HEINRICH BÖLL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS 2027 — GERMANY

The Heinrich Böll Foundation (Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung) is Germany’s Green political foundation, named after Nobel Prize-winning author Heinrich Böll. Every year it awards around 1,200–1,500 scholarships to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students of all disciplines and nationalities studying at German universities. The foundation is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal Foreign Office (AA).

For international students, the foundation explicitly prioritises applicants from DAC (Development Assistance Committee) countries — which includes most African nations — who are still residing in their home country at the time of application. This makes it an excellent fit for African students planning to move to Germany for their master’s or PhD studies.

The scholarship is not a purely academic award. The foundation actively seeks students who share its core values of ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, self-determination and justice, and who demonstrate meaningful socio-political engagement. Applicants from scientific and technical disciplines are especially encouraged to apply.

What It Covers

• Monthly stipend to cover living expenses (amount varies based on income and funding category; typically up to €934 for master’s students and up to €1,200 for PhD students under relevant funding guidelines)
• Book and study materials allowance
• Health insurance subsidy
• Full coverage for the standard duration of your programme, with option to apply for one additional semester renewal
• Access to mentorship, seminars, summer schools, workshops, and the foundation’s global academic and political network
• Professional skills training including rhetoric, research methods, and conflict management

Who Can Apply

• International students who have completed their first degree outside Germany, applying for a master’s or PhD programme at a state-recognised German university.
• Priority given to applicants from DAC countries (most African nations) who have not yet taken up residence in Germany.
• German language proficiency at B2 level or DSH1 minimum (required for international applicants).
• Outstanding academic record at school and university level.
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability, democracy, or human rights — in line with the foundation’s values.
• Note: undergraduate scholarships for international students are not available through this programme.

Study Levels: Master’s, PhD
Host Country: Germany

Application Window (Fall 2026): July 15 – September 1, 2026

Application Window (Spring 2027): January 15 – March 1, 2027

Note: The online portal opens approximately 6 weeks before each deadline

How to Apply

Apply exclusively through the online portal. Register early, as the portal opens only six weeks before the deadline. Required documents include a CV, a detailed motivation letter explaining your alignment with the foundation’s values, academic transcripts, proof of German language proficiency, and evidence of social/political engagement. PhD applicants must also submit a research proposal.