10.03.2026
The Riesenkampff scholarship promoting Estonian-German student exchange was awarded to master’s students of technology
The laureates of the Carl-Otto and Georg Riesenkampff Scholarship are Anton Kraft and Jaan Erik Krull, master's students at the University of Tartu. The scholarship promotes student exchange between Estonia and Germany by supporting students in the fields of economics, technology and culture.
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At the beginning of this year, the statute of the scholarship fund was updated at the request of the founder. While previously, students from the University of Tartu who wished to participate in a mobility to a German university could apply for the scholarship, from this year the scholarship is open to all students from various Estonian universities who are going to Germany for exchange studies, as well as to German citizens who are already studying at the University of Tartu. The change creates new opportunities for the development of scientific and educational cooperation between the two countries.
German student August Anton Kraft is studying in the second year of his master's studies in robotics and computer engineering, and is dedicated to his research in space technology. According to the committee, his strong academic background and high average grade show his commitment to studying and research.
The scholarship will allow Kraft to focus on writing his master's thesis and completing his studies. “I am grateful for this final push across the finish line: from a poor student life to a regular employment at the Tartu Observatory,” he said.
Jaan Erik Krull, a first-year master’s student in materials science and technology, plans to spend the second year of his master’s studies at the Darmstadt University of Technology, which is known for its strong engineering and materials science programs and good laboratory infrastructure. The evaluation committee highlighted his strong academic background, high average grade, and clear research focus in his application. The committee believes that participating in an international master’s program will contribute to both his professional development and future contributions to the field.
Krull sees the scholarship primarily as financial support. “The scholarship covers several months of rent in Germany, which means I can focus on my studies and research instead of working. It also shows me that the University of Tartu considers my studies important and is ready to invest in me,” Krull said gratefully.
The Carl-Otto and Georg Riesenkampff Scholarship Fund was founded by the Baltic-German Riesenkampff family, who has a history connected to Estonia for nearly 400 years. Both the founders of the fund, Carl-Otto Riesenkampff, and Georg Riesenkampff, were born in the Baltics. The next scholarship competition will take place in the spring of 2027.
German student August Anton Kraft is studying in the second year of his master's studies in robotics and computer engineering, and is dedicated to his research in space technology. According to the committee, his strong academic background and high average grade show his commitment to studying and research.
The scholarship will allow Kraft to focus on writing his master's thesis and completing his studies. “I am grateful for this final push across the finish line: from a poor student life to a regular employment at the Tartu Observatory,” he said.
Jaan Erik Krull, a first-year master’s student in materials science and technology, plans to spend the second year of his master’s studies at the Darmstadt University of Technology, which is known for its strong engineering and materials science programs and good laboratory infrastructure. The evaluation committee highlighted his strong academic background, high average grade, and clear research focus in his application. The committee believes that participating in an international master’s program will contribute to both his professional development and future contributions to the field.
Krull sees the scholarship primarily as financial support. “The scholarship covers several months of rent in Germany, which means I can focus on my studies and research instead of working. It also shows me that the University of Tartu considers my studies important and is ready to invest in me,” Krull said gratefully.
The Carl-Otto and Georg Riesenkampff Scholarship Fund was founded by the Baltic-German Riesenkampff family, who has a history connected to Estonia for nearly 400 years. Both the founders of the fund, Carl-Otto Riesenkampff, and Georg Riesenkampff, were born in the Baltics. The next scholarship competition will take place in the spring of 2027.