Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship

About the scholarship

The Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship, supported in collaboration with DAAD, is a highly competitive funding programme for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students of all nationalities who wish to study in Germany. Each year, about 1,500 students across all academic disciplines receive support to pursue degrees at German universities, universities of applied sciences, or universities of the arts. The scholarship is open to candidates from all countries and supports study in Europe without restriction to a specific field.

Beyond academic excellence, the foundation places strong emphasis on social and political engagement. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear commitment to the foundation’s core values, including democracy, ecology and sustainability, human rights, justice, solidarity, and non-violence. The scholarship provides full financial support, including an annual stipend of up to €11,208, healthcare coverage, and travel costs. Applications are accepted twice yearly, with deadlines on March 1 and September 1.

DAAD Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship Duration and Reward

• Funding generally covers the standard study period with the option to apply for renewal for 1 semester.
• Monthly funding of €934
• Individual allowance
• Health insurance
• Funding for travel abroad

Eligibility

To apply and be considered for the 2026 DAAD Heinrich Boll Scholarship, interested and qualified candidates must satisfy the following requirements;

• Proof of the required level of German language (B2 oder DSH 2)
• excellent school grades and academic standing; if requested, first graded proofs of academic achievements
• social engagement and interest in politics
• convincing justification for applying to the Foundation
• The scholarship department of the Heinrich Böll Foundation grants scholarships to graduates and doctoral students from outside Germany. An application for a scholarship for an undergraduate degree is only available for German nationals.
• The application deadline is March 1st and September 1st. Please note: We only accept online applications. The application portal will be opened about 6 weeks before the application deadline.

International applicants have to prove their proficiency in German. Good or very good knowledge of the German language is required (at least B2 Level or DSH2).

Required Documents for DAAD Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship

To apply, candidates must be ready to submit the following documents;

• Application Form
• University Entrance Qualification or Equivalent
• A list of Study Certificates to date if you have already commenced your studies
• For foreign applicants for a scholarship to study for a master’s degree: Certified copy of your first-degree certificate
• Student enrollment certificate
• An expert reference from a university or college lecturer.
• A third-party reference on your social commitment
• Proof of the required level of German language (B2 oder DSH 2)
• excellent school grades and academic standing; if requested, first graded proofs of academic achievements
• social engagement and interest in politics
• convincing justification for applying to the Foundation

 

Additional notes

Applications are accepted twice yearly, with deadlines on March 1 and September 1. The application portal will be opened about 6 weeks before the application deadline. This a highly competitive funding programme for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students of all nationalities who wish to study in Germany.