The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Scholarship is a fully funded academic scholarship offered by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, a German political foundation linked to the Social Democratic Party (SPD). It supports both undergraduate and postgraduate international students who demonstrate academic excellence, social commitment, and alignment with social democratic values.

The scholarship supports students in Bachelor’s, Master’s, Diploma, Magister, State Examination, and PhD programs in any subject area offered at state-recognized universities in Germany. However, pure study abroad programs outside the EU are not funded.

The scholarship provides a monthly stipend, health insurance coverage, and family/baby allowances:

• EUR 750/month for Bachelor's, Diploma, or State Examination programs

• EUR 850/month for Master’s students

• EUR 276/month family allowance for scholars with children

• Full health insurance coverage

• No repayment is required, as it is a grant, not a loan.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be from Africa, Asia, Latin America, or Eastern Europe

• Show excellent academic records

• Be admitted to a German state-recognized university

• Have sufficient German language proficiency, even if the degree is taught in English (e.g., DSH-2, TestDaF Level 4, or Goethe Zertifikat C1)

• Demonstrate commitment to social democratic values like equality, tolerance, and political engagement

The deadlines vary by academic level:

• Master’s:

  • April 30, 2025 (for Summer Semester)

  • October 31, 2025 (for Winter Semester)

• Bachelor’s/Diploma: After 1st semester and up to 3 semesters before standard period ends

• Medical students: Apply after the 4th semester or after "Physikum" until the end of 6th semester

• PhD students: Applications are accepted anytime

Initially, you only fill out an online form. If shortlisted, you must upload:

• Two expert academic reports (from professors or previous teachers)

• Academic transcripts and certificates

• Proof of German language skills

• Motivation and details of socio-political engagement
  You will have 3 weeks to upload documents once requested, and 6 weeks for expert reports.

Yes. Even if the degree program is taught in English, sufficient German proficiency is required to integrate into the academic and cultural life in Germany. Minimum requirements:

• DSH level 2

• TestDaF level 4

• Goethe Zertifikat C1
  This is because the foundation also offers seminars, events, and networking opportunities conducted in German.

Approximately 40 scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding students. The selection is highly competitive and focuses on academic merit, social/political engagement, and alignment with democratic values.

Yes, you can apply:

• After your first semester for Bachelor's/Diploma programs

• At any point during your PhD studies

• Master’s students must apply before the specific deadlines
  Medical students have their own timeline (after the 4th semester)

Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Fill out the online application form (basic background info only)

2. Wait for eligibility review by FES

3. If selected, you’ll be asked to upload documents (academic reports, transcripts, etc.)

4. Attend two interviews — one with a trusted lecturer, and one with an FES selection committee member

5. Wait for the final decision by the selection committee

You can access all forms, samples, and deadlines on the official FES website.