Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships 2026/2027 for Master’s and PhD Study in Germany (Fully Funded) – Scholarship Opportunities

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Application Deadline: 1 September, 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships. The Heinrich Böll Foundation offers prestigious scholarship opportunities for highly motivated international students and doctoral candidates who wish to pursue higher education in Germany. These scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence, social engagement, democratic values, and environmental sustainability.

The programme primarily targets talented students and researchers from DAC (Development Assistance Committee) countries who aim to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD in Germany. The foundation supports individuals who demonstrate strong academic performance, political awareness, and commitment to social justice, human rights, and environmental responsibility.

This scholarship initiative is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Foreign Office (AA), making it one of the most reputable fully supported academic funding opportunities in Germany.

…graduate students

• EU and international students who obtained their university entrance qualifications outside Germany and who have already
  completed a first degree may apply for a scholarship to cover a Master’s degree (successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree and German language skills (B2 or DSH II) are required).

  …PhD students

• The application for a PhD scholarship needs to include a detailed description of the research project and a valid timetable for
  completion.
• Preliminary work on the PhD research project must have been completed. The Master’s degree certificate or equivalent must be available at the time of application. German language skills (B2 or DSH II) are required.

Scholarships for PhD students

The scholarship department grants scholarships to doctoral students from all disciplines. Heinrich Böll Foundation is particularly interested in supporting research projects related to focus areas of the work of the Heinrich Böll Foundation. Central to the nonmaterial promotion for PhD students are:

• PhD scholar forum with science policy or higher education policy theme and presentations of research projects
• Workshops (e.g. writing trainings, time management, etc.)
• Seminars on career orientation
• Support for research trips abroad (e.g. conferences, field research)

Special target groups

The Heinrich Böll Foundation gives special (but not exclusive) consideration to:

• international graduate and doctoral students (especially from the global south and conflict regions worldwide)
• women (particularly studying STEM)
• students in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), especially those focusing on environmental science, ecology, etc.;
• economic studies; art studies; administrative science and
• management and journalism
• minorities
• refugees

Funding

• The Heinrich Böll Foundation supports young people through scholarship funding (generally including a maintenance grant,
  study and research grant, foreign study grant, mobility allowance, family allowance, and other categories).

Benefits

• Financial support for living and academic expenses
• Access to a strong academic and professional network in Germany
• Participation in seminars, workshops, and training programmes
• Integration into a global alumni community
• Career development and leadership training opportunities
• Exposure to German political, environmental, and social systems

Additional Requirements:

Applicants are typically expected to provide:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Motivation letter
• Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
• Proof of language proficiency (depending on programme requirements)
• Curriculum vitae (CV)

Selection Criteria

Candidates are assessed based on:

• Academic excellence
• Social and political engagement
• Motivation and clarity of study/research goals
• Commitment to democracy, sustainability, and human rights
• Leadership potential and civic responsibility

Application Timeline

• Fall 2026: 15 July 2026 – 1 September 2026
• Spring 2027: 15 January 2027 – 1 March 2027

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships