Masters, PhDFully Funded

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

Last verified 26 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships for graduates and PhD students from DAC countries who intend to pursue a Master's degree or PhD in Germany. Fully funded. Deadlines: March 1 and September 1 annually.

Provider: Heinrich Böll Foundation
Host country: Germany
Deadline: 15 January 2027 until 1 March 2027
Region: Europe

Official source Track this application

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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 who have completed their first degree abroad can apply prior to starting a Master's degree program in Germany. International PhD students who have completed their graduate degree abroad may apply for a PhD program in Germany. Priority is given to applicants from DAC countries.
Funding: Fully Funded
Study level: Masters, PhD
Deadline: 15 January 2027 until 1 March 2027

Key eligibility criteria

International students who have completed their first degree abroad can apply prior to starting a Master's degree program in Germany. International PhD students who have completed their graduate degree abroad may apply for a PhD program in Germany. Priority is given to applicants from DAC countries.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded

About the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships (2026)

# Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships: Comprehensive Brief for Applicants This brief provides a comprehensive overview of the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships for graduate and PhD students, designed to assist prospective applicants in understanding the program requirements, benefits, and application process. The foundation is committed to fostering equal opportunities and equitable access to education. ## Overview The Heinrich Böll Foundation offers scholarships to graduate and PhD students who intend to pursue a Master's degree or PhD in Germany. This initiative is part of their effort to promote equal opportunities and access to education, particularly for individuals from DAC countries. The scholarships are fully funded and aim to support academic and personal development within an international and socially conscious framework. The program details emphasize support for international students who have completed their prior degrees abroad. ## Benefits The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships are fully funded, offering comprehensive financial support to recipients. While the specific financial breakdown is not detailed on the main scholarship page, accompanying resources and the "Financial support" section hint at substantial assistance to cover living and study expenses in Germany. Beyond financial aid, scholars benefit from a robust network, idealistic support, and engagement in various events and programs designed to foster personal growth and academic excellence. The foundation also provides support for starting studies and navigating the PhD pathway, and access to an extensive alumni network. ## Eligibility To be eligible for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships, applicants must meet specific criteria depending on their intended course of study: * **For Master's Students:** International students who have completed their first degree abroad are eligible to apply before commencing a Master's degree program in Germany. Priority is given to applicants from DAC (Development Assistance Committee) countries who have not yet taken up residence in Germany at the time of their application. * **For PhD Students:** International PhD students who have completed their graduate degree abroad are eligible to apply for a PhD program in Germany. As with Master's applicants, priority is extended to those from DAC countries who have not yet established residency in Germany at the time of application. ## Required Documents While a definitive list of required documents is not explicitly provided on the main scholarship page, the presence of downloadable PDF application checklists for both "students" (Master's applicants) and "PhD" candidates indicates that specific documentation will be requested. Prospective applicants are strongly advised to download and review these application-specific PDFs to ascertain the exact documents needed for their application. These checklists serve as crucial guides for preparing a complete and compliant application package. ## How to Apply Applications for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships are submitted online, with specific forms available for different applicant categories: * **For Master's Applicants:** An "Application for students (PDF)" form is available for download. * **For PhD Applicants:** An "Application for PhD (PDF)" form is available for download. Applicants should carefully review the corresponding information and checklist PDFs, linked under the "Frequently Asked Questions" section, which provide detailed guidance on the selection process and online application. It is imperative to complete all sections accurately and submit the application within the stipulated deadlines. ## Key Dates The Heinrich Böll Foundation operates two annual application rounds with distinct deadlines: * **Fall 2026 Application Period:** July 15, 2026, until September 1, 2026. * **Spring 2027 Application Period:** January 15, 2027, until March 1, 2027. Applicants must ensure that their applications are submitted within these windows. These dates are crucial and prospective scholars should plan their application preparation well in advance of the deadlines. ## Selection Criteria The scholarship brief indicates that the Heinrich Böll Foundation seeks candidates who align with their mission of fostering equal opportunities and equitable access to education. While specific, enumerated selection criteria are not listed on the main page, the emphasis on applicants from DAC countries and the foundation's broader work suggest that candidates will be evaluated on their academic merit, social engagement, and potential to contribute to a more just and sustainable world. Further details on the selection process are likely elaborated in the "About us and the candidates we seek" guide and the Frequently Asked Questions about the application process. ## Tips * **Review Application Checklists:** Download and thoroughly read the specific PDF checklists for graduate students and PhD candidates. These are essential for understanding all requirements and preparing a complete application. * **Prioritize Early Application:** Begin the application process well before the deadline to ensure all documents are gathered and the application is meticulously completed, allowing time to address any potential issues. * **Highlight Alignment with Foundation Values:** Research the Heinrich Böll Foundation's core values and demonstrate in your application how your academic and personal aspirations align with their commitment to social justice, ecology, and democracy. * **Emphasize Your Background (if applicable):** If you are from a DAC country and have not yet resided in Germany, make sure this is clearly articulated, as priority is given to such applicants. * **Contact for Queries:** Utilize the provided contact information (email and telephone office hours) for any questions that are not addressed in the available documentation. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to the official Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarship page: [https://www.boell.de/en/scholarships](https://www.boell.de/en/scholarships)

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

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships eligibility

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

International students who have completed their first degree abroad can apply prior to starting a Master's degree program in Germany. International PhD students who have completed their graduate degree abroad may apply for a PhD program in Germany. Priority is given to applicants from DAC countries.

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships 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 Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships 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.boell.de/en/scholarships 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 who have completed their first degree abroad can apply prior to starting a Master's degree program in Germany. International PhD students who have completed their graduate degree abroad may apply for a PhD program in Germany. Priority is given to applicants from DAC countries.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: 15 January 2027 until 1 March 2027. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships deadline & application timeline

Provider deadline information: 15 January 2027 until 1 March 2027. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. 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
15 January 2027 until 1 March 2027
Provider deadline information: 15 January 2027 until 1 March 2027. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

Ready to apply?

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships?+

International students who have completed their first degree abroad can apply prior to starting a Master's degree program in Germany. International PhD students who have completed their graduate degree abroad may apply for a PhD program in Germany. Priority is given to applicants from DAC countries.

What funding does the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships 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?+

Provider deadline information: 15 January 2027 until 1 March 2027. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

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.boell.de/en/scholarships to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: International students who have completed their first degree abroad can apply prior to starting a Master's degree program in Germany. International PhD students who have completed their graduate degree abroad may apply for a PhD program in Germany. Priority is given to applicants from DAC countries.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: 15 January 2027 until 1 March 2027. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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