The Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship supports students already at German universities. This programme is fully funded. It backs students who share liberal political values. Many applicants also compare it with other fully funded routes. For example, some look at the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship, another political foundation option in Germany.
Overview
- Host country, Germany
- Level of study, Master’s and PhD, plus bachelor’s for German and EU students
- Field of study, All academic disciplines
- Nationality, Open to German, EU, refugee, and non-EU students
- Funded by, Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, aligned with liberal politics

Benefits of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship
First, scholars get a monthly stipend. Also, PhD scholars get extra research funds. Plus, family allowances may apply. In short, the award covers this.
- A monthly stipend of 934 Euro, for master’s students
- A monthly stipend of 1,350 Euro, plus 100 Euro for research, for PhD students
- Extra family and other allowances, based on your situation
- Access to seminars on liberal political ideas
- Lifelong membership in the Foundation’s alumni network
Who Should Apply
This award suits students who care about liberal values and human rights. It does not fit every field of interest. Meanwhile, students who prefer a values focus around ecology may look at the Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship. That program centers green politics.
Eligibility Requirements
Overall, applicants must meet these points.
- Hold admission, or already be enrolled, at a state German school
- Show good to very good grades or academic results
- Show a real interest in politics and open minded values
- Speak and write German well, since documents and interviews use German
- Study full time at your chosen school
German Language Is Required, Even For English Courses
Notably, this rule catches many applicants off guard. Even for an English taught degree, your application and interview still happen in German. This strict language rule is close to the setup used for the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Scholarship, which also expects solid German skill.
Required Documents
- Completed online form through the official portal
- Proof of admission or enrolment in Germany
- Academic transcripts
- A CV and motivation letter, written in German
- Proof of German language skill
How to Apply
First, secure your own admission to a German school before you apply here. Next, prepare your documents in German. English materials are not accepted. Then, submit your full application through the online portal during the open window. This German language prep step is close to the one used for the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship.
Application Deadline
The portal opens on October 1, 2026. It closes on October 31, 2026, at 11:59 pm. So, this window is open now, which gives you real time to prepare a strong application.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this scholarship gives strong, ongoing funding to students already based in Germany. However, if German is not yet your strong point, check other options too. For instance, the DAAD Masters Scholarship supports many English taught programmes.





