You are about to get clear, practical information on a competitive program that supports roughly 1,500 recipients yearly. This guide covers who can apply, required language proof (DSH 2 or TestDaF B2), and key deadlines like September 1, 2025.
Expect a step-by-step walkthrough of the online application, the portal opening window, and the documents you must upload. You will see typical monthly support numbers by category and what extras may apply, such as mobility, book, or research allowances.
This overview also explains where you can study with funding (state or state‑recognized universities in Germany and select EU/Switzerland options). Use the next sections to sharpen your academic profile and craft an application that matches the program’s civic and social values.
What the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship is and who it’s for
Each year roughly 1,500 students win funding for studies at bachelor, master, and PhD levels. The award supports study at state or state‑recognized universities, universities of applied sciences, and arts colleges across Germany.
Scope: Funding spans undergraduate, graduate students, and doctoral students. Undergraduate places are often for Germans or foreign students who completed their schooling in Germany. Graduate and doctoral studies accept a broader international pool.
Values and selection focus
The heinrich boll foundation centers on ecology, democracy, human rights, and social justice. Selection weighs academic merit plus clear evidence of social commitment and political engagement.
- You should show leadership potential, intercultural skills, and initiative beyond coursework.
- Doctoral students need a convincing exposé and a realistic timeline to be competitive.
- Applications are accepted only online, so plan for deadlines and required uploads.
To learn how to apply and check deadlines, visit the full program page on PickAScholarship: program details and deadlines.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship benefits at a glance
Here you’ll find clear figures for monthly aid and extra allowances to plan your academic year with confidence.
Monthly stipends by applicant category
Germans, EU nationals, and students educated in Germany: PhD holders receive about €1,350 plus a €100 research allowance. Undergraduates and graduates can get up to €812 monthly plus a €300 book allowance.
Non‑EU nationals and students not educated in Germany: PhD recipients typically receive €1,200 plus a €100 mobility allowance and possible individual top‑ups. Undergrad and grad applicants may receive around €934 plus various individual allowances.
Book, research, mobility, and individual allowances
Book and research grants help cover materials and project costs. Mobility and individual allowances support travel, equipment, or special needs. You should itemize these when you plan research or study budgets.
Family, childcare, and health insurance considerations
If you have dependents, the program can offer family or childcare support and help with health insurance in some cases. Prepare proof of family status and insurance needs early to avoid delays.
Funding rules for study or research stays abroad
Holders from Germany and EU generally get more support for research stays abroad. Non‑EU nationals may receive limited or short‑term funding for overseas research. Justify mobility clearly in your proposal.
Tuition fee funding: when it’s possible and when it’s not
Tuition is generally not funded for study in Germany. Narrow exceptions exist for some non‑EU undergrad/grad cases or for study outside Germany. For PhD candidates from non‑EU countries, tuition fees are usually not covered.
Compare your category and map allowances to a realistic budget. For a detailed program overview and application steps, see the official guide on program details and deadlines.
Eligibility and who should apply
Verify that your transcript, research readiness, and civic activities together make you a competitive applicant.
Academic profiles: You should show excellent grades and clear research readiness. For doctoral applicants, present an innovative project and a realistic timetable. Benchmarks include top marks, relevant publications or project work, and strong referee support.
Language requirements
You must submit written proof of German proficiency. The minimum accepted levels are DSH 2 or TestDaF B2. Plan to secure certificates early so your application is complete before the deadline.
Citizenship and education background
Applicants are grouped as germany nationals, EU nationals, non-eu nationals, or students educated in Germany. Undergraduate rules differ for foreign applicants who completed school in Germany, so confirm your category before you submit.
Fit with values and social engagement
The selection looks for academic merit plus clear social commitment. Translate your civic or political work into measurable impact statements that link to ecology, democracy, human rights, or social justice.
- Confirm your applicant category and eligibility.
- Prepare language proof (DSH 2/TestDaF B2).
- Align referees to validate both academic excellence and engagement.
- Check application timelines and funding expectations early.
For more practical guidance on the application process, see the program overview and tips.
Where you can study and recognized institutions
Your choice of university and country affects eligibility and the level of support you can expect.
State or state‑recognized universities in Germany
You must target a degree at a state or state‑recognized institution in Germany. This includes public universities, universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), and arts universities.
Confirm recognition and program duration so your stipend continues without interruption. Check matriculation rules and language requirements with the host university.
Options in Switzerland and EU member states (category-specific)
If you are germany nationals, an EU national, or a student educated germany, you may be eligible to study in Switzerland or other EU countries under certain conditions.
Non‑EU foreign students and those not educated in Germany are generally funded only for studies at German universities located in Germany. Map cross‑border study plans early and verify tuition rules.
- Ensure your field of studies is offered and fits the program scope.
- Coordinate admission timelines with scholarship deadlines to avoid conflicts.
- Confirm the host university can supply verification documents and recognize possible research stays abroad.
For a wider list of eligible options and guidance for foreign students, see this resource on international funding and programs: scholarships for international students.
Application timeline and upcoming deadlines
Start with the calendar: mapping intake windows keeps your documents ready and reduces last‑minute stress.
Key dates: anchor your plan on the September 1, 2025 deadline and prepare for the spring cycle with a March 1 (2026) cutoff.
The online application portal usually opens about six weeks before each deadline. Only online submissions are accepted, so confirm the portal opening window and exact cut‑off time for your time zone.
How to sequence your preparation
- Set internal deadlines for drafts, reviews, and final uploads to keep the application on track.
- Schedule reminders for referees, language test results, and official transcripts.
- Allocate buffer time for technical issues, file conversions, or portal verification requests.
- Track university semester dates (April or October) so the program timeline aligns with admission offers.
After submission, expect possible follow‑ups for verification. Save copies of every upload and note portal confirmation numbers. This small discipline keeps your application process smooth and gives you control during a busy cycle for students and scholarships alike.
Documents and information to prepare before you apply
Gathering the right documents early saves time and keeps your application portal upload smooth. Collect personal data, official transcripts, and degree certificates so names and dates match your ID. This reduces the chance of verification delays.
Academic transcripts, CV, and proof of German proficiency
Assemble certified transcripts and a clear CV that highlights grades, leadership, and volunteer impact. Include translations if the portal requires them.
Submit written proof of German proficiency (DSH 2 or TestDaF B2) with matching personal data and valid dates. Only online uploads via the application portal are accepted.
Motivation letter: study goals and social commitment
Explain why you study this subject and how you act for social change. Your motivation letter should link studies to concrete social or political engagement and show measurable outcomes.
- Outline study goals and main areas of interest.
- Describe roles, outcomes, and references for civic work.
- Explain how support accelerates your studies and research plans.
Doctoral applicants: convincing exposé and timetable
If you are a doctoral student, prepare a rigorous exposé: clear problem statement, innovation, methodology, preliminary work, and a realistic timetable. Show milestones and expected outputs.
Final checklist: format files per portal specs, label consistently, prepare translations, and verify every item before final submission. For additional funding and program details, see the university programs page: scholarship programs.
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship: how to apply online
«A smooth application begins with a clear checklist and timely registration on the portal.»
Start your online application early. Applications are accepted online only and the online application portal usually opens roughly six weeks before the deadline. You will register, fill every field, upload documents, and submit before cut‑off.
Register and complete the online application portal
Register and build your profile
Register on the online application portal as soon as it opens. Create a complete profile and save drafts. Confirm whether you belong to a special focus group and address that in your materials.
Upload checklist and submission best practices
Follow a strict upload sequence to avoid missing mandatory files. Use a pre‑submission checklist to verify consistency across your documents and form fields.
- Label PDFs clearly and follow file size and format rules.
- Prepare short summaries in form fields to complement longer uploads.
- Submit several days before the deadline to allow for corrections.
Focus groups, verification, and what happens after you submit
After you submit, the portal may request verification. Monitor your email and respond fast with precise documents. Keep PDF copies and a screenshot of the confirmation page.
«Register early, upload carefully, and keep records of every step.»
To apply heinrich or to apply heinrich boll, follow the portal instructions closely. This process helps students compete for böll foundation grants and other scholarships international opportunities within the program.
Your next steps to strengthen a winning application
Wrap up your application plan by aligning study goals, civic impact, and a clear timeline before the portal opens.
Audit your narrative for clarity. Connect your academic path, research aims, and social commitment to the program values. Quantify outcomes from projects to show leadership.
Tailor your budget to the stipend structure you qualify for and list any various individual allowances you will request. Segment the application: a short executive summary in form fields and fuller evidence in uploads.
Share drafts with referees and give them bullet points to echo. Finish language proofs, finalize exposés if you are a doctoral student, and confirm your category (e.g., students educated germany or non‑EU nationals).
Remember key dates: next deadline is September 1, 2025 and the online application portal opens about six weeks earlier. Submit early, backup all documents, and stay ready to respond to verification quickly.