Begin your study journey in Germany with exciting news — the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship Program is now open for applications. In this article, we will provide detailed information about this scholarship, its benefits, and the complete step-by-step application process.

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship 2025-2026 is a fully funded award for international students. It is available for both Master’s and PhD programs, covering the full cost of study for the entire duration of the degree.

These scholarships are designed for talented international students who wish to pursue postgraduate or doctoral studies in Germany during the 2025-2026 academic year. The foundation ensures full financial support throughout the program, enabling scholars to focus entirely on their research and academic goals.

The scholarship office of the Heinrich Böll Foundation manages the program and grants awards to outstanding graduates and doctoral candidates from outside Germany.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
Institution(s): The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
Study in: Germany
Deadline: September 01, 2025 / March 01, 2026

Scholarship Coverage

Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships provide the recipient with the following benefits:

The Foundation awards complete scholarships to students that cover the entire duration of the program.

Eligibility Criteria for Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship

To qualify for the Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship, the candidate must fulfill all of the following requirements:

Required Language: English
Eligible Countries: All countries
The key criteria for the Student scholarship
1- Very good school or college/university academic record
2- Social commitment and political interest
3- Convincing reasons for applying to the Heinrich Böll Foundation
The key criteria for the Doctoral scholarship
1- Very good school and university academic record
2- A convincing research project (exposé, innovative line of enquiry, realistic timetable preliminary work that has reached an advanced stage)
3- Social commitment and political interest
4- Convincing arguments for applying to the Heinrich Böll Foundation

How to Apply for the Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship?

Please follow the below application instructions below to apply for the Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship:

Check if you are among the special focus groups in this application round
Gather information on the application process and the requested documents
Register for the online application portal
Provide the requested information in the Online Application Portal
After uploading all of your documents, submit your application before the end of the application deadline

Documents to include with your application

Your personal data and CV
Your motivation for applying to the Heinrich Böll Foundation
An outline of your motivation for studying your chosen subject and of your main areas of interest
An outline of your social commitments and political interests, or PhD thesis project
For more about Requirements, click here for Doctoral scholarship or here for Student scholarship

Website

To apply and know more about the Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship, please visit the official website:

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship?

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.

Who can apply for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship?

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

What expenses are covered under this scholarship?

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).

What are the application deadlines?

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.

What is the selection process for the scholarship?

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

Online application submission via the portal
Document screening (including CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, proof of social commitment)
Interview rounds (in-person or virtual)
Final decision by a selection committee
Only those who meet all academic, social, and political engagement criteria are shortlisted.

What academic fields are eligible for this scholarship?

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.

Can students already studying in Germany apply?

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.

How do I apply for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship?

You need to:

Register on the online portal (available on the official website)
Fill in your personal and academic information
Upload required documents, such as:
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of social and political engagement
- Research proposal (for PhD)
Submit before the application deadline
Detailed instructions and document templates are available on the official website.

Is knowledge of the German language required?

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.

Where can I find the official application portal and more information?

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