Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship 2027 (Fully Funded)

The Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship is a fully funded program for international students in Germany. It supports Masters and PhD students from outside Germany. Specifically, it favors students from DAC countries. Therefore, many applicants also compare it with other fully funded routes. For example, some look at the DAAD Masters Scholarship, another strong option in Germany.

Overview

• Host country, Germany
• Level of study, Masters and PhD
• Field of study, All academic disciplines
• Number of awards, About 1,500 scholarships yearly
• Nationality, Open to international, EU, and German students
• Funded by, Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and the Federal Foreign Office

Benefits of the Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship

First, scholars get a monthly stipend. Also, they get study and travel allowances. Plus, they join an active academic community. In short, the award covers the following.

• Masters students receive 992 Euro per month, plus various individual allowances
• PhD students receive 1,400 Euro per month, plus a 100 Euro mobility allowance
• Health insurance support, in many cases
• Access to seminars, workshops, and a strong scholar network
• Funding for up to two years for Masters, and up to three years for PhD, with possible extension

Who Should Apply

This scholarship suits students who want full academic freedom in Germany. Meanwhile, students who prefer a UK based program may look at the Chevening Scholarship. Indeed, that program funds similar postgraduate study, but in the United Kingdom.

Eligibility Requirements

Overall, applicants must meet the following requirements.

• Have completed a first degree outside Germany
• Apply before starting the Masters program, or within the first semester
• Show proof of German language proficiency, at B2 level or DSH2
• Show strong academic results, and a clear sense of social responsibility
• Show interest in the Foundation’s values, such as ecology and democracy

International Applicants

Notably, both EU and non EU students can apply. However, priority goes to students from DAC countries who have not yet moved to Germany. Similarly, this priority system resembles the applicant pool for the Trudeau Foundation Doctoral Scholarship, which also favors specific research themes.

Required Documents

• Completed online application through the Foundation’s portal
• Certified copy of the first degree certificate
• Proof of German language proficiency
• An expert reference from a lecturer or professor
• A personal statement on motivation and values

How to Apply

First, applicants wait for the portal to open, about six weeks before the deadline. Next, they register, complete the form, and upload documents. Also, some applicants prepare early proof of German proficiency. Similarly, this early preparation step matches good practice for the Commonwealth Scholarship.

Application Deadline

The Fall round runs from July 15 to September 1, 2026. Then, the Spring round runs from January 15 to March 1, 2027. So, applicants should confirm exact dates on the official site, since deadlines repeat twice a year.

Apply Now

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship gives strong, flexible funding for Masters and PhD study in Germany. However, if you lack German proficiency yet, it still helps to check other options. For instance, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship does not require German, and funds a wide mix of postgraduate fields in the United Kingdom.