SCHOLARS OF THE
SYMPOSIUM
SHAPING THE DISCOURSE OF TOMORROW.
CONNECTING BRIGHT MINDS TODAY.
About the SOTS Programme
The German Society at the London School of Economics and Political Science invites motivated German-speaking students to apply for the 25th German Symposium, taking place from 2nd to 6th February 2026.
As part of the one-week Scholars of the Symposium (SOTS) programme in London, you will gain exclusive access to discussions on key European issues and current German-British relations, guided by leading experts from politics, business, and culture. In addition to attending all public events at the Symposium, SOTS participants will engage with speakers in exclusive small-group coffee chats and workshops. Curated social activities and networking events throughout the week provide extensive opportunities to connect with fellow participants and explore London.
All expenses during the programme – including accommodation, breakfast, full access to the Symposium, social events and exclusive networking sessions – are fully covered. Participants are only expected to organise their travel to and from London and contribute a €50 participation fee.
Applications are open from 21st November to 15th December 2025 (11:45 PM - UK time). Applicants willbe notified by late December.
WHERE
The Symposium will be taking place in-person in London at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
WHEN
2nd- 6th February, 2026
Scholars will arrive on the 1st and leave on the 7th
WHO
German- and English-speaking individuals
Apprentice or student outside of the UK
Born after 1995
European passport holder
Why apply?
Attend one of the largest annual forums on Anglo-German relations
Hear from distinguished leaders in politics, business, culture, and academia
Debate current affairs and the future of Europe and Anglo-German relations
Engage in stimulating panel discussions and exclusive networking events
Connect with like-minded students from LSE and other top universities
How to apply
Key components of the application process:
1. General personal information
2. Four open questions (to be answered in German in the application)
Describe a social commitment or initiative you have been involved in and its impact (max. 300 words)
How does your current degree/apprenticeship contribute to solving a societal issue that matters to you, and how would the scholarship enhance your ability to create impact? (max. 300 words)
Describe a project or initiative that was unsuccessful. What were the main reasons for its failure, and what lessons did you learn for future engagement? (max. 300 words)
Which guest would you like to invite to the German Symposium? (max. 50 words)
3. Upload of a video (max. 1 minute, MP4 format)
Showcase what defines you as a person
There are no restrictions regarding content, style or format – feel free to be creative!
4. Optional: Essay for the Hertie School Scholarship (PDF format)
Essay question: Analyse a development – political, technological, economic or cultural – that influences societal structures. What opportunities and challenges does it present, and how could they be used responsibly?
More information about the Hertie Essay Competition available here:
https://www.hertie-school.org/en/study/apply/lse-german-symposium-essay-competition
5. Upload of your CV (PDF format)
6. Data processing agreement
Important information
Your responses will only be transmitted once the application has been fully completed and submitted (they are not saved beforehand).
Please save your answers to the open questions externally before completing the form.
Ideally, the application should be completed and submitted in one go.
File naming format: MustermannMax_Video
Timeline
21st November - 15 December 2025 (11:45 PM UK time): Application period
End-December 2025: We will review applications and provide feedback
January 2026: Expect detailed Emails about the Symposium week
1st February 2026: Arrival in London
2nd - 6th February 2026: Daily Events during the German Symposium as well as career dinners, coffee chats, and social events (mandatory)
7th February 2026: Departure from London
End of February 2026: We will send out participation certificates
We wish you the best of luck and look forward to hopefully welcoming you to London soon! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
The Hertie School in Berlin is sponsoring three SOTS scholarship places this year, covering the participation fee of €50. If you are interested in pursuing a Master’s degree (potentially with a scholarship) at the Hertie School and would like to begin connecting with representatives early on, you may submit your essay (1,000–1,500 words) addressing the following question:
Analyse a development – political, technological, economic, or cultural – that influences societal structures. What opportunities and challenges does it present, and how could they be used responsibly?
Further information on the Hertie School:
https://www.hertie-school.org/en/study/apply/lse-german-symposium-essay-competition
FAQs
When does the Symposium take place?
The German Symposium 2026 is scheduled for the 2nd until the 6th of February 2026. Please plan to be in London from the 1st until the 7th of February.
Where does the Symposium take place?
The Symposium will be taking place fully in-person at the London School of Economics and Political Science, in the heart of London.
How much does the SOTS programme cost?
The SOTS scholarship covers all programme-related costs (full Symposium access, accommodation, breakfast, social events, and networking sessions). Participants only need to arrange their own travel to London and pay a €50 participation fee.
How do I apply? When do applications close?
The SOTS programme application window opens on the 21st of November 2025 and closes on the 15th of December 2025. You will have to provide four written answers to questions regarding your studies, social commitments, and political interests, and record a 1-minute video of yourself talking about something that really matters to you – be creative! If you would like to be considered for the Hertie School Essay Competition, please also submit an essay (between 1000 and 1500 words) about a current political, technological, economic, or cultural development. Finally, please share your CV with us as the last stage of the application survey.
What does a typical day at the Symposium look like?
The Symposium typically begins at 9:30 am and concludes around 7:00 pm, with breaks interspersed between events. Our agenda includes a diverse array of activities, from panel discussions and workshops to intimate breakout sessions with our esteemed speakers. Beyond the Symposium's formal proceedings, the German Society has curated a series of engaging social events, including dinners, parties, and guided tours of London. These events offer a prime opportunity to broaden your network and immerse yourself in one of the world's most dynamic cities. A detailed schedule will be available on this website once released.
Who is eligible to take part in the SOTS programme?
Eligible applicants must be German- and English-speaking, enrolled as a student or apprentice outside the UK, born after 1995, and hold a European passport.
Can I apply for the SOTS programme if I currently live in the UK?
Unfortunately not. The SOTS programme is designed to support international attendees with London's high living costs. We therefore encourage UK-based students to attend selected days of the German Symposium instead.
Can I apply to the SOTS programme again?
Generally, we welcome and review all applications to the SOTS programme. However, if you have already been awarded the SOTS scholarship in a previous year, please note that we prioritise students who have not yet had the opportunity to attend the Symposium.
When will I hear back from you about my application?
We are working diligently to review your application. You can expect a response by the end of December 2025. If accepted, please ensure you respond promptly.
How can I confirm or cancel my attendance at the German Symposium?
Once accepted, you'll have one week to secure your place in the SOTS programme. Further details will follow in the acceptance email. Should you no longer be able to attend the German Symposium, we kindly ask you to reach out to us as soon as possible, so that someone else can be granted your place in the programme.
Will I receive a certificate of attendance?
A certificate will be sent electronically to you within one month after the German Symposium if all mandatory events were attended.
How will the Hertie School Collaboration work?
As outlined above, the Hertie School collaboration includes an essay competition and early contact with the Hertie School’s admissions team. In addition, the selected Hertie Scholars will be invited to an exclusive networking event with Hertie School representatives during the Symposium week.
Will food be provided during the programme?
Breakfast is covered as part of your accommodation, and many events include catering. For some additional meals we collaborate with independent food providers on campus, ensuring you have plenty of convenient and affordable options nearby.
Do I need to answer the application questions in German?
Yes. The four open questions in the application must be answered in German, as this is a main language spoken at the German Symposium.
Can I save my application and finish it later?
No. Your responses are only transmitted once the entire application is completed and submitted, and they are not saved beforehand. You should prepare and save your answers externally before filling out the form.
Further Questions?
If you have any queries or need further information, feel free to reach out to german.sots@lsesu.org.