Rosa Luxemburg Foundation International Study Scholarship 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
Germany’s political foundations each reflect a different strand of the country’s politics, and the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation represents the democratic socialist tradition. Its International Study Scholarship funds non-German students already pursuing a degree in Germany, pairing financial support with a strong emphasis on social engagement.
About the Scholarship
The foundation’s International Study Scholarship is funded in part by Germany’s Federal Foreign Office and targets foreign nationals studying at a state or state-recognized German university. Unlike some foundation scholarships that fund the whole degree from day one, this one is aimed at students who are already enrolled or about to enroll, helping them complete a bachelor’s, master’s, or related qualification while contributing to the foundation’s wider intellectual and political community.
Scholars join a network built around critical social theory, labor history, and left political thought, with regular seminars and discussion groups that run alongside the academic coursework.
Scholarship Benefits
- A monthly stipend to cover living costs during the study period
- A study cost allowance for books and course materials
- Health insurance contribution
- Participation in the foundation’s seminar and discussion programme
- Access to a community of international and German scholars working on related political and social themes
- Guidance and mentoring from foundation staff throughout the scholarship period
Eligibility Criteria
- Foreign nationals enrolled, or about to enrol, at a state or state-recognized university in Germany
- A completed bachelor’s degree for students applying at the master’s level
- A strong academic record from previous study
- German language proficiency at B2 level or above, since much of the foundation’s programme runs in German
- A demonstrated history of social or political engagement in line with the foundation’s values
Fields of Study Covered
The foundation accepts applicants from all academic disciplines, though it has a particular affinity for social sciences, political science, history, economics, and the humanities, given its research focus on labor and social justice.
Required Documents
- Completed online application through the foundation’s scholarship portal
- Letter of motivation explaining academic goals and social or political engagement
- Curriculum vitae
- Proof of enrollment or admission at a German university
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of German language proficiency at B2 level
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Secure admission or enrollment at a state-recognized German university before applying
- Check the foundation’s application window, which typically opens in August and closes in early October
- Prepare a CV, transcripts, and a motivation letter describing your academic plans and social engagement
- Obtain German language proof at B2 level if you do not already have it
- Submit the complete application online before the published deadline
- Attend an interview if shortlisted, which may be conducted in German
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee that weighs academic performance, language ability, and genuine involvement in social or political causes connected to the foundation’s mission. Shortlisted applicants are generally interviewed, with particular attention paid to how clearly they can discuss their own engagement and interests.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Start improving German language skills early, since B2 proficiency is a hard requirement, not a preference
- Be specific about organizations, campaigns, or projects you have worked on, rather than describing general political sympathies
- Secure university admission well ahead of the scholarship deadline so the application timeline is not rushed
- Read some of the foundation’s published research before applying, to understand its current focus areas
- Compare this scholarship with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship for International Students if you are deciding between Germany’s different political foundations
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to already be enrolled in Germany to apply?
Yes, this scholarship is aimed at foreign nationals who are already studying or have secured admission to a German university, not applicants still abroad without an offer.
Is B2 German really required?
Yes, the foundation states this clearly as a requirement, since its seminar programme and much of its community activity run in German.
Can I apply for a bachelor’s degree, not just a master’s?
Yes, the scholarship supports students at various levels, including bachelor’s study, as long as other eligibility criteria are met.
How competitive is this scholarship?
It is competitive, with a limited number of places awarded annually relative to the number of applications received.
Is funding available for the full length of my degree?
Funding is generally reviewed and can be extended, subject to satisfactory academic progress and continued engagement with the foundation.
What kind of social engagement counts?
Student activism, community organizing, union involvement, and similar documented activities connected to social justice themes are typically considered.
Is the application process different for PhD candidates?
PhD applicants follow a broadly similar process but are generally expected to already have a defined doctoral project and supervisor.
Can I combine this scholarship with part-time work?
Scholars may take on limited part-time work under standard German visa and study regulations, though the stipend is designed to reduce the need for it.