Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship 2026 for Master’s and PhD Study in Germany

The Heinrich Böll Foundation offers scholarships for international students and doctoral candidates who wish to study or conduct research in Germany, especially at the master’s and doctoral levels. The scholarship targets academically outstanding students who are socially engaged and interested in the values of democracy, the environment, human rights, social justice, and civic participation.

The foundation accepts applications twice a year, and the application process is conducted online only through the foundation’s official portal.

• Monthly funding of EUR 992 for international master’s students from outside the European Union.
• Health insurance allowance of up to EUR 100 per month for master’s students.
• Possible support for tuition fees in Germany of up to EUR 10,000 per year, according to the applicable conditions.
• Possible support for German language course fees.
• Additional fixed allowance of EUR 38 per month.
• Possibility of receiving family allowances and child allowances depending on the student’s situation.
• Monthly funding of EUR 1,500 for international doctoral students.
• Health insurance allowance for doctoral students of up to EUR 200 per month.
• Non-financial support, including mentoring, guidance, counseling, events, and building an academic and professional network.

To apply for the Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. The applicant must be an international student who wishes to continue studying or conducting research in Germany.
2. The applicant must have obtained a previous university degree outside Germany.
3. The applicant must plan to study a master’s or doctoral degree at a recognized German university.
4. The applicant must have a good level of German language proficiency, as the foundation usually requires proof of B2 level or DSH II.
5. The applicant must have a good or outstanding academic record.
6. The applicant must demonstrate a clear interest in social, political, environmental, or human rights issues.
7. The application is usually submitted in German, although some documents, such as recommendations or translations, may be submitted in English.
8. Doctoral applicants must have a clear research topic, an academic supervisor, and a research plan or research proposal.

Eligible Categories

1. International students from outside Germany who completed their bachelor’s degree outside Germany and wish to study a master’s degree in Germany.
2. International doctoral students who completed their postgraduate degree outside Germany and wish to pursue a doctorate in Germany.
3. Students from outside the European Union who wish to study in Germany at a recognized university.
4. Priority is given to applicants from DAC-listed countries who have not yet moved to Germany at the time of application.

Required Documents

1. Online application form.
2. CV/resume.
3. Letter of motivation explaining the reasons for applying and the applicant’s academic and social interests.
4. Academic certificates and transcripts.
5. Proof of admission or enrollment at a German university, which may be submitted later during the selection stages if it is not available at the time of application.
6. Proof of German language proficiency.
7. Academic recommendation letters.
8. A reference or proof showing social engagement or volunteer activity.
9. Research proposal for doctoral applicants.