Funding round summer term 2027

FistStep-positition for first generation students

Do you come from a non-academic family (i.e. are you a first-generation student) and would you like to engage in academic work during your Bachelor's degree at the University of Cologne?

Are you a professor or head of a junior research group and would you like to support the academic career of a first-generation student by offering them a student assistant position?

Then apply together for a funded FirstStep student assistant position (SHK). FirstStep positions comprise 8.51 hours per week (37 hours per month) and are funded for a maximum of two consecutive semesters, starting in the summer semester of 2027. Under the University of Cologne's current personnel cost calculations (PANDA), 37 hours per month is the maximum employment permitted while receiving BAföG funding. If this limit is adjusted to match the mini-job earnings threshold for 2027, funding for up to 39 hours per month will be possible.

The programme aims to facilitate access to academia for students from non-academic families who are studying for a Bachelor's degree programme or a degree programme leading to a first state examination. The programme also aims to support their motivation for an academic career by connecting them with a department, research institution or junior research group at an early stage. At the same time, the programme provides financial support through study-related employment.

The application deadline for the new FirstStep positions is December 13, 2026.

Contact and consulting

Do you have any questions about the project and/or the application process?
Feel free to contact:

Dr. Ann-Kristin Kolwes
Phone: 0221/470 91005
E-Mail: bildungsgerechtigkeit@verw.uni-koeln.de

Accountability

Prorectorate for Anti-Discrimnination and Equal Opportunities