Study in Germany: Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships for Foreign Students 2026

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship for Foreign Students is a wonderful opportunity for foreign students and PhD students who wish to pursue higher education in Germany. The scholarship will benefit talented students with strong academic records, social commitment, and a passion for democratic and socio-political ideas.

Funding is available for students from the Global South, former CIS nations, and EU countries in Eastern and Southeastern Europe wishing to study at qualifying German universities and technical colleges. Depending on the level of study, scholarship holders can get financial support up to €992 per month, be covered by health insurance, and receive additional allowances.

About the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) awards scholarships to excellent students and researchers who wish to study at state or state-recognised universities and technical institutions in Germany.

Success in academics is simply one part of the foundation. It also seeks applicants who display social responsibility, leadership potential, political awareness, teamwork, critical thinking, and dedication to democratic and social principles.

The fellowship is open to students at many academic levels, including bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programmes; however, the specific eligibility and application requirements vary by level of study.

Eligible Programmes for Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships

Scholarships from the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung can be awarded for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD studies in a broad spectrum of academic fields.

Eligible programmes include the following fields:

• Social sciences
• Economics
• Business and management
• Engineering
• Natural sciences
• Humanities
• Education
• Law
• Political science
• International relations
• Information technology
• Environmental studies

Eligibility Requirements for the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship

Candidates should thoroughly understand the prerequisites before starting their application. Academic standards alone are not necessarily adequate. The foundation also analyses the social and personal profile of an applicant.

1. Academic Performance

• Applicants must have shown that they have performed better than average in their previous education. The foundation looks for students who have shown academic promise and a genuine commitment to their studies.

2. Civic and Social Involvement

• Applicants must be able to demonstrate active participation in society.

3. Commitment to social democratic ideals

• Applicants may be expected to show an interest in social justice, equality, democracy, cooperation, and responsible citizenship.

4. German Language Proficiency

• International applicants must provide appropriate German language skills if necessary. The language requirements may vary depending on the programme and scholarship category. Applicants should carefully verify the current requirements before applying.

5. Enrollment at a German institution

Bachelor’s and master’s students often need to provide verification of a study place or proof of enrolment at a state or state-recognised German university or technical college in their chosen programme.

PhD applicants must hold an unconditional admission notification for their doctoral programme.

Benefits of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships for Foreign Students

Monthly Scholarship Payment

• Successful scholars may get up to €992 per month, depending on their level of study and circumstances. This monthly stipend might help students with their daily expenditures while they study in Germany.

Insurance for Health

• The scholarship also covers the cost of health insurance, helping international students with a major expenditure of living and studying abroad.

Additional Child Benefits

• Scholarship holders with children may get an extra €160 per month. This can be a real financial help for students with household commitments to look after while studying.

How to Apply for the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship Application

1. Verify Your Eligibility

• Find out before you apply whether you meet the requirements that apply to your academic level, nationality, university programme, academic performance, German language skills, and social participation.

2. Secure Admission or Enrollment

• Candidates for bachelor’s and master’s degrees are normally required to submit confirmation of a study place or proof of registration at an appropriate German university or technical college. PhD applicants must have the requisite doctoral admission papers.

3. Complete the Online Application

• Eligible applicants should fill in the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung online application form.

4. Demonstrate Your Social Engagement

• Applicants must explicitly explain their involvement in community, student, civic, political, youth, NGO, or other relevant activities.

5. Provide supporting documents.

• If the foundation finds an applicant eligible, it may request further papers by email. Applicants are to monitor their email accounts and react within the stipulated period.

6. Wait for Selection Procedure

• The foundation will consider submissions on the basis of academic record, personal traits, social commitment, and other appropriate factors. Because the award is competitive, applicants should ensure their applications show both academic brilliance and significant social impact.

Deadlines for applications

Application deadlines for master’s scholarships for international students are

• 31 May – summer semester
• 30 November – winter semester

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE

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