German universities are open to waiving 3 years’ tuition to international undergraduates provided they can provide a very good reason. This type of excuse is also welcomed by the foundation. Nonetheless, because the Heinrich Böll Foundation provides funding opportunities to many international students that can offer valid reasons as to why they should receive the advanced paid scholarship really helps them out a lot.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship is designed to support international students who wish to study a Master’s Program in Germany. This is one of the competitive scholarship’s application rounds which opens twice every year and needs to be completed online.
Looking for more options in Germany? There are scholarships in Germany for international students that can be viewed as well.
Important Information (A Must Read)
Organizer: Heinrich Böll Foundation (Studienwerk)
Program: Master’s degree (manual). In addition, PhD students receive financial grants from the foundation.
Venue: Germany (public or private colleges/universities with government recognition)
Submission period: 1st March and 1st September (annually)
Registration open: approximately 6 weeks in advance of the due date
Submissions: strictly online
German language: B2 or DSH 1 at the least (with proof)
Advice: prepare well in advance — you will require at least one expert report and one recommendation for public service.
Who Should Use This Guide?
This article is for applicants who wish to apply for master’s (study) scholarship from the Heinrich Böll Foundation and require an easy step-by-step guide to the application web page.
Other master’s scholarships can be checked out for further information.
Important Eligibility Notes (Master’s)
Heinrich Böll Foundation: According to this foundation, for international applicants, this kind of finance where applications for undergraduates are concerned is out of reach.
Time: This is when foreigners and all the time they apply, when you will be able to begin the pursuit of the master’s degree in Germany.
Compulsory requirement in terms of the German language: At a minimum, B2 or DSH 1 level needs to be shown.
It is not only grades that are considered in these preference categories: there is academic achievement in essence but that is in addition to student participation in development activities and political consciousness.
Application Windows for 2026 (Helpful Planning)
The foundation lists these application periods for 2025/2026:
- Spring 2026: January 15, 2026 → March 1, 2026
- Fall 2026: July 15, 2026 → September 1, 2026
Always confirm dates on the official page in case timelines change.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply (Master’s Scholarship)
Step 1) Start on the official application page (don’t rely on third-party sites)
Use the foundation’s application page to confirm the deadlines, portal timing, and the latest forms/checklists.
Step 2) Download the correct documents & forms early
Before you touch the portal, download and read the official checklist/info sheet and the required forms for student (master’s) scholarships. These include items such as:
- Information sheet / checklist for student applicants
- Application form (PDF, typically in German)
- Expert report form (academic reference)
- Reference on social commitment (non-academic reference)
Why this matters: the two reference documents can take time to arrange, so don’t start late.
Step 3) Build your timeline around the deadline
The portal usually opens about 6 weeks before the deadline. Use this practical timeline:
- 6–10 weeks before: request the expert report + social commitment reference, and prepare translations (if needed).
- 6 weeks before: portal opens → register → start your application.
- 1–2 weeks before: finalize PDFs, review everything, and submit early (don’t wait for the last day).
Step 4) Register in the Online Application Portal
When the portal opens, register and follow the portal’s instructions to activate your account.
- Register a new account
- Log in and start an application
- Follow any activation steps shown by the portal (process can change, so don’t assume an exact email flow)
Step 5) Fill in the application sections carefully
Expect to complete sections such as:
- Personal details and CV/history
- Academic background and study plan
- Motivation for applying to the foundation
- Social commitment and political interest
- Language proof details
Tip: the social commitment section is a major selection signal. Be specific about what you did, your role, duration, and impact.
Step 6) Upload your documents (PDFs) + use the correct reference method
The foundation’s checklist explains that a complete application requires uploading a full set of documents as PDFs by the deadline. Common requirements include:
Core documents (typical)
- Passport/ID (if requested by the portal)
- Academic transcripts
- Certified copy of your first degree certificate (and grading explanation if required)
- German language certificate (minimum B2 or DSH 1)
- Application form (completed PDF)
References (very important)
- Reference on social commitment (using the official form)
- Expert report from a university lecturer (using the official form)
Important: The checklist notes that the social-commitment reference and the expert report must come from different people. It also advises using only one submission method for references (upload OR referee emails it directly OR post), not multiple.
Admission / enrollment proof
Some applicants may need to provide an enrollment certificate or indicate when it will be available. Follow the portal instructions for your situation.
Step 7) Review and submit (don’t miss the deadline)
- Re-check that every required file is uploaded and readable
- Confirm you’re applying in the correct cycle: March 1 or September 1
- Submit the application before the deadline (deadlines are binding)
- Save your submission confirmation (portal screen / email, if provided)
What Happens After You Submit? (Selection Stages)
The official student checklist describes a three-stage selection process:
- Stage 1: written application review (academics, social commitment, motivation, German language proof)
- Stage 2: interview with a liaison lecturer (often in Germany, sometimes by phone/digital)
- Stage 3: digital interview with a selection committee (typically 3–4 members)
Only a small group moves forward at each stage, and decisions are communicated in writing.
Common Mistakes (Avoid These)
- Starting too late and missing reference documents
- Writing a generic motivation section with no clear personal fit
- Listing “social engagement” without evidence, duration, or responsibility
- Missing the German language certificate requirement
- Uploading unreadable scans or incomplete PDFs
FAQ
Is IELTS/TOEFL required?
The foundation emphasizes German language proof (at least B2 / DSH 1). English tests depend on your university program, not necessarily the scholarship.
Can I apply for a bachelor’s scholarship?
The foundation states that an undergraduate scholarship application is not possible for international applicants in this program. Focus on master’s or doctoral eligibility instead.
When does the portal open?
About 6 weeks before the deadline.
Can I reapply if rejected?
The student checklist notes that if you already reached the final committee interview stage and received a rejection, you may not be able to reapply. Always confirm the latest rule in the current checklist.