Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship For International Students 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — Heinrich Boll Foundation
Political foundations are one of Germany’s quieter but more generous funding routes for international students, and the Heinrich Boll Foundation is among the largest. Linked to the Green political tradition, it funds students who combine strong academics with a track record of civic or environmental engagement.
About the Scholarship
The Heinrich Boll Foundation runs one of the biggest scholarship programmes in Germany, supporting both German and international students at the master’s and doctoral levels. International applicants who completed their first degree outside Germany can apply before starting a master’s programme at a German university, while doctoral applicants are usually already enrolled or about to begin a PhD.
The foundation looks beyond grades. It wants scholars who have been active in civil society, environmental work, human rights, or democratic participation, reflecting its broader mission around ecology and democracy.
Scholarship Benefits
- A monthly stipend of roughly 934 euros for master’s students and around 1,200 euros for doctoral candidates
- A study cost allowance for books, materials, and research needs
- Health insurance contribution
- Access to the foundation’s seminar programme, covering topics in politics, ecology, and social justice
- A supportive network of current and former scholars across many countries
- Family and childcare allowances where applicable
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to international students with a first degree from outside Germany, applying before a German master’s programme, as well as doctoral candidates
- Strong academic record from the previous degree
- A documented history of civic, environmental, or social engagement
- Alignment with the foundation’s values around democracy, human rights, and ecological responsibility
- German or English language proficiency depending on the chosen degree programme
Fields of Study Covered
The foundation funds students across nearly all academic disciplines, with particular interest in political science, environmental studies, social sciences, law, economics, and the humanities, though strong applicants from other fields are also considered.
Required Documents
- Online application form through the foundation’s portal
- Letter of motivation describing academic goals and civic engagement
- Curriculum vitae
- Two letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- A short essay or statement on a current political or ecological topic, as specified by the foundation
- Proof of admission or application to a German university, for master’s applicants
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Check the foundation’s open application windows, which run twice a year for master’s applicants
- Gather academic transcripts, a CV, and evidence of civic or environmental engagement
- Write a motivation letter connecting your personal history to the foundation’s political and ecological values
- Submit the complete application online before the stated deadline
- Request two recommendation letters well ahead of time from referees who know your work
- Prepare for a possible interview or seminar-style selection event if shortlisted
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by regional selection committees made up of foundation staff and current scholars. Academic merit matters, but so does a genuine, demonstrable record of civic or ecological activity. Shortlisted candidates are often invited to a selection seminar, sometimes held online for applicants abroad, where they discuss their background and views in a small group setting.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Describe specific actions you have taken, such as organizing a campaign or project, rather than listing general interests
- Connect your intended field of study clearly to democracy, ecology, or social justice themes
- Apply within the correct window for your degree level, since master’s and doctoral applicants follow different cycles
- Read the foundation’s own publications beforehand so your application reflects genuine familiarity with its work
- Look at a comparable option such as the DAAD Helmut Schmidt Programme for Public Policy and Good Governance if your interests lean more toward policy practice than political foundations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to already support the Green Party to apply?
No formal party affiliation is required, but applicants should genuinely share the foundation’s values around ecology, human rights, and democracy.
Can I apply if I am already studying in Germany?
Master’s funding targets students applying before they start their German programme. PhD applicants are usually already enrolled or close to starting.
Is the scholarship only for European applicants?
No, it is open worldwide to students who meet the academic and values-based criteria.
How many scholarships are awarded each year?
The foundation funds a large cohort annually, among the biggest of Germany’s political foundation scholarships, though exact numbers vary by cycle.
What counts as civic engagement for the application?
Volunteering, activism, student government, community organizing, or environmental projects can all count, as long as they are documented and genuine.
Is there an age limit?
There is no strict universal age limit, though the foundation generally expects applicants near the start of their postgraduate or doctoral path.
Do I need a German university offer before applying?
Master’s applicants typically need to show they have applied to or been admitted into a German programme alongside their scholarship application.
What happens during the selection seminar?
Shortlisted candidates usually join small group discussions on political and social topics, giving the foundation a sense of how they think and engage with others.