Despite the difficult situation in Syria, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has continued its support for Syrian students and academics. With funding from the Federal Foreign Office, the DAAD now plans to expand this assistance. A scholarship program with a total budget of 7.8 million will give one hundred Syrian students the opportunity to complete their studies in Germany and to participate in a socio-political accompanying program. The first Syrian students are expected to start their studies in Germany in spring 2015.