
The Heinrich Böll Foundation is a German political foundation associated with the Green movement and values of ecology, democracy, human rights, and self-determination. Its scholarship programme supports talented and socially engaged international students studying at German higher education institutions, at undergraduate (final stage), master's, and doctoral level. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend (~€934 for master's scholars and ~€1,350 plus a research allowance for doctoral candidates), along with various individual allowances and a programme of seminars and networking centred on the foundation's values. Around 1,000 scholars are supported at any time, a portion of them international. Applicants should demonstrate excellent academic performance, civic and political engagement, and an affinity with the foundation's green and democratic values, and normally need German language ability. There are typically two application rounds a year (commonly around 1 March and 1 September), with selection by review and interview.
Apply through the Heinrich Böll Foundation online scholarship portal in one of the two annual rounds, showing academic excellence, engagement, and value alignment.
Two application rounds per year (commonly ~1 March and ~1 September). Engagement and values count alongside grades; German language ability is expected.
Worldwide (international applicants)
The Heinrich Böll Foundation selects scholars on excellent academic performance, German language ability, demonstrated social/political engagement, and affinity with its values of ecology, democracy, and human rights. The process includes an application review and an interview.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation is a German political foundation affiliated with the Green movement, named for the Nobel Prize-winning author Heinrich Böll. Active in civic education and international cooperation worldwide, its scholarship programme supports talented, engaged students who share its commitment to ecology, democracy, human rights, and self-determination.
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.
The scholarship programme of the Heinrich Böll Foundation, a German political foundation linked to the Green movement, supporting talented and engaged international students studying in Germany at bachelor's (final stage), master's, and doctoral level.
International students at a German institution with excellent academics, German language ability, active social/political engagement, and affinity with the foundation's values of ecology, democracy, and human rights.
A monthly stipend (~€934 master's, ~€1,350 doctoral with a research allowance), individual allowances, and a funded programme of seminars, mentoring, and networking on the foundation's themes.
Normally yes — German ability is expected for the seminar programme and study, though some study programmes are in English. German remains central to the experience.
There are typically two rounds a year, commonly around ~1 March and ~1 September. Confirm the current dates on the foundation's scholarship portal.
Yes — affinity with the foundation's values (ecology, democracy, human rights) and demonstrated engagement are central to selection, alongside academic excellence.
Through the Heinrich Böll Foundation online portal in one of the two annual rounds, with your CV, motivation, evidence of engagement, academic documents, and references; shortlisted candidates interview.
Final-stage bachelor's, master's, and doctoral study in Germany, with doctoral candidates receiving a higher stipend and research allowance.
Competitive — the foundation supports around 1,000 scholars at a time and selects engaged, high-achieving students through review and interview.
No — scholars join a programme of seminars and events on ecology, democracy, and human rights, receive mentoring, and become part of the foundation's network.
Yes — doctoral candidates are eligible and receive a higher monthly stipend plus a research cost allowance, alongside the seminar and network programme.
You should be admitted to, enrolled at, or about to enrol at a German higher education institution; the scholarship supports study there.