Study Free in Germany - Apply now for the fully funded DAAD Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship in Germany 2026.
If you’re a student passionate about environmental sustainability, social justice, and democratic values, the DAAD Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious opportunities in Germany to fuel your ambitions.
Named after the Nobel Prize-winning author, the foundation awards approximately 1,500 scholarships annually to undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral candidates who share its commitment to ecology, human rights, and non-violence.
Scholarship Details at a Glance
- Host Country: Germany
- Sponsor: Heinrich Böll Foundation
- Target Audience: International Bachelors & PhD Candidates
- Financial Benefits: €934 Monthly Stipend + Allowances
- Deadlines: March 1 and September 1, 2026
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
The foundation provides a holistic support package, ensuring you can focus on your academic work and community activism without financial strain.
- Monthly Stipend:
- Master's Students: €934 per month plus a study allowance.
- PhD Candidates: €1,350 to €1,400 per month, plus a €100 mobility allowance.
- Health & Insurance: Coverage for health and accident insurance is provided (standard in Germany for stability).
- Allowances: Family and childcare allowances are available for students with children.
- Travel & Research Support: Funding for international research trips and travel grants (ranging from €200 to €3,000 depending on the project).
- Tuition Fees: While public universities in Germany are generally tuition-free, the foundation can reimburse fees up to €10,000 per year in specific cases (e.g., for some non-EU PhD tracks).
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the 2026 intake, you must demonstrate a unique blend of academic excellence and social responsibility.
- Nationality: Open to German, EU, and Non-EU international students. Priority is often given to applicants from DAC-listed developing countries.
- Academic Level: * International students are primarily eligible for Master’s and PhD tracks.
- Bachelor’s funding is generally reserved for German students or those educated in Germany.
- German Proficiency: Proof of at least B2 Level or DSH 2 is mandatory.
- Social Commitment: You must provide proof of active engagement in social, political, or environmental work (e.g., NGOs, student government, or community projects).
- Values Alignment: A strong interest in the foundation’s core values: ecology, democracy, and solidarity.
Required Documents
All documents must be submitted digitally via the official application portal.
- Completed Application Form (Downloadable from the portal).
- University Entrance Qualification (High school diploma or equivalent).
- Degree Certificates: Certified copy of your Bachelor's degree (for Master’s applicants).
- Proof of Enrollment: Or a letter of admission from a state-recognized German university.
- Academic Reference: A report from a university lecturer assessing your academic potential.
- Social Commitment Reference: A third-party report confirming your volunteer or political work.
- Proof of German Proficiency: B2 or DSH 2 certificate.
- Personal Statement: An essay outlining your motivation and reasons for choosing the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The application window is brief—the portal typically opens six weeks before the deadline.
- Preparation: Research your chosen Master’s or PhD program in Germany. You need to be admitted or enrolled at a German university to finalize the scholarship.
- Registration: Visit the Heinrich Böll Online Application Portal to create your account once the window opens (approx. mid-January or mid-July).
- Fill the Application: Enter your personal, academic, and social engagement details accurately.
- Upload & Submit: Attach all required documents. Note: Only online applications are accepted.
Application Deadlines
- Spring Window: January 15 – March 1, 2026
- Autumn Window: July 15 – September 1, 2026