ROSA-LUXEMBURG-STIFTUNG (RLS)
Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS) Scholarships
full · masters, phd
- Based on BAfoeG ratesMonthly stipend
- ~€11,000-€15,000/yr (est.)Estimated total value
- Up to 3 years (PhD)Funding duration
- 250+ advisorsMentorship network
- All disciplines (most)Subject coverage
- Tuition coveredFunding type
At a glance
full
Funding
€15k
Max amount
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
International students (residing in Germany for study)
Country
Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS)
Provider
The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS) Scholarships are funded awards for both international and German students at state or state-recognised universities in Germany, supporting Master's and PhD study for the 2026/2027 cycle. The foundation promotes equality, political education, and the representation of marginalised communities in higher education. Scholarships are available across all academic disciplines except medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. Selected scholars receive a monthly stipend based on BAfoeG rates, tuition coverage, and living-expenses support, plus political-education workshops, summer schools, study trips, and mentorship from a network of over 250 advisors. The combined annual value of the stipend and support is estimated at roughly 11,000 to 15,000 EUR (est.), depending on individual circumstances. The recent application deadline was 1 October, with funding starting 1 April 2026 (summer semester); the 2026/2027 cycle follows the same calendar. PhD funding runs up to 3 years. Applicants need above-average grades, demonstrated social or political engagement, and German proficiency of at least B2, since the application and programme activities are conducted in German. A special Lux Like Studium track supports German school-leavers from non-academic backgrounds. Confirm the exact 2026/2027 BAfoeG rates, eligibility, and deadline on the official RLS Studienwerk page before applying.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend — A monthly stipend calculated on BAfoeG rates, with the combined annual value of the award estimated at roughly ~€11,000 to €15,000 (est.).
- Tuition coverage — Full coverage of tuition fees for the funded study programme.
- Living expenses — Additional living-expenses support beyond the base stipend, in line with the foundation's BAfoeG-based model.
- Educational programmes — Access to political-education workshops, summer schools, study trips, and symposia, plus skills development in rhetoric, time management, and academic writing — an in-kind benefit on top of the ~11,000 EUR (est.) financial support.
- Mentorship and networks — Academic mentorship from a network of over 250 advisors, along with access to RLS networks and student-led working groups.
How to apply
Applications are completed online in German through the official RLS application portal; postal applications are not accepted.
- Check eligibility and field — Confirm your study level, that your subject is not excluded (medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine), and that you meet the residence and language requirements.
- Visit the application portal — Open the official RLS Studienwerk online application portal, which is in German.
- Prepare and upload documents — Upload academic transcripts and certificates, a statement of purpose and motivation, and evidence of political or social engagement.
- Submit online before the deadline — Complete and submit the application online by 1 October. Applications sent by post are not accepted.
Eligibility
Academic recordAbove-average academic achievement.
EngagementDemonstrated commitment to social, political, or civic engagement aligned with the values of justice, equity, and anti-discrimination.
LanguageGerman-language proficiency of at least B2 at the time of application, as the process and programme run in German.
EnrolmentFor international Master's students: residence in Germany for study at a state-recognised university; for international PhD students: acceptance at a German university (excluding medicine-related fields).
Excluded fields are medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. Preference is given to women, students from non-academic or immigrant backgrounds, those with financial hardship, applicants with disabilities, and students in STEM fields. Bachelor's funding is only for German and BAfoeG-eligible students via the Lux Like Studium track.
Eligible countries
International students (residing in Germany for study), German nationals, EU member-state citizens
Deadlines
2026/2027 summer semester intake~1 October 2026 (est.)
Selection
Candidates are evaluated on academic achievement, the depth and authenticity of their social or political engagement, and alignment with the foundation's values of justice, equity, and anti-discrimination. Preference is given to women, students from non-academic or immigrant backgrounds, applicants facing financial hardship, applicants with disabilities, and STEM students. All applications and assessments are conducted in German.
Verified sources
- Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung — Studienwerkrosalux.deofficial
- RLS Studienwerk — Application Portalrosalux.deofficial
About the provider
The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS) is a German political foundation affiliated with democratic socialism that funds students through its Studienwerk, promoting social justice, political education, and the inclusion of marginalised communities in higher education.
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.
Is this scholarship open to students outside Germany?
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International students who reside in Germany for study purposes are eligible for Master's and PhD scholarships. They must be enrolled at, or accepted by, a state-recognised German university.
Is knowledge of German required?
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Yes. A minimum B2 level in German is mandatory, since the application process and educational activities are conducted in German.
Can Bachelor's students apply?
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Only German and BAfoeG-eligible students pursuing a Bachelor's may apply, through the Lux Like Studium track. This route is not open to international students.
What types of engagement are considered?
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Social, political, or civic involvement aligned with the foundation's values — for example activism, volunteering, or participation in student organisations.
What is the BAfoeG rate?
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BAfoeG is the standard German student financial-aid rate used to calculate support; it typically covers basic living and academic expenses.
Can I apply in English?
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No. The entire application must be completed in German, and German fluency is essential for the programme.
How much is the scholarship worth?
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The stipend is based on BAfoeG rates, with the combined annual value estimated at roughly 11,000 to 15,000 EUR (est.). Confirm current figures officially.
How long is PhD funding?
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PhD scholarships are typically funded for up to 3 years.
Which fields are excluded?
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Medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine are not eligible; all other disciplines are covered.
When does funding start?
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Funding begins on 1 April, the start of the summer semester, following the autumn application round.
What is the application deadline?
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The recent deadline was 1 October; the 2026 equivalent is expected on the same date. Verify it on the official RLS page.
Who is given preference in selection?
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Women, students from non-academic or immigrant backgrounds, those with financial hardship, applicants with disabilities, and students in STEM fields.