You are about to explore a clear, practical route to study in Germany. This program supports bachelor, master’s and PhD levels with up to 40 awards each year. You’ll learn how monthly stipends, funded health insurance, and mentorship can shape your academic life.
You’ll see who qualifies: high-achieving students from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe who aim to study at state or state-recognized universities. Language readiness matters — DSH-2, TestDaF 4, or Goethe C1 is expected even for English-taught courses.
What to expect next: clear deadlines for master’s intakes, flexible windows for bachelor and medicine, and open timing for PhD. The application starts online, then you submit documents if shortlisted, followed by interviews and final selection.
This introduction sets the stage for a step-by-step guide to benefits, eligibility, language benchmarks, and the application form so you can plan your next move with confidence.
Why the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship matters for your studies in Germany
This award transforms your study plans by reducing money worries and giving you room to focus on classes and research.
Core benefits include steady support for living costs and a comprehensive seminar program that helps enhance candidates’ leadership and social skills.
The mission centers on social justice and democratic values. The foundation backs academically strong, socially engaged students who want to shape civic life. That means you join a community of scholars who share purpose and practical goals.
A curated seminar program and liaison lecturers offer mentoring, workshops, and networking. These elements boost your confidence for interviews and internships and improve academic performance.
- Structured seminars that build communication, research, and leadership.
- Networks with peers from Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and latin america.
- Mentors who guide your study choices and career steps.
The program’s reputation signals credibility to professors and employers, complementing your studies and compounding benefits over time.
Funding, benefits, and what “fully funded” really covers
A precise funding breakdown makes planning simple. You get fixed monthly amounts based on your study level and clear non-repayable support so you can focus on learning.
Monthly stipend by study level
The monthly stipend is EUR 750 for Bachelor/Diploma/Magister/state examination programs and EUR 850 for master level students.
PhD funding is available too, with durations set according to BAföG-aligned rules that match standard program timelines.
Health insurance and family allowances
Your mandatory health insurance is covered by the grant. If you have children, a family allowance of EUR 276 per child per month may apply.
The support is a non-repayable grant, not a loan, reducing financial stress while you study in Germany.
Seminar program and networking
The comprehensive seminar program includes workshops, peer groups, and networking sessions. These seminar program help formats are designed to help enhance candidates’ communication, leadership, and project skills.
Program help enhance your readiness for internships, conferences, and civic projects while connecting you with scholars and students across disciplines.
Duration and practical notes
Funding duration follows BAföG rules. Plan your credits and milestones to stay within the supported period.
Eligibility, language requirements, and what the selection committee looks for
Start by confirming that your region, academic record, and civic work fit the program profile.
Who can apply: Gifted applicants from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe are eligible. You must be admitted or ready to enroll at a German state or state-recognized university before funding begins.
Language and enrollment practicalities
You need solid German even when your courses are held english. The program expects at least DSH level 2, TestDaF 4, or Goethe C1.
Plan testing early to secure the least dsh level equivalent in time for your application.
What the committee seeks
The selection team screens for above-average grades and clear academic progress at your study level. They prize concrete evidence of research, leadership, and social engagement.
- Show active commitment to values social democracy through volunteering, student bodies, NGOs, or civic work.
- Demonstrate personal traits: critical thinking, teamwork, openness, and self-reflection.
- Tailor your profile for bachelor, master or phd by matching leadership evidence to your stage.
Both foreign students and German candidates can apply, but priority goes to those who clearly link their study plans to social impact.
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship application process: step-by-step to a strong online application
Start your application early. Fill the online application form first no documents are required at this stage. This lets you apply quickly and refine your supporting files while the process moves forward.
Key deadlines and timing
- Master: May 31 (summer) and November 30 (winter).
- Bachelor/Diploma/State exam: after first semester; latest three semesters before standard end.
- Medicine: after 4th semester or after Physikum; up to end of 6th semester.
- PhD: apply anytime.
Step-by-step process
- Complete the online application form to enter the process.
- If eligible, upload required documents within 3 weeks; expert reports may arrive within 6 weeks.
- Attend two interviews: one with a liaison lecturer and one with the selection committee.
- Final decision made by the selection committee in scheduled meetings.
Required documents and practical tips
Prepare: academic transcripts, CV, motivation letter, proof of German, and two expert reports.
| Item | Who provides | Upload timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expert reports | First-year: former teachers; others: university professors | Within 3 weeks; up to 6 weeks allowed for experts | Line up referees early to avoid delays |
| Language proof | Applicant | Upload with documents | DSH-2/TestDaF 4/Goethe C1 expected |
| Transcripts & CV | Applicant | Within 3 weeks | Use clear, labeled files for readability |
Tips to boost your chances
Align your social commitment to concrete projects, quantify outcomes, and write a clear study plan tied to your university goals. Practice interview answers that show leadership, civic impact, and realistic milestones for master or phd level work.
Foreign students: show language readiness, visa planning, and how your background adds value to the cohort. For first-year students, request two teacher reports early and keep files tidy to meet the 3-week window.
Your next steps toward a fully funded place in Germany
Begin the steps that turn preparation into a successful, fully funded study plan in Germany. Choose your intended intake and map the master or bachelor timeline. This helps you meet key deadlines and stay on track.
Start the online application now and gather core documents: transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and referee contacts. First-year students should request teacher reports early so uploads are ready within three weeks.
Prepare for interviews with the selection committee and schedule language tests. Budget around the monthly stipend and funded health insurance, and review program benefits. For more funding resources and related scholarships, see university funding programs.
When you apply to the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, show clear commitment to values and civic impact. Do this, and you can turn your education into a fully funded path to study and contribute to democracy in Germany.