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 26th German Symposium, taking place from 1st to 5th February 2027.
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 expected to organise their travel to and from London, any meals not provided as part of the programme and contribute a €50 participation fee.
Applications are open from 9th November to 6th December 2026 (11:45 PM - UK time). Applicants will be 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
1st- 5th February, 2027
Scholars will arrive on the 31st January and leave on the 6th February
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 specific commitment (at university, locally, or internationally) that is particularly important to you. What was your contribution, and what lasting impact did it have, on you or on others? (max. 200 words)
Where do you see tangible opportunities for Germany over the next 10-15 years? These can range across business, politics, technology, the environment, culture, or society. (max. 200 words)
Which public figure (political, business, scientific, cultural or other) inspires you most right now, and why? (max. 100 words)
What is something you are proud of that your CV does not show? (max. 100 words)
3. Upload of a video (60-90 seconds, MP4 format)
The German Symposium gives you the opportunity to engage with personalities from business, politics, academia and society who bring different experiences and perspectives. What is your motivation to engage with these perspectives, and what insights do you hope to gain from experiencing with the speakers and other Scholars?
4. Upload of your CV (PDF format)
5. 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
9th November - 6th December 2026 (11:45 PM UK time): Application period
End-December 2026: We will review applications and provide feedback
January 2027: Expect detailed Emails about the Symposium week
31st January 2027: Arrival in London
1st - 5th February 2027: Daily Events during the German Symposium as well as career dinners, coffee chats, and social events (mandatory)
6th February 2027: Departure from London
End of February 2027: 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, based on their video applications. The sponsorship covers the accomodation in London and the participation in the Symposium of their selected Hertie Scholars. If you are interested in pursuing a Master’s degree (potentially with a scholarship) at the Hertie School, the programme is a chance to begin connecting with its representatives early on.
Further information on the Hertie School:
https://www.hertie-school.org/en/
FAQs
When does the Symposium take place?
The German Symposium 2027 is scheduled for the 1st until the 5th of February 2027. Please plan to be in London from the 31st of January until the 6th 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). Beyond that, we ask participants to pay a €50 participation fee, to Organise their down travel to and from London, local transport and any meals not provided during the programme.
How do I apply? When do applications close?
The SOTS programme application window opens on the 8th of November 2026 and closes on the 6th of December 2026. You will have to provide four written answers to questions regarding your studies, social commitments, and political interests, and record a 60-90 seconds video about what motivates you to join the Symposium and what you hope to take away from it. 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 2026. 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?
The Hertie School is sponsoring three SOTS places this year and will select its Hertie Scholars based on the video applications. The sponsorship covers their accomodation in London and their participation in the Symposium.
Will food be provided during the programme?
Breakfast is included with your accommodation, and some events include catering. Lunch and dinner are not covered by the sholarship, so you will need to plan for these meals yourself. We collaborate with independent food providers on campus, ensuring you have plenty of good 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.