Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship Germany
The Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarship program provides financial support to approximately 1,500 undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students annually from all subjects and nationalities pursuing degrees at German universities, universities of applied sciences, or arts schools. It targets talented individuals with excellent academic records who are socially and politically engaged and share the foundation's values of ecology, sustainability, democracy, human rights, self-determination, and justice. Scholarships are awarded twice yearly through a rigorous three-stage selection process including written applications, interviews with liaison lecturers, and selection committee interviews. Funding covers the regular study period, extendable by one semester, and supports study in Germany (with limited options abroad for EU master's students).
Award amounts vary by applicant category: for non-EU graduate students, approximately €992 per month plus allowances for health insurance, family/childcare if applicable; for EU/domestic students, up to €855 monthly plus €300 study costs allowance, book allowance, and possible additional benefits. PhD students receive higher stipends (e.g., €1,400+ per month for non-EU) plus research allowances. No tuition fees are covered in Germany except limited cases; additional funding available for short study/internships abroad for recipients. Payments typically start October 1 or April 1 post-selection.
This merit- and need-based program promotes equal opportunities, with priority for applicants from DAC countries and underrepresented groups, fostering future leaders aligned with green political ideals. Online applications open ~6 weeks before deadlines via the foundation's portal.
Eligibility Requirements
- Excellent academic records (very good grades/transcripts).
- Social and political engagement, with convincing motivation for applying to the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
- Alignment with foundation values: ecology/sustainability, democracy/human rights, self-determination, justice.
- For graduates/students: Foreign students applying before starting master's in Germany (undergrad not available for internationals without German education); domestic/EU up to 3rd semester undergrad or pre-master's.
- For PhD: Domestic/international applicants; priority for DAC-country candidates abroad.
- German language proficiency: minimum B2 level or DSH-1 (certificate required).
- Enrollment/admission at state-recognized German university (or equivalent).
- Complete application via online portal including CV, motivation letter, transcripts, first degree proof, two references (expert academic + social commitment, from different persons).
- Not currently funded by other scholarships conflicting with rules; no prior rejection at stage 3.
For thorough eligibility and selection information, visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.