Applications are open for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship Programme.
Promoted in partnership with German higher education networks and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the foundation awards approximately 1,500 scholarships annually to German and international scholars across all fields of study.The foundation is closely affiliated with the German Green political movement and prioritizes candidates who combine strong academic merit with active involvement in democratic values, social justice, ecology, human rights, and non-violence.
Program Summary
| Detail | Information |
| Host Country | Germany |
| Eligible Institutions | State-recognized German universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), and art academies (Kunsthochschulen) |
| Degree Level | Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) degrees for international applicants; Undergraduate degrees open to domestic/German-educated applicants only |
| Eligible Nationalities | Open to all countries (with a focus on DAC-listed developing nations and conflict zones) |
| Funding Level | Fully funded (monthly stipend, allowances, and health insurance support) |
| Annual Application Deadlines | March 1 (Spring cycle) and September 1 (Fall cycle) |
Financial Support and Scholar Benefits
Selected scholars receive comprehensive financial and non-material backing throughout the standard duration of their degree:
Living Stipend (Master’s Level): €992 per month, plus potential allowances (such as book/study contributions).
Living Stipend (Doctoral Level): €1,400 to €1,500 per month, plus an additional monthly mobility allowance.
Healthcare Support: Contributions toward mandatory German health and nursing care insurance.
Travel & Family Grants: Subsidies for relevant research trips or international conferences, along with family support allowances where applicable.
Non-Material Development: Access to foundation networking seminars, summer academies, workshops, and interdisciplinary working groups on sustainability and civil society.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for consideration, applicants must fulfill specific academic, linguistic, and socio-political standards:
1. Degree Eligibility by Applicant Category
International Applicants: Eligible to apply for Master’s or PhD programs only. You must hold a recognized undergraduate degree if entering a master's, or a master's degree if entering a doctorate.
Undergraduate Funding: Restricted exclusively to students who earned their higher education entrance qualification in Germany.
2. Academic Record & Societal Engagement
Proven record of academic achievement in previous studies.
Verifiable history of active civic, political, or community involvement (e.g., environmental initiatives, grassroots advocacy, human rights work, or campus leadership).
Clear philosophical alignment with the foundation’s core ideals: ecology, sustainability, democracy, and equality.
3. German Language Proficiency
International candidates must provide proof of German language capability at a minimum B2 or DSH-2 level at the time of application, regardless of whether their intended study program is taught in English.
Required Application Documents
All materials must be gathered digitally and submitted in either German or English (standard forms must adhere to the foundation's official templates):
Completed online application form
Official university entrance qualification (high school diploma or secondary school leaving certificate)
Academic transcripts and graduation certificates from prior degree programs
Enrollment certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung) or proof of admission from a German higher education institution (can be submitted before studies commence)
Academic Reference: A formal appraisal from a university professor evaluating your scholastic ability.
Social Commitment Reference: A third-party appraisal documenting your volunteer work, community leadership, or socio-political engagement.
Proof of German language competence (B2 certificate, TestDaF, or DSH-2).
For PhD candidates: Detailed research proposal, work schedule, and supervisory agreement from a German university faculty member.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Verify Timeline: The foundation accepts applications twice a year. The online portal opens approximately six weeks before each closing date:
Spring Round: Portal opens mid-January and closes March 1.
Fall Round: Portal opens mid-July and closes September 1.
Download Reference Templates: Retrieve the official recommendation forms directly from the Heinrich Böll Foundation portal and forward them to your referees well in advance.
Register on the Portal: Create an applicant account on the foundation's digital application platform once the submission window opens.
Complete the Questionnaires: Provide your academic history, details on past social involvement, and a written justification explaining your motivation for seeking this specific scholarship.
Upload & Submit: Attach all certificates and reference forms in PDF format, verify that the files are complete, and submit your application prior to the cutoff date.