The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded program for international students who wish to pursue Master’s or PhD degrees in Germany. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the scholarship supports students with excellent academic records, social engagement, and strong political interest aligned with the foundation’s values such as ecology, democracy, and human rights.

The scholarship is open to international students from all countries, including refugees, applying for postgraduate (Master’s) or doctoral (PhD) studies in Germany. Applicants must demonstrate:

• A strong academic background

• Active social or political commitment

• Well-founded reasons for choosing the foundation

• For PhD candidates: A well-developed and innovative research proposal

The Heinrich Böll Foundation offers a fully funded scholarship that typically includes:

• Monthly stipend (amount varies by program level)

• Tuition fee coverage (if applicable)

• Research allowance

• Travel grants

• Family support, where applicable

• Health insurance contributions
  The scholarship lasts for the entire duration of the degree program (standard period of study).

There are two main deadlines each year:

• September 01, 2025 (for the Spring 2026 intake)

• March 01, 2026 (for the Fall 2026 intake)
  Applicants should check the official portal regularly, as deadlines may vary slightly by program.

The selection process is competitive and merit-based. It typically involves:

1. Online application submission via the portal

2. Document screening (including CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, proof of social commitment)

3. Interview rounds (in-person or virtual)

4. Final decision by a selection committee
   Only those who meet all academic, social, and political engagement criteria are shortlisted.

The Heinrich Böll Foundation does not restrict fields of study. Applicants can pursue degrees in any discipline offered by German universities. However, research or study topics aligned with the foundation’s core values—such as sustainability, democracy, gender justice, or peacebuilding—may be prioritized.

Yes, students currently enrolled in a German university may also apply. However, applicants should still have a significant portion of their degree program remaining at the time of application. New applicants must also demonstrate their alignment with the foundation’s values and academic excellence.

You need to:

1. Register on the online portal (available on the official website)

2. Fill in your personal and academic information

3. Upload required documents, such as:

   • CV

   • Letter of motivation

   • Academic transcripts

   • Proof of social and political engagement

   • Research proposal (for PhD)

4. Submit before the application deadline
   Detailed instructions and document templates are available on the official website.

No, the scholarship does not require German language proficiency for all applicants. However, some universities or programs may require at least B1-B2 level in German. It is recommended to check the language requirements of your desired university and program separately.

All official information, application forms, and detailed guidelines are available on the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s official website. Always refer to the site for the most accurate and up-to-date details:
🌐 https://www.boell.de/en/foundation/scholarships