About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The Heinrich Böll Foundation offers prestigious scholarship opportunities for highly motivated international students and doctoral candidates who wish to pursue higher education in Germany. These scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence, social engagement, democratic values, and environmental sustainability.
The programme primarily targets talented students and researchers from DAC (Development Assistance Committee) countries who aim to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD in Germany. The foundation supports individuals who demonstrate strong academic performance, political awareness, and commitment to social justice, human rights, and environmental responsibility.
This scholarship initiative is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Foreign Office (AA), making it one of the most reputable fully supported academic funding opportunities in Germany.
…graduate students
EU and international students who obtained their university entrance qualifications outside Germany and who have already
completed a first degree may apply for a scholarship to cover a Master’s degree (successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree and German language skills (B2 or DSH II) are required).
…PhD studentsThe application for a PhD scholarship needs to include a detailed description of the research project and a valid timetable for
completion.Preliminary work on the PhD research project must have been completed. The Master’s degree certificate or equivalent must be available at the time of application. German language skills (B2 or DSH II) are required.
Scholarships for PhD students
The scholarship department grants scholarships to doctoral students from all disciplines. Heinrich Böll Foundation is particularly interested in supporting research projects related to focus areas of the work of the Heinrich Böll Foundation. Central to the nonmaterial promotion for PhD students are:
PhD scholar forum with science policy or higher education policy theme and presentations of research projects
Workshops (e.g. writing trainings, time management, etc.)
Seminars on career orientation
Support for research trips abroad (e.g. conferences, field research)
Special target groups
The Heinrich Böll Foundation gives special (but not exclusive) consideration to:
international graduate and doctoral students (especially from the global south and conflict regions worldwide)
women (particularly studying STEM)
students in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), especially those focusing on environmental science, ecology, etc.;
economic studies; art studies; administrative science and
management and journalism
minorities
refugees
Funding
The Heinrich Böll Foundation supports young people through scholarship funding (generally including a maintenance grant,
study and research grant, foreign study grant, mobility allowance, family allowance, and other categories).
Benefits
Financial support for living and academic expenses
Access to a strong academic and professional network in Germany
Participation in seminars, workshops, and training programmes
Integration into a global alumni community
Career development and leadership training opportunities
Exposure to German political, environmental, and social systems
Additional Requirements:
Applicants are typically expected to provide:
Academic transcripts and certificates
Motivation letter
Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
Proof of language proficiency (depending on programme requirements)
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Selection Criteria
Candidates are assessed based on:
Academic excellence
Social and political engagement
Motivation and clarity of study/research goals
Commitment to democracy, sustainability, and human rights
Leadership potential and civic responsibility
Application Timeline
Fall 2026: 15 July 2026 – 1 September 2026
Spring 2027: 15 January 2027 – 1 March 2027
How to apply