Germany Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships 2027: 9 Application Submission Steps

The Heinrich Böll Foundation has announced two 2027 application rounds for international students seeking funded Master’s or PhD study in Germany.

The scholarship is not open for submission yet. Applicants should use the preparation period to obtain German-language certification, university admission, academic references and evidence of social or political engagement.

What Financial Support Is Available?

Non-EU international Master’s scholars may receive a basic scholarship of €992 per month and a health-insurance allowance of up to €100. Depending on individual circumstances, support may also include a €38 monthly allowance, family or child benefits, German-language course fees and tuition reimbursement of up to €10,000 annually in eligible cases.

International PhD scholars from non-EU countries may receive €1,500 per month and health-insurance assistance of up to €200. Additional components can include family benefits, child allowances, German-course fees and a €38 monthly allowance. Funding conditions for EU applicants differ and may depend on income under German BAföG-related rules.

Who Can Apply for the 2027 Scholarships?

The programme primarily targets academically strong and socially engaged applicants from DAC countries who intend to complete a Master’s degree or PhD in Germany. Applicants should support values including democracy, human rights, sustainability, ecology, gender equality and opposition to discrimination.

• Master’s applicants must have completed their first degree outside Germany and apply before beginning an eligible programme.
• The Master’s programme must be full-time, offered by a state-recognized German university and normally have a standard duration of at least four semesters.
• PhD applicants must have completed their graduate degree abroad and seek admission to a doctoral programme, normally at a German university.
• PhD candidates must present a convincing research project, completed preliminary work and a realistic timetable.
• Applicants need excellent academic records and documented social or political engagement.

No specific age limit is published. Priority is given to eligible DAC-country applicants who have not yet established residence in Germany.

Can You Apply Without IELTS for Heinrich Boll Scholarship?

IELTS is not listed as a scholarship requirement, but applicants must submit proof of German at B2 or DSH 1 level. An English-taught programme does not automatically remove this German-language requirement because language ability forms part of the foundation’s selection criteria.

How to Apply for the Heinrich Böll Scholarship?

1. Choose the correct route: Decide whether you are applying for the international Master’s or PhD scholarship.
2. Check your country eligibility: Confirm that your nationality and educational background fit the EU or DAC-country route.
3. Arrange university admission: Select an eligible German programme and obtain admission or enrolment evidence. PhD applicants need doctoral admission or justified confirmation from their supervisor.
4. Prepare German evidence: Obtain an official B2 or DSH 1 certificate.
5. Collect your documents: Prepare academic certificates, CV, motivation statement and evidence of social or political engagement.
6. Prepare references: Master’s applicants require academic and social-engagement references. PhD candidates need two academic reports and a separate social-commitment reference.
7. Complete the research documents: PhD applicants must prepare an exposé of up to 10 pages, thesis structure and a research timetable covering no more than 36 months.
8. Register online: Create an account through the official Heinrich Böll application portal once it opens.
9. Upload and submit: Complete every portal section, upload the required PDFs and formally submit the application before the deadline.

Selection has three stages: assessment of the written application, an interview with a liaison lecturer and a final digital interview with the selection committee.

Application Deadlines

The spring application period for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships 2027 runs from January 15 to March 1, 2027. The fall application period runs from July 15 to September 1, 2027.