Rosa Luxemburg PhD Scholarship 2027: 10 Steps of Application Submission Explained

The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship 2027 is now accepting applications from international doctoral candidates seeking funded PhD study or dissertation research in Germany. The programme provides regular monthly support of €1,620 for up to three years, but applicants must demonstrate excellent academic performance, social commitment and at least B2-level German.

What Does the Rosa Luxemburg Scholarship Cover?

Selected international doctoral researchers receive €1,500 per month, a €100 mobility allowance and an additional €20 monthly lump sum. This produces regular financial support of approximately €1,620 per month.

The scholarship may continue for a maximum of three years. Previous publicly funded doctoral support can reduce the remaining funding period, while simultaneous funding from another public scholarship is generally prohibited.

Who Can Apply?

Foreign doctoral candidates from almost every academic discipline can apply, but medical disciplines are excluded. Applicants must either be admitted for a doctorate at a German university or be enrolled for a doctorate abroad and require a dissertation-related research stay in Germany.

• Admission to a doctoral programme at a public or state-recognised university in Germany or abroad
• Academic supervision from a university lecturer in Germany
• An excellent bachelor’s and master’s academic record
• Documented social, political or voluntary engagement during at least the previous 18 months
• Commitment consistent with the foundation’s values of social justice, solidarity and democratic socialism
• German-language proficiency of at least B2 level
• Normally no more than 15 months already spent in Germany when applying, subject to the foundation’s stated exceptions

No maximum age is published. The decisive requirements concern doctoral admission, academic quality, German proficiency and social commitment rather than the applicant’s age. Applicants from DAC-listed countries who are still living in their countries of origin receive priority.

Is IELTS Required for Rosa Luxembourg Scholarship Application?

IELTS is not listed as a mandatory requirement, but German at B2 level is compulsory. This rule also applies when the doctoral dissertation and research are conducted entirely in English. Applicants who have not completed B2 may submit current B1 evidence together with proof of enrolment in an ongoing or upcoming B2 course.

How to Apply for the Rosa Luxemburg PhD Scholarship?

1. Secure doctoral admission: Obtain admission from a state or state-recognized university in Germany or your home country.
2. Find a German supervisor: Arrange academic supervision with a university lecturer based in Germany.
3. Prepare German evidence: Obtain a B2 certificate or submit B1 evidence with confirmation of your B2 course.
4. Collect academic documents: Prepare your CV, bachelor’s and master’s certificates, doctoral admission and passport.
5. Document social engagement: Upload confirmation letters or other evidence covering at least the previous 18 months.
6. Obtain two academic assessments: The required reviewers depend on whether you are enrolled in Germany or applying for a German research stay.
7. Prepare the doctoral package: Complete the German short proposal, detailed exposé, annotated contents, work plan, timetable and publication list.
8. Create the online application: Register through the official Rosa Luxemburg application portal and activate two-factor authentication.
9. Upload each document as PDF: Use clear filenames and check every entry before submission.
10. Submit before the deadline: Missing documents cannot be added after the application has been sent.

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship Programme for International Doctoral Students is October 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Applications must be submitted online; postal and email applications are not accepted.