.
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the Gottfried Böhm Scholarship 2025–26?
Candidates with a completed master’s in architecture or urban planning by 2025, working as freelancers, and not enrolled in a full-time study program.
- Who can apply for the Gottfried Böhm Scholarship 2025–26?
Post-master’s architects and urban planners who are freelancers and meet language and residency requirements. - Are non-EU candidates eligible?
Yes, candidates from all nationalities can apply, provided they meet the self-employment visa conditions. - Is full-time employment allowed during the residency?
No, applicants must be freelancers, not holding any full-time job during the residency period. - Can doctoral students apply?
Yes, provided they are not enrolled full-time and meet the other eligibility criteria. - What financial support is provided?
The scholarship covers a €2,500 monthly stipend, free housing, a studio workspace, and mentorship. - Is a project proposal necessary for the application?
Yes, applicants must submit an innovative project proposal related to Cologne’s urban or architectural environment. - Can I submit a portfolio?
Yes, it is optional but highly recommended to strengthen your application. - How will applicants be selected?
Selection is based on qualifications, project creativity, connection to Cologne, and alignment with Böhm’s architectural philosophy. - When will I know if I am selected?
The final announcement will be made by the end of August 2025. - Do scholars have to publicly present their work?
Yes, scholars will showcase their project outcomes at Cologne City Hall at the end of the residency.
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