Heinrich Böll Foundation Graduate and PhD Scholarships 2026/2027 in Germany

The Heinrich Böll Foundation offers graduate and PhD scholarships to eligible international applicants who plan to pursue full-time study in Germany. The Fall 2026 application period runs from July 15 to September 1, 2026. A second application period is scheduled from January 15 to March 1, 2027.

Quick Overview

Programme: Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship Programme
Opportunity Type: Graduate and PhD scholarships
Host Organization: Heinrich Böll Foundation
Country: Germany
Study Levels: Master’s and PhD
Eligible Applicants: International students and PhD candidates from EU and DAC countries
Fall 2026 Application Period: July 15–September 1, 2026
Spring 2027 Application Period: January 15–March 1, 2027

About the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship Programme supports German and international students and doctoral candidates.

For international applicants, the programme provides graduate and PhD scholarship routes. International applicants must follow the requirements for their intended study level and submit their applications through the Foundation’s online portal.

The Foundation conducts two application procedures each year. The general deadlines are March 1 and September 1.

Graduate Scholarship Eligibility

International students may apply for the graduate scholarship when they meet the following conditions:

• They completed their first academic degree outside Germany.
• They plan to begin a Master’s degree programme in Germany.
• They will study full-time at a state-recognized university.
• Their selected Master’s programme has a standard duration of at least four semesters.

Students from all academic disciplines may apply.

Priority is given to applicants from DAC countries who have not yet moved to Germany when they submit their applications.

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PhD Scholarship Eligibility

International PhD applicants may apply when they:

• Completed their graduate degree outside Germany.
• Plan to pursue a PhD programme in Germany.

Priority is given to international applicants from DAC countries who remain in their home country when applying.

Applicants should review the separate information pages and application materials prepared for graduate and PhD candidates before beginning the online application.

Documents and Application Preparation

Applicants should begin preparing the required documents early. The official page specifically refers to expert reports as part of the application materials.

Applications must be complete. However, one exception applies to the certificate of enrolment or confirmation of university admission. Applicants should try to include this document with their initial application, but it may be submitted later.

The certificate must be provided no later than the interview conducted during the third stage of the selection process. Applicants who cannot provide it by that point should inform the Foundation when they expect to submit it.

The application materials also include expert opinions and a reference concerning the applicant’s civic engagement.

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Application Process

The Heinrich Böll Foundation outlines six main application steps:

• Check whether you meet the formal requirements and can apply before the next deadline.
• Review the application formalities and process.
• Begin preparing the required documents, including expert reports.
• Register through the online portal, which becomes available six weeks before the deadline.
• Complete the required information and upload the application documents.
• Submit the completed online application before the deadline.

The Foundation accepts applications only through its online application portal.

Applicants must use Adobe Acrobat Reader to complete the application form. They should remain within the designated sections and ensure that all answers are legible when printed.

After Submitting the Application

Applicants receive a confirmation email immediately after submitting their final application through the portal.

After final submission, applicants can no longer sign in to the application portal. Therefore, all information and uploaded documents should be reviewed carefully before the application is submitted.

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Important Dates

The Foundation has announced the following application periods:

• Fall 2026 application period: July 15–September 1, 2026
• Fall 2026 application deadline: September 1, 2026
• Spring 2027 application period: January 15–March 1, 2027
• Spring 2027 application deadline: March 1, 2027

The online portal becomes available approximately six weeks before each deadline.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the Fall 2026 application procedure is September 1, 2026.

Applicants who cannot complete their applications during this period may review the eligibility conditions for the Spring 2027 application period, which runs from January 15 to March 1, 2027.

Official Link

Submit your application through the official application portal below.

Apply for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship Programme