The Heinrich Böll Foundation offers prestigious scholarships for international students aiming to pursue higher education in Germany.
These scholarships are designed to support students with outstanding academic records, civic engagement, and a strong commitment to the values of democracy, ecology, and social justice.
Opportunity Summary
- Fully-funded scholarships for international students to study in Germany
- Available for master’s and PhD programs at German universities
- Covers monthly living stipend, health insurance, travel allowance, and other benefits
- Open to students from all countries and academic disciplines
- Deadline: March 1, 2025 for winter semester 2025/26 intake
About the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
The Heinrich Böll Foundation offers prestigious scholarships for international students to pursue master’s and doctoral studies at universities in Germany.
As the foundation associated with the German Green Party, these scholarships aim to support academically outstanding students who are socially and politically engaged and share the foundation’s values of ecology, sustainability, democracy, human rights, and justice.
Each year, the Heinrich Böll Foundation awards approximately 1,200 scholarships to German and international students across all academic disciplines.
For the 2025/26 academic year, around 200 new scholarships will be available for international students to study in Germany.
These highly competitive scholarships provide comprehensive financial support for the entire duration of a student’s degree program in Germany.
Beyond just funding, scholarship recipients become part of an active network of socially and politically engaged individuals from around the world.
Available Courses and Programs
The Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarships are open to students in all academic fields and disciplines offered at accredited German universities.
This includes:
- All master’s degree programs (usually 2 years)
- Doctoral/PhD programs (usually 3 years)
Some of the most popular fields of study for international scholarship recipients include:
- Environmental sciences and sustainability
- Political science and international relations
- Social sciences and sociology
- Economics and business
- Law and human rights
- Engineering and technology
- Natural sciences
- Arts and humanities
While all academic disciplines are eligible, preference may be given to research topics and study programs that align closely with the foundation’s focus areas of ecology, sustainability, democracy, human rights, and social justice.
Who Should Apply
The Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarships are aimed at highly qualified international students who:
- Have an excellent academic record
- Are socially and politically engaged
- Demonstrate a commitment to the foundation’s values
- Have very good German language skills (at least B2 level)
- Plan to study a master’s or PhD program at a German university
- Are not already living or studying in Germany
The foundation particularly encourages applications from:
- Students from developing and emerging countries
- Women in STEM fields
- Applicants with a refugee background
There are no age restrictions for the scholarships.
Both recent graduates and those with work experience are welcome to apply.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarships, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree (for master’s scholarships) or master’s degree (for PhD scholarships)
- Have been admitted to or applied for a full-time master’s or PhD program at an accredited German university
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievements (top 10-30% of your class)
- Show social/political engagement and commitment to the foundation’s values
- Have German language skills of at least B2 level (C1 recommended)
- Not already be living or studying in Germany at the time of application
Note: There are no country restrictions – students of all nationalities can apply.
Scholarship Benefits
The Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarships provide comprehensive financial support, including:
- Monthly stipend of €850 for master’s students and €1,200 for PhD students
- Health insurance coverage
- Family and child allowance (if applicable)
- Travel allowance for international students
- Study and research allowance of €100 per month
- German language course (if needed)
- Funding for the entire duration of the degree program (max. 2 years for master’s, 3 years for PhD)
Beyond financial support, scholarship holders also benefit from:
- Networking opportunities with other scholars and alumni
- Invitations to events, seminars and summer academies
- Individual advising and mentoring
- Career development support
How to Apply
The application process for the Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarships involves the following steps:
- Check your eligibility and read through all application guidelines on the official website
- Prepare all required documents, including:Completed online application form
- CV/resume
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of admission or application to a German university
- German language certificate (at least B2 level)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of social/political engagement
- Register for an account on the online application portal when it opens (usually 6 weeks before the deadline).
- Fill out the online application form and upload all required documents.
- Submit your complete application before the deadline.
- If shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview (in-person or online).
- Final selection results are typically announced 2-3 months after the deadline.
Click here to access the online application portal
Application Deadline
The application deadline for scholarships starting in winter semester 2025/26 is March 1, 2025.
For summer semester intake, the deadline is September 1 of the previous year.
It is highly recommended to start preparing your application well in advance of the deadline, as the process can be quite competitive and time-consuming.
Tips for a Successful Application
To increase your chances of being selected for this prestigious scholarship, keep the following tips in mind:
- Start your application early and carefully follow all instructions
- Highlight your academic excellence with concrete examples and achievements
- Demonstrate your social and political engagement through volunteer work, activism, etc.
- Show how your goals align with the foundation’s values and mission
- Explain your motivation for studying in Germany and future plans
- Ensure your German language skills meet the minimum B2 requirement
- Get strong letters of recommendation from professors familiar with your work
- Tailor your application to emphasize why you’re an ideal candidate
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if I’m already studying in Germany?
A: No, the scholarships are only for international students not yet living/studying in Germany.
Q: Is there an age limit for applicants?
A: No, there is no upper age limit to apply for the scholarships.
Q: Do I need to be admitted to a German university before applying?
A: You should at least have applied to a program, but full admission is not required at the time of scholarship application.
Q: Are there any nationality restrictions?
A: No, students from all countries worldwide are eligible to apply.
Q: Can I apply for a bachelor’s degree scholarship?
A: No, the scholarships are only available for master’s and PhD studies.
Conclusion
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships offer an exceptional opportunity for outstanding international students to pursue graduate studies in Germany with full financial support.
By focusing on academic excellence, social engagement, and commitment to important values, these scholarships aim to support future change-makers and leaders from around the world.
If you’re a highly motivated student looking to make a positive impact through your studies and career, this scholarship could be the perfect way to achieve your goals.
Start preparing your application well in advance, highlight your unique strengths and experiences, and put your best foot forward for this competitive opportunity.
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