Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships are a prestigious scholarship program offered by the Heinrich Böll Foundation. It is open to all talented and deserving students international students around the globe who want to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees can grab the opportunity. This scholarship covers most of the students’ educational and other expenses.

The program is under the supervision of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Foreign Office.

Benefits of the Scholarship

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships are known for the benefits they offer to the award-winning students. The scholarship funding may vary for the EU and non-EU students.

  • Scholarship amount: The amount of €812 plus €300 study costs allowance per month is awarded to the EU students. It depends upon the parental income or own assets or earnings.
  • Scholarship amount of €934 per month is awarded to the non-EU students.
  • Individual allowances: The program offers various individual allowances to the award-winning students to facilitate their studies.
  • Health insurance: The program also offers health insurance to the award-winning students.
  • Access to the foundation’s global network.
  • Internships in the foundation’s foreign offices are particularly popular.

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Level of Study

The scholarship is offered to students in various degree program like:

  • Bachelors degree
  • Master’s degree
  • Post graduate degree.

All the course and disciplines are open for the scholarship.

Duration of the Program

The scholarship is available for regular period of study. It may be extended by one semester only.

Host Institutions

All the state or state-recognized universities in general in Germany are the host institutions for the scholarship. University of applied sciences and university of arts are also included.

If you want to study in Germany, you can also look for the DAAD scholarships for international students.

Who is Eligible for the Scholarship

Following students are able to apply for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships.

  • International students belonging to either EU or non-EU students can apply for the scholarship.
  • The applicant must fulfil the entry requirement for the degree chosen.
  • The applicant must have a good academic record.
  • Applicant with proficiency in the German language are eligible for the scholarship. The level of proficiency is DSH 2 or Level B 2
  • The applicant must be socially and politically engaged.
  • The applicant must have an active interest in the basic values of the foundation: ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, self-determination and justice.

How to Apply for the Scholarship

There are three stages to apply and be selected for the scholarship.

  • Studienwerk is the application portal for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships.
  • Apply for study program or post graduate program here.
  • Fill the application form on the portal.
  • Upload all the documents.
  • Submit the application before the deadline.  

Selection Procedure for the Scholarship

Once your application is selected by the committee members, you will proceed to the next stage.

  • An interview with a liaison lecturer, usually at the place of residence of the liaison lecturer in Germany, by telephone or digitally.
  •  Digital interview with 3 to 4 selection committee members, including 1 to 2 external members, one scholarship holder and one staff member of the Studienwerk.

Required Documentation

  • Application form
  • Personal CV
  • Motivation letter for applying to Heinrich Böll Foundation.
  • Outline of motivation for studying your chosen subject and your main areas of interest
  •  An outline of your social commitments and political interests
  • University entrance qualification
  • Certified copy of the degree certificate.
  • Student enrollement certificate
  • Written proof of German language proficiency (for international students) with minimum score of DSH 2 or Level B 2.
  • Some work samples
  • Third-party reference on your social commitment is required.
  • Expert recommendation letter from professor

Note: All documents have to be provided in German. Personal and expert references in English

Deadline

The last date to apply for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships is 1st March and  1st September.

Official Website

To get more information about the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships, visit the official website of the scholarship.

FAQs

1. Who is eligible for a Heinrich‑Böll scholarship?
Only graduates and doctoral students (not undergraduates) pursuing studies in Germany are eligible. International and German nationals can apply.

2. When are the application deadlines?
Applications open twice a year, typically due on March 1 and September 1. The portal opens about six weeks prior.

3. How do I submit my application?
All applications must be submitted online via the official portal. Paper applications are not accepted.

4. What language proficiency is required?
Non-German applicants must prove they have at least B2 level German (or DSH‑1/2), as courses are often in German.

5. What documents are required?
Typical requirements include:

  • Completed online form
  • CV and academic transcripts
  • Enrolment proof or admission letter
  • German proficiency certificate
  • Two reference forms (academic report & social-commitment letter)

6. Can I apply without a university admission letter?
Yes, you can apply while awaiting admission. However, you must submit proof of admission before the scholarship is awarded.

7. What are the selection criteria?
Applicants are evaluated on:

  • Academic excellence
  • Social and political engagement
  • Fit with the foundation’s core values (ecology, democracy, human rights)

8. What is the application timeline?
After applying, you’ll receive acknowledgment via email. Final decisions follow around two months after the deadline.

9. What benefits does the scholarship include?
Stipends vary:

  • M.A. students: €812 (EU) or €934 (non‑EU) monthly
  • PhD students: approx. €1,200–€1,350 + allowances
    Plus health insurance and support for research/travel.

10. Can I change my study program after being selected?
Yes, but only under specific conditions. For Bachelor programs up to 4th semester and Master/Doctoral only under exceptional circumstances.

These tips could help you to stay motivated to finish your degree while earning.

Updated by Z on June 20, 2025.