FRIEDRICH-EBERT-STIFTUNG
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships for International Students
full · masters, phd
- Fully FundedScholarship type
- Study in GermanyHost country
- ~€934/mo (Master’s)Stipend
- Master’s & PhDStudy levels
- Social-democratic valuesAlignment
- German skills neededRequirement
At a glance
full
Funding
€16k
Max amount
Nov 30, 2026
Deadline
Worldwide (international students in Germany)
Country
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Provider
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is Germany's oldest political foundation, associated with social-democratic values. Its scholarship programme supports talented international students who are studying for a master's or doctoral degree in Germany and who are committed to social justice, democracy, and social and political engagement. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend (~€934 for master's scholars and ~€1,300 for doctoral candidates), plus allowances where applicable, and — like other German political foundations — a programme of seminars, mentoring, and networking built around the foundation's values. Scholars become part of a wide alumni community. FES expects scholars to have German language skills and a genuine commitment to the foundation's ideals, alongside a strong academic record. Applicants generally apply once admitted to or enrolled at a German institution, and selection includes an application review and an interview.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend — ~€934/month for master's scholars; ~€1,300/month plus a research allowance for doctoral candidates.
- Allowances — Family and child allowances and other individual support where applicable.
- Seminars & political education — A funded programme of seminars and workshops on social justice, democracy, and policy.
- Mentoring & networking — Mentoring and access to the FES scholar and alumni network.
- Health insurance support — Support toward insurance and study-related costs as applicable.
How to apply
Apply through the FES scholarship application process once you are admitted to or enrolled at a German institution, demonstrating academics, German ability, and engagement.
- Confirm eligibility — Check enrolment/admission, German ability, and your engagement profile against the requirements.
- Prepare your application — Draft your CV, motivation, evidence of social/political engagement, and academic documents.
- Apply via FES — Submit the FES scholarship application by the relevant deadline.
- Application review — FES reviews academics, engagement, and motivation.
- Interview — Shortlisted candidates are interviewed.
- Award — Selected scholars receive the stipend and join the seminar and network programme.
Eligibility
EnrolmentAdmitted to or enrolled at a German higher education institution for a master's or doctorate.
Academic meritA strong academic record (above-average results).
German languageGerman language ability sufficient to take part in the programme and (often) study.
Values & engagementCommitment to social-democratic values and active social/political engagement.
Need considerationFinancial circumstances may be considered alongside merit and engagement.
FES is values-based — engagement and alignment with social-democratic ideals matter alongside grades. German language ability is expected. Deadlines occur periodically through the year.
Eligible countries
Worldwide (international students in Germany)
Deadlines
Periodic cycle2026-11-30
Selection
FES selects scholars on academic excellence, German language ability, and a genuine commitment to social-democratic values and social/political engagement. The process includes an application review and an interview; financial circumstances may also be considered alongside merit.
Verified sources
- Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarshipsfes.deofficial
About the provider
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), founded in 1925, is Germany's oldest political foundation, associated with social-democratic values and active in civic education and international cooperation worldwide. Its scholarship programme supports talented, socially engaged students in Germany and links them to a values-driven network of scholars and alumni.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung scholarship?
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The scholarship programme of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), Germany's oldest political foundation, supporting international master's and doctoral students in Germany who are committed to social-democratic values and engagement.
Who is eligible?
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International students admitted to or enrolled at a German institution for a master's or doctorate, with strong academics, German language ability, and demonstrated social/political engagement.
What does it cover?
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A monthly stipend (~€934 master's, ~€1,300 doctoral with a research allowance), allowances where applicable, and a funded programme of seminars, mentoring, and networking.
Do I need German language skills?
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Yes — German ability is expected, as the foundation's seminar and network programme (and often the study itself) runs in German.
Does FES consider my values?
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Yes — commitment to social-democratic values and active social/political engagement is a central part of the selection, alongside academic merit.
How do I apply?
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Through the FES scholarship application once you are admitted to or enrolled at a German institution, with your CV, motivation, evidence of engagement, academic documents, and references; shortlisted candidates are interviewed.
When are the deadlines?
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FES has periodic application rounds through the year (for example ~spring and ~autumn). Check the current FES scholarship page for the next deadline.
What levels does it fund?
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Master's and doctoral study in Germany, with doctoral candidates receiving a higher stipend and a research allowance.
Is financial need considered?
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It may be considered alongside academic merit and engagement; FES, like other German foundations, supports talented students who also need financial assistance.
Is it only funding?
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No — scholars take part in seminars and workshops on social justice, democracy, and policy, receive mentoring, and join the FES scholar and alumni network.
Do I need to be enrolled in Germany already?
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Generally you apply once admitted to or enrolled at a German institution; the scholarship supports your ongoing master's or doctoral study there.
How competitive is it?
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Competitive and values-based — FES selects engaged, high-achieving students through an application review and interview.