Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships for International Master's Students and PhD Candidates

Heinrich Böll Foundation

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

International students who completed their first degree abroad and plan to study full-time at a state-recognised German university (master's programmes of four semesters or more) or a PhD in Germany after a graduate degree abroad. Applicants from DAC countries who have not yet moved to Germany get priority. Apply only through the online portal, which opens about six weeks before the deadline. The page states that from 1 March 2027 master's applications are accepted only for first-cycle programmes.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Supports eligible international students pursuing a master's degree or doctorate in Germany; the foundation considers academic achievement, motivation and social engagement

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. International students who completed their first degree abroad and plan to study full-time at a state-recognised German university (master's programmes of four semesters or more) or a PhD in Germany after a graduate degree abroad. Applicants from DAC countries who have not yet moved to Germany get priority. Apply only through the online portal, which opens about six weeks before the deadline. The page states that from 1 March 2027 master's applications are accepted only for first-cycle programmes.
2. Note the deadline. Twice a year: 15 Jan – 1 Mar 2027 (spring round) and 15 Jul – 1 Sep (autumn round; the 2026 window ran 15 Jul – 1 Sep 2026) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Online application; CV; academic records; motivation letter; references; proof of German proficiency; doctoral research proposal where applicable.
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Multi-stage academic and personal assessment

Profile of past winners

Varies by programme

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Portal opens 2027-01-15 and closes 2027-03-01; from March 2027, international master's funding is limited to first-cycle master's programmes under the new rule
2. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
3. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
4. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
5. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
6. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
7. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships for International Master's Students and PhD Candidates?

International students who completed their first degree abroad and plan to study full-time at a state-recognised German university (master's programmes of four semesters or more) or a PhD in Germany after a graduate degree abroad. Applicants from DAC countries who have not yet moved to Germany get priority. Apply only through the online portal, which opens about six weeks before the deadline. The page states that from 1 March 2027 master's applications are accepted only for first-cycle programmes.

What does Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships for International Master's Students and PhD Candidates cover?

Monthly scholarship support for master's and doctoral studies in Germany; the amounts are not stated on the application page

When is the deadline for Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships for International Master's Students and PhD Candidates?

Twice a year: 15 Jan – 1 Mar 2027 (spring round) and 15 Jul – 1 Sep (autumn round; the 2026 window ran 15 Jul – 1 Sep 2026) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships for International Master's Students and PhD Candidates?

Host countries: Germany.

What documents do I need for Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships for International Master's Students and PhD Candidates?

Online application; CV; academic records; motivation letter; references; proof of German proficiency; doctoral research proposal where applicable.

How are applicants selected for Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships for International Master's Students and PhD Candidates?

Multi-stage academic and personal assessment

How much work is the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships for International Master's Students and PhD Candidates application?

High