The promotion of gifted students in Germany consists mainly of state-funded study grants, which are awarded by gifted students and foundations, usually in the form of scholarships.

In order to receive support for gifted students, a proposal must be made by a headmaster/university teacher/department or an informal application must be submitted to the Begabtenförderungswerke.

The prerequisite is enrolment at a German university or a German degree with a doctoral qualification at a German university. The award is made in a performance-based selection process.