Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships

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November 30, 2026

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The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, known as FES, offers scholarships for talented and socially committed students, doctoral candidates, and trainees in Germany. The foundation provides both financial support and non-financial support, including seminars, workshops, mentoring, networking, and personal guidance. FES states that it supports students from all fields, doctoral candidates from all fields except medicine, and trainees in recognized training programs.

This scholarship is especially suitable for applicants who have good academic performance, social or political engagement, and a strong connection to the values of social democracy such as freedom, justice, and solidarity. FES also encourages applications from people who are first-generation university students, people with migration backgrounds, women, students at universities of applied sciences, and students in STEM fields.

Darrab Education recommends preparing early because the selection process can take several months. Students should also check the exact scholarship program before applying, because the requirements and timing differ for bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, international, refugee, German, and trainee applicants

Have good or above-average academic performance.
Show social, political, or community engagement.
Identify with the values of social democracy.
Be a strong and convincing personality.
Apply for a suitable FES scholarship program according to their status: student, doctoral candidate, trainee, international applicant, German/Bildungsinländer applicant, or refugee applicant.

For international students, the basic funding program is mainly for students who are already studying at a German state or state-recognized university or university of applied sciences. They must have very good German language skills, usually at C1 level, and first graded academic results.

For international doctoral candidates, applicants must be admitted to a doctoral program at a German university, have very good German language skills, show social or political engagement, identify with FES values, and have completed their previous degree with above-average results. Medical doctorates are generally excluded from FES doctoral funding.

FES does not usually support short-term study programs of less than three semesters, short-term stays abroad, research stays, internships, summer schools, language courses, postdoctoral projects, pure final study or doctoral completion phases, second degrees, or medical training before the Physikum.

Detailed CV, including education and social or political engagement.
School certificates and university certificates.
University entrance qualification.
Enrollment certificate.
Other relevant proof or supporting documents.
Detailed motivation letter.
Two recommendation letters from university teachers for students and doctoral candidates, or from teachers for first-semester applicants.

Choose the correct FES scholarship program from the official application page.
Complete the online application form. The form asks for personal information, educational and family background, motivation to become an FES scholarship holder, and details about social or political engagement.
Wait for the first review. FES usually informs applicants within two to four weeks after the online application whether they are rejected or invited to submit full documents and references.
Submit the required documents and recommendation letters if invited. Applicants normally have three weeks to prepare the documents, while referees may have up to six weeks to submit recommendations.
Attend the first selection interview with a trusted lecturer or academic representative if shortlisted.
Attend the second selection interview with a member of the selection committee if you reach the next stage.
Wait for the final decision by the selection committee. FES states that the overall process from application to decision may take around three to seven months.

Monthly stipend: International students may receive monthly financial support to help cover living expenses while studying in Germany.
Doctoral funding: International doctoral candidates may receive a higher monthly scholarship to support their research and living costs during the PhD.
Health insurance coverage: FES provides support or contribution toward health insurance costs for eligible scholarship holders.
Family allowance: Scholars with children may receive additional financial support, depending on their personal situation and scholarship category.
No repayment required: The scholarship is a grant and does not need to be repaid.
Comprehensive seminar program: Scholars can participate in seminars, workshops, and training programs focused on leadership, social engagement, academic development, and democratic values.
Mentoring and personal support: Scholarship holders receive guidance and support throughout their studies or doctoral research.
Networking opportunities: Scholars gain access to the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung community, including current scholarship holders, alumni, professionals, academics, and social leaders.
Academic and social development: The program supports not only academic success but also personal growth, social responsibility, and active participation in society.

Can international students apply for the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship?

Yes. International students can apply if they are already studying at a German state or state-recognized university and meet the academic, language, and social engagement requirements.

Who is the FES Scholarship best suited for?

The scholarship is best suited for students who have strong academic performance, social or political engagement, and a clear commitment to democratic and social values.

Do I need German language skills to apply?

Yes. International applicants usually need very good German language skills. FES generally requires proof of German proficiency, even if the study program is taught in English.

Which study levels are eligible?

The scholarship may support bachelor’s, master’s, diploma, state examination, doctoral studies, and vocational training, depending on the applicant’s background and the selected scholarship program.

Can PhD students apply for the FES Scholarship?

Yes. Doctoral candidates can apply for FES doctoral funding. However, medical doctorates are generally not funded.

What fields of study are eligible?

Students from most academic fields can apply. For doctoral funding, most disciplines are eligible, except medical doctorates.

What benefits does the scholarship provide?

The scholarship may include a monthly stipend, health insurance support, family allowance if applicable, seminar programs, mentoring, and access to the FES network.

Is social or political engagement required?

Yes. Social or political engagement is an important part of the selection process. This can include volunteering, student activities, community work, NGO involvement, political engagement, or other forms of social responsibility.

How do I apply for the scholarship?

Applicants must complete the official FES online application form. If shortlisted, they will be asked to submit documents and recommendation letters, followed by interviews and a final selection decision.

How long does the selection process take?

The full selection process may take several months. Applicants should apply early and prepare their documents carefully.

Is there an application deadline?

The deadline depends on the scholarship category and study level. International master’s students usually have specific deadlines for the winter and summer semesters, while other categories may have different timelines. Always check the official FES website before applying.

Do I need recommendation letters?

Yes. Shortlisted applicants are usually asked to submit recommendation letters from university teachers or other relevant referees, depending on the scholarship category.

Does the scholarship need to be repaid?

No. The FES Scholarship is a grant and does not need to be repaid.

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