Heinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarships are offered to some 1500 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students of various disciplines and nationalities who are enrolled in universities, universities of applied sciences (also known as “Fachhochschulen”), or universities of the arts are awarded scholarships by the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
Heinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarships Summary
| Host Country | Germany |
| Host Institute | Various Higher education institutes in Germany |
| Level | Doctoral |
| Eligible Nationality | All |
| Fellowship Type | Funded |
| Duration | 2-years + 12 months(extendable) |
| Opening Date | July 15 2024 | January 15, 2025 |
| Scholarship Value | €1450 per month plus allowances |
| Closing Date | Autumn 2024: September 1, 2024 | Spring 2025: March 1, 2025 |
Heinrich Böll Stiftung
The Heinrich Böll Foundation is a politically autonomous German foundation. It was created in 1997 as a result of the merger of three predecessors and is affiliated with Alliance 90/The Greens. The charity was named after Heinrich Böll, a German writer who lived from 1917 to 1985. The foundation, known for its commitment to fostering democratic participation, human rights, and ecological sustainability, provides a variety of scholarships to international students, particularly those interested in social and environmental issues.
Heinrich Boll Stiftung Doctoral Scholarships
The Heinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarships focuses on promoting green ideals such as environmental sustainability, social fairness, and human rights. Heinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarship recipients are required to represent these ideals and support the foundation’s objectives through their academic and extracurricular activities. The scholarships also seek to foster worldwide understanding by assisting students from various cultural and national backgrounds. This creates a global network of researchers who can share ideas and collaborate on important global concerns
The Heinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarships are intended to assist students who are not only academically talented but also socially and politically active. The foundation’s mission is to promote democratic participation, sustainable development, and international understanding, and these scholarships play an important role in attaining these objectives.
Benefits of the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Doctoral Scholarships
The Heinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarships have an important effect on the lives of their beneficiaries, giving not only financial support but also a platform for personal and professional development. The foundation’s emphasis on civic involvement and environmental principles helps researchers develop into leaders capable of making major contributions to their fields and communities
The Heinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarships doctoral scholarships are funded by the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Foundation. Financial help can pay for living expenses, and other expenditures related to studying abroad. The award allows participants to focus solely on their education and extracurricular activities by removing financial constraints.
- For German/Foreign students educated in Germany or EU nationals/students not educated in Germany,
- the basic scholarship is €1450 per month, with an additional €100 per month for research fees.
- Limited support for research abroad is provided for scholarship holders exclusively.
- Tuition is not affordable in Germany. In certain countries, this is only partially possible.
- Non-EU nationals and students not educated in Germany
- are eligible for €1400 per month plus a monthly mobility allowance of €100, as well as other individual allowances.
- Scholarship recipients can receive additional funding for research abroad for limited periods.
- Tuition costs cannot be funded.
Eligibility Criteria
Who can apply?
The Heinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarships Department provides scholarships to German and international PhD candidates.
- PhD candidates from Germany (Germans, international students) for PhD studies in Germany or other EU nations (any topic);
- International doctorate applicants (from the EU or outside the EU, including refugees) for PhD study in Germany (any subject);
- Doctoral candidates from Germany and abroad for the “Research Cluster Social-Ecological Transformation” (all subjects)
- Refugee students and PhD candidates may apply regardless of country or residence status. For relatives having foreign nationality, the following applies: If you received your university entry qualification abroad, the regulations apply as for foreign students. If you obtained your university entrance qualification in Germany, the regulations apply to international students.
Academic Excellence
Applicants must exhibit outstanding academic performance. This usually requires submitting transcripts, academic references, and proof of prior academic accomplishments. The foundation seeks students who are likely to thrive in their chosen field of study and make substantial contributions to their academic communities
Admission to doctoral studies
Applicants must submit proof of acceptance to PhD studies from a state or state-recognized university in Germany.
Submit the university diploma. Preliminary work on the PhD project must be done, along with a valid completion timeline.
Proficiency in German Language
International applicants must demonstrate their fluency in German. strong or very strong German language skills are essential (at least B2 Level or DSH2).
Join the “DAAD Scholarships for All” Facebook group to unlock the doors to a brighter future through scholarship opportunities!
In which language must I apply?
We anticipate your application paperwork to be in German. References, expert opinions, and, if necessary, certificate and document translations can all be prepared in English. Doctoral applicants must write the short version of the exposé in German, however, the entire exposé can be completed in English
Eligible Universities for Heinrich Boll Scholarships
The Heinrich Böll Foundation grants scholarships to around 1500 students each year. Heinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarships are open to graduate, and doctorate students of all academic areas and nationalities. Recipients can attend a variety of higher education institutions, including traditional universities, universities of applied sciences (known as ‘Fachhochschulen’), and universities of the arts (referred to as ‘Kunst-/Musikhochschulen’).
Documents/Material Required to Apply
The following documents are required to apply for theHeinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarships:
- Application form for a scholarship for doctoral studies (PhD)
- Detailed CV
- Proof of acceptance to PhD studies
- Proof of Preliminary work on the PhD project
- English language proficiency certificate (International Students)
- Social commitment and political interests
- Convincing justifications for applying to the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
- A third-party reference for your social commitment.
- Two expert recommendations from university instructors
- Refugees must provide a document with information on their residence authorization (asylum status).
Deadline for the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Doctoral Scholarships
The deadlines for the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarships are on March 1st and September 1st of each year. The application portal opens around 6 weeks before the application deadline (which is July 15 and January 15 each year). The deadline for the autumn of 2024 is September 1, 2024, with the following deadline on March 1, 2025, for spring 2025.
Application Procedure
Heinrich Boll Scholarships applications can only be submitted using the online application platform. Go to Apply Now to create an account or log in. The Heinrich Böll Foundation’s selection procedure for scholarship applicants is divided into three stages:
- Stage 1: Submission of Written Application Documents
- Two staff members from the Studienwerk and another department of the Heinrich Böll Foundation decide whether to move the application to the second round.
- Stage 2: Interview with a Liaison Lecturer
- The Heinrich Böll Foundation’s liaison lecturer conducts an hour-long interview, either on-site, over the phone, or digitally.
- Stage 3: Interview with the committee
- Digital interview with 3-4 committee members, comprising 1 to 2 external members, 1 scholarship holder, and 1 Studienwerk staff member.
*Each stage selects a limited number of participants for the following stage. You will receive written notification of the decision at each stage of the selection process. Please complete the application only using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
For a detailed application procedure for the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarships 2025, visit here.
Conclusion
The Heinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarships are not merely financial rewards; they represent a commitment to developing the next generation of leaders who are committed to environmental sustainability, social justice, and civic participation. The foundation contributes to a more egalitarian and sustainable future by sponsoring students who share these principles. Heinrich Boll Scholarships provides potential applicants with not only the opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations but also a platform to have a meaningful effect on the world.
For more details about the Heinrich Böll Stiftung Scholarships, visit the official website.
More Scholarships
Humboldt Research Fellowship and Postdocs in Germany
DAAD Scholarships for Master Studies in Germany| Study in Germany 2025
Study in Finland | Finland Government Scholarships
Qatar University Scholarships for 2024 intake
Top Canada University Scholarships 2024 | Study in Canada
