The Heinrich Böll Foundation — Germany’s Green political foundation — funds around 1,450 students and 200 doctoral candidates every year, including international applicants from outside Germany. Beyond financial support, scholars join a foundation built around democracy, ecology, solidarity, and non-violence, with access to seminars, mentorship, and a global network of alumni.
If you’re planning a Master’s or PhD in Germany and are looking for funding that goes beyond tuition, here’s what you need to know about eligibility, benefits, required documents, and the application process — including the upcoming deadline.
Quick Overview
Funded by Heinrich Böll Foundation, supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Foreign Office (AA) Levels covered Master’s degree, PhD Who can apply International students who completed their first degree outside Germany Fall 2026 application window 15 July 2026 – 1 September 2026 Spring 2027 application window 15 January 2027 – 1 March 2027 Language requirement German, B2 level or DSH1 minimum
Two Application Windows a Year
Unlike many scholarships with a single annual deadline, Heinrich Böll runs two application cycles:
- Fall 2026 cycle: 15 July 2026 – 1 September 2026
- Spring 2027 cycle: 15 January 2027 – 1 March 2027
The online application portal only opens about six weeks before each deadline — so if you’re aiming for the fall cycle, note that the window is open right now.
What the Scholarship Covers
For Master’s students (non-EU nationals not educated in Germany):
- €992 per month, plus various individual allowances
- Possible family and/or childcare allowance
- Health insurance or similar support
For PhD students (non-EU nationals not educated in Germany):
- €1,400 per month, plus a €100 mobility allowance per month
- Various individual allowances
- Possible family and/or childcare allowance
- Health insurance or similar support
Funding generally covers the standard study period for your programme, with the option to apply for a one-semester renewal. Beyond the financial support, scholars gain access to workshops, seminars, a personal academic advisor, and a global network built around the Foundation’s values.
Eligibility Criteria
For Master’s applicants:
- You must have completed your first degree outside Germany
- You’re applying prior to starting a Master’s degree programme in Germany, at a state-recognised university
- Your programme must have a standard duration of four semesters (two years) or more — shorter Master’s programmes are not funded
- Priority is given to applicants from DAC (Development Assistance Committee) countries who have not yet taken up residence in Germany at the time of application
- Undergraduate-level applications are not accepted — this scholarship is for Master’s and PhD only
For PhD applicants:
- You must have completed your graduate degree outside Germany
- You’re applying to begin a PhD programme in Germany
- Priority is given to applicants from DAC countries who have not yet taken up residence in Germany at the time of application
For all applicants:
- German language proficiency: at least B2 level, or DSH1
- A very good academic record
- Social commitment and political interest — the Foundation looks for applicants who share its core values of democracy, ecology, solidarity, and non-violence, and who take an active socio-political role
- A convincing personal justification for applying specifically to the Heinrich Böll Foundation, not just for scholarship funding in general
Required Documents
While the exact checklist is confirmed once the portal opens, applicants typically need:
- Completed online application form
- CV
- Motivation letter explaining your academic goals and alignment with the Foundation’s values
- Proof of academic record (transcripts, degree certificates)
- Proof of German language proficiency (B2 or DSH1)
- Evidence of social or political engagement
- For PhD applicants: a research exposé outlining your proposed doctoral project
Applications are online-only — the Foundation does not accept postal or email submissions.
Application Process
- Confirm your eligibility for either the Master’s or PhD track based on where you completed your prior degree.
- Prepare your documents in advance — CV, motivation letter, proof of academic record, language certification, and (for PhD applicants) a research exposé.
- Wait for the application portal to open, approximately six weeks before the relevant deadline (so around early July for the fall 2026 cycle).
- Submit your online application before 1 September 2026 (fall cycle) or 1 March 2027 (spring cycle).
- Selection process: applications are reviewed against academic merit, social/political engagement, and fit with the Foundation’s mission.
Official Resources
- Scholarships overview: https://www.boell.de/en/scholarships
- Applying for a scholarship (deadlines & eligibility): https://www.boell.de/en/applying-scholarship
- Application process guide: https://www.boell.de/en/application
- Contact: studienwerk@boell.de | +49 (0)30 285 34-400 (office hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)
Always confirm current deadlines and document requirements on the official pages before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is German language proficiency really mandatory? Yes — international applicants must demonstrate at least B2 level German or DSH1, regardless of whether their degree programme is taught in English.
Can I apply for an undergraduate degree? No — this scholarship is only available for Master’s and PhD study; undergraduate applications are not accepted for international students.
Is this scholarship only for students already living in Germany? No — in fact, priority is given to applicants from DAC countries who have not yet taken up residence in Germany at the time of application.
What if my Master’s programme is shorter than four semesters? It won’t be eligible — the Foundation only funds Master’s programmes with a standard duration of four semesters (two years) or more.
When does the application portal open? Approximately six weeks before each deadline — so around early July for the fall 2026 cycle (deadline 1 September 2026), and around early December for the spring 2027 cycle (deadline 1 March 2027).
Don’t Wait on This One
The fall 2026 window — 15 July to 1 September 2026 — is open now, and strong applications need a well-written motivation letter, evidence of social/political engagement, and (for PhD applicants) a solid research exposé, none of which should be rushed in the final days.
Want expert guidance through the process? Our experienced student counsellors can help you build a competitive application, from your motivation letter to your research exposé — reach out today.
Follow @stepbystepscholarshipguide for more fully funded scholarship breakdowns, deadlines, and step-by-step application guidance.
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