MultipleFully Funded

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung offers scholarships to international students for various study levels, providing comprehensive financial and non-material support for their academic journey in Germany.

Provider: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Host country: Germany
Region: Europe

Official source Track this application

Topics

Applying from your country? See your edition: Kenya · Nigeria · Ghana · Ethiopia · Uganda · Tanzania · Rwanda · Angola · Mozambique · São Tomé & Príncipe · Senegal · Cameroon · Ivory Coast · Benin · Togo · DR Congo

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: International students with excellent academic records and a commitment to social democratic values are eligible. Proficiency in German is required.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Multiple
Deadline

Key eligibility criteria

International students with excellent academic records and a commitment to social democratic values are eligible. Proficiency in German is required.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship (2026)

## Overview The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) scholarship program supports international students pursuing their studies in Germany. This prestigious scholarship aims to foster academic excellence, social engagement, and democratic values among future leaders. The FES offers comprehensive support, both financial and non-material, to ensure that scholars can fully focus on their academic and personal development. The foundation is committed to social democracy and expects its scholars to share and promote these values. The program is open to highly motivated and academically talented individuals from developing countries who wish to contribute positively to their home countries upon completion of their studies. ## Benefits Recipients of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung scholarship benefit from a fully funded program that covers various aspects of their academic and living expenses. This includes: * **Monthly Stipend:** A generous monthly stipend to cover living costs. * **Health Insurance:** Coverage for health insurance expenses. * **Tuition Fees:** In some cases, tuition fees might be covered, although public universities in Germany generally do not charge tuition fees for most programs. * **Study Materials:** Financial support for books and other necessary study materials. * **Travel Costs:** Assistance with travel costs to and from Germany at the beginning and end of the scholarship period. * **Comprehensive Support Program:** Access to a wide range of seminars, workshops, and networking events designed to enhance academic and professional skills, and to foster political and social engagement. * **Personal Mentoring:** Scholars receive individual mentoring and support from FES staff and alumni. ## Eligibility To be considered for the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria: * **Nationality:** Applicants must be from a developing country and intending to study in Germany. * **Academic Excellence:** A strong academic record demonstrating outstanding performance is essential. * **German Language Proficiency:** Excellent knowledge of the German language (B2 level or higher) is mandatory, as most courses and the daily life in Germany require it. * **Social and Political Engagement:** Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to social democratic values and active participation in social or political activities. * **Personal Qualities:** Candidates are expected to exhibit strong leadership potential, an open-minded attitude, and a willingness to engage in critical societal discussions. * **University Admission:** Applicants must be admitted or in the process of being admitted to a state-recognized university or `Fachhochschule` in Germany. * **Age Limit:** There might be an age limit, which can vary depending on the specific program. Please check the official FES website for the most current information regarding age requirements. ## Required Documents While the exact list of required documents may vary, applicants typically need to submit the following: * **Curriculum Vitae (CV):** A detailed CV outlining academic background, work experience, and social engagement. * **Letter of Motivation:** A compelling essay explaining your motivation for applying, your academic goals, and your commitment to social democratic values. * **Academic Transcripts and Certificates:** Official copies of your university degrees, diplomas, and academic transcripts. * **Proof of German Language Proficiency:** Certificates demonstrating your German language skills (e.g., TestDaF, Goethe-Zertifikat). * **Letters of Recommendation:** Two letters of recommendation from university professors or employers who can attest to your academic abilities and social commitment. * **Proof of Admission:** Letter of admission from a German university, or proof of application. * **Passport Copy:** A copy of your valid passport. ## How to Apply The application process for the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung scholarship typically involves several steps: 1. **Online Application:** Complete the online application form available on the FES website. 2. **Submission of Documents:** Upload all required documents as specified in the application guidelines. 3. **Interview:** Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with the selection committee. This interview assesses your academic potential, social commitment, and personal suitability for the scholarship. 4. **Selection:** Successful candidates will be informed about their scholarship award. It is highly recommended to start the application process well in advance of the deadline to ensure all documents are prepared thoroughly. ## Key Dates The official website indicates that the page you were looking for could not be found, so specific key dates are currently unavailable. Historically, the application window has typically been open twice a year, usually around **May/June** and **November/December**. However, applicants should regularly check the official Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung website for the most up-to-date information on application periods and deadlines. ## Selection Criteria The selection of scholars is based on a holistic assessment of the applicant's profile, with particular emphasis on: * **Academic Merit:** Demonstrated excellent academic performance and potential. * **Social and Political Commitment:** Active engagement in social or political activities and alignment with the FES's values. * **Leadership Potential:** Evidence of leadership qualities and the ability to inspire and mobilize others. * **Personal Qualities:** Open-mindedness, critical thinking skills, and a strong sense of responsibility. * **Motivation:** A clear and well-articulated motivation for pursuing studies in Germany and contributing to societal development. ## Tips * **Start Early:** Gather all required documents and prepare your application well in advance. * **Refine Your German:** Ensure your German language skills are at the required B2 level or higher, as this is a crucial requirement. * **Highlight Your Engagement:** Emphasize your social and political involvement in your application and motivation letter. * **Customise Your Application:** Tailor your application to reflect the values and objectives of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung. * **Seek Feedback:** Have your motivation letter and CV reviewed by a mentor or academic advisor. * **Prepare for the Interview:** If invited for an interview, be ready to discuss your academic aspirations, social commitment, and understanding of current political and social issues. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official website of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung: [https://www.fes.de/en/studienfoerderung/international-applicants](https://www.fes.de/en/studienfoerderung/international-applicants)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

International students with excellent academic records and a commitment to social democratic values are eligible. Proficiency in German is required.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

How to apply for the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship 2026

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://www.fes.de/en/studienfoerderung/international-applicants to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: International students with excellent academic records and a commitment to social democratic values are eligible. Proficiency in German is required.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Check the provider's current dates and follow-up instructions. No deadline or rolling application policy is assumed here.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship deadline & application timeline

No deadline is recorded in this listing. Check the official source; this does not imply rolling applications. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
No deadline is recorded in this listing. Check the official source for dates and any cutoff or time zone.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Share this scholarship

Send the application link to a friend or post it to your network.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship?+

International students with excellent academic records and a commitment to social democratic values are eligible. Proficiency in German is required.

What funding does the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

No deadline is recorded in this listing. Check the official source; a missing date does not mean applications are rolling.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://www.fes.de/en/studienfoerderung/international-applicants to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: International students with excellent academic records and a commitment to social democratic values are eligible. Proficiency in German is required.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Check the provider's current dates and follow-up instructions. No deadline or rolling application policy is assumed here.

Guides for this scholarship

Next steps & guides

Pick the guide that matches where you are right now.

Explore related programmes

Long-form sponsor guides, country pages and category pages connected to this scholarship.

Browse by category & country

Related hubs

Open the broader hub pages for every country, destination and field this scholarship touches.