Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships
More details :
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
Eligibility :
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.
Required documents :
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.
How to apply :
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.
The Scholarship Benefits:
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.