Germany Heinrich Böll Scholarship

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship is a funded program offered by the Heinrich Böll Foundation for international students planning to pursue a master's degree at a recognized university in Germany. It supports applicants who combine strong academics with social or political engagement and provides a monthly stipend, possible allowances, and community support. The program aligns with the foundation's focus on environmental sustainability, democracy, human rights, and social justice.

GermanyMastersFully FundedDeadline: March 1 and September 1 (annual)

Official source: Heinrich Böll Foundation • Last updated:

Eligibility

Study location
Germany
Academic background
Must meet admission/academic requirements for Masters study (check official source)
Admission required
Many providers require admission or a valid offer before funding decisions (confirm official source)
Minimum GPA/grades
Merit threshold is provider/program-dependent (confirm official source)
Work experience
Requirement varies by scholarship type and provider
Field of study
Program-dependent; applicants must match eligible disciplines listed by the provider
Residency requirement
May apply for country-targeted or region-targeted schemes
Document language/translations
Certified translations/legalization may be required for non-native-language documents
Current enrollment status
Depends on call rules (new-admit vs currently-enrolled categories may differ)
Eligible nationalities
International applicants can apply; the exact rules depend on your applicant category.
Degree level
Master's (postgraduate) study at a recognized German university.
Academic requirement
A bachelor's degree and meeting the admission requirements for your chosen program (no fixed GPA cutoff is officially stated).
Language requirement
Proof of German proficiency is required by the foundation (at least B2 or equivalent, per official requirements).
Engagement
Demonstrated social/political engagement and motivation aligned with the foundation's values.
Age limit
Age policy varies by applicant category and annual call rules.

Benefits

Tuition
Listed as full (confirm coverage on official source)
Stipend
Included (amount varies — check official source)
Accommodation
Provider-dependent; may be included, subsidized, or unavailable by scheme
Travel
Provider-dependent; some schemes include one-time travel support
Health insurance
Coverage depends on scholarship conditions and host-country rules
Other benefits
Additional support may include research, books, or orientation allowances (scheme-dependent)
Visa/residence support
Some schemes provide limited support; verify visa-fee or permit support on official source
Application fee
Fee policy is portal/provider-specific; confirm before submission
Monthly stipend
Typically €992/month for international students (rates/allowances vary by applicant category).
Tuition fees
Tuition-fee funding is not possible in Germany under this program.
Allowances
Possible individual allowances (e.g., health insurance), if applicable.
Mobility
Additional funding may be available for limited periods abroad (study/internship), for scholarship holders.
Community support
Seminars, mentoring, and networking through the foundation.

Application process

  1. Check the official eligibility rules for your applicant category and confirm the German language requirement.
  2. Choose your master's program and apply to a recognized German university (admission requirements are set by the university).
  3. Prepare your documents (transcripts, CV, motivation, engagement proof, and language certificates where required).
  4. When the application portal opens (about 6 weeks before each deadline), register and complete the online application.
  5. Upload all required forms and supporting documents, then submit before March 1 or September 1.
  6. Wait for the foundation's selection process and final decision; detailed timing can vary by cycle and applicant category.

Required documents

  • Valid passport/ID
  • Academic transcripts and degree certificate(s)
  • CV / résumé
  • Motivation letter / statement of purpose
  • Proof of German language proficiency (if required for your applicant category)
  • Evidence of social/political engagement (references, certificates, or portfolio)
  • Any required foundation forms (as listed on the official application page)
  • CV/Resume
  • Recommendation letters (if required)
  • Admission letter / proof of enrollment (if required)
  • Certified translations (if required)
  • Medical / health certificate (if required)

Good to know

  • This scholarship is highly competitive and strongly weighs social/political engagement alongside academic performance.
  • It is not a tuition-fee scholarship in Germany; plan for living costs and any university semester fees beyond what your stipend/allowances cover.
  • Because German proficiency is required for international applicants, confirm language requirements early even if your degree program is taught in English.

FAQ

Is this scholarship fully funded?

It is a funded scholarship that typically provides a monthly stipend and may include allowances and non-financial support. Tuition-fee funding is not possible in Germany under this program, so always verify the current terms on the official site.

Can international students apply for the master's scholarship?

Yes. International applicants can apply for funding for master's study in Germany, provided they meet the official eligibility rules for their applicant category.

Is IELTS/TOEFL required?

The foundation focuses on German-language proof (at least B2 or equivalent) for international applicants. English tests depend on the university program you apply to and are not always required by the scholarship itself.

When is the deadline?

The annual deadlines are March 1 and September 1. The online portal usually opens about 6 weeks before each deadline.

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GermanyMastersFully FundedDeadline: August-October (program dependent)

Official source: DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service • Updated:

DetailsApply

Ready to apply?

Applications are completed on the official provider website. Be cautious with third-party sites and always verify scholarship details at the source.

Go to official application page →