The Heinrich Böll Foundation - The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship

What the Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarship gives you

For a Master’s degree programme, you will receive a basic grant of 992 EUR per month, which is paid out in instalments every 12 months. In addition, you are eligible for a health insurance allowance of up to 100 EUR per month, a fixed allowance of 38 EUR per month, reimbursement of tuition fees at your German university up to 10,000 EUR per year, the costs of a German language course, as well as family and child allowances if you have children. PhD students receive a higher basic grant of 1,500 EUR per month. In addition to the financial support, you will take part in a support programme: seminars on politics and society, a summer academy, workshops on writing techniques and time management, one-to-one mentoring (personal support from an experienced adviser) and an alumni and internship network. The Foundation is the political foundation of the Green Party in Germany. This scholarship is funded by the Federal Foreign Office, whilst the Foundation’s other scholarship work is also supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are either about to start a Master’s degree at a state-recognised German university, are already enrolled on such a programme, or are studying for a PhD there.
• Prior degree: You have obtained your first higher education qualification (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) abroad. Applicants for a PhD programme must also submit a research project with a detailed plan and timetable.
• Where you studied before: You obtained your university entrance qualification outside Germany. Priority is given to applicants from DAC countries (developing countries as defined by the OECD) who are not yet living in Germany at the time of their application.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply, whether from the EU or from non-EU countries. Refugees may apply regardless of their status.
• Field of study: All topics are open. Women in STEM subjects, refugees and students from the Global South are particularly encouraged to take part.
• German skills: You have a good command of German (level B2 or DSH II) and can provide evidence of this in your application.
• Enrolment: You are studying full-time, and a Master’s degree programme must last at least four semesters. Part-time, dual and distance-learning programmes are not eligible for funding.
• Engagement: You are doing very well at school, are interested in politics and society, and support the foundation’s aims: the environment, democracy, human rights and justice. You do not need to be a member of a political party.

How to apply

Applications are submitted online via the Foundation’s portal, which opens approximately six weeks before the respective application deadline. There are two rounds of applications per year, with deadlines on 1 March and 1 September. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to two interviews: first with a member of the teaching staff, and then with the selection committee. These usually take place in May/June or December/January and are conducted in German.

How realistic are your chances?

The foundation supports around 1,650 scholarship holders and accepts up to 250 new scholarship holders each year, so there are indeed places available. Good grades alone are not the deciding factor. You must also demonstrate a genuine commitment to social causes, alignment with the foundation’s green values and B2 proficiency in German. If you clearly meet these requirements, come from a DAC country and apply early, your chances are good.