Heinrich Böll Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Doctoral Scholarships are prestigious awards offered to outstanding PhD candidates from Germany and abroad who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong dedication to social justice and environmental sustainability.

Host Country	Germany
Host Institute	Various Higher education institutes in Germany
Level	Doctoral
Eligible Nationality	All
Fellowship Type	Funded
Duration	2-years + 12 months(extendable)
Scholarship Value	€1450 per month plus allowances
Opening Date	January 15, 2026 \| July 15, 2025
Closing Date	Spring 2025: March 1, 2026 \| Autumn 2025: September 1, 2025

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Heinrich Böll Stiftung

The Heinrich Böll Foundation is an independent German organization affiliated with Alliance 90/The Greens. Established in 1997 through the merger of three earlier foundations, it is named after renowned German writer Heinrich Böll (1917–1985). The foundation is dedicated to promoting democratic engagement, human rights, and environmental sustainability. It offers a range of scholarships for international students, particularly those committed to social justice and ecological issues.

Heinrich Böll Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Doctoral Scholarships is dedicated to advancing green values such as environmental sustainability, social justice, and human rights. Scholarship recipients are expected to embody these principles and actively contribute to the foundation’s mission through both their academic work and extracurricular involvement.

The scholarships aim to foster global understanding by supporting students from diverse cultural and national backgrounds, helping to build an international network of researchers who collaborate on pressing global issues.

Designed for students who demonstrate both academic excellence and strong social or political engagement, the Heinrich Böll Foundation Doctoral Scholarships play a key role in promoting democratic participation, sustainable development, and international cooperation.

Benefits of Heinrich Böll Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Doctoral Scholarships have a significant impact on the lives of their recipients, offering not only financial assistance but also valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. By emphasizing civic engagement and environmental values, the foundation helps scholars develop into leaders who can make meaningful contributions to their academic fields and wider communities.

Funded by the Heinrich Böll Foundation Doctoral Scholarships, these scholarships provide financial support that can cover living costs and other expenses associated with studying abroad. By easing financial pressures, the award enables recipients to fully concentrate on their research and active involvement in academic and social initiatives.

For German and foreign students educated in Germany, as well as EU nationals or students from the EU not educated in Germany:

A basic monthly scholarship of €1,450
An additional €100 per month to cover research-related expenses
Limited additional support is available for short-term research abroad
Tuition fees are generally not covered, and only partial support may be possible in certain countries

For non-EU nationals and students not educated in Germany:

A monthly stipend of €1,400
A €100 monthly mobility allowance
Additional individual allowances may be provided
Limited funding is available for short-term research abroad
Tuition fees are not eligible for funding

Eligibility Requirements

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The Heinrich Böll Foundation awards scholarships to both German and international PhD students. The following categories are eligible:

German doctoral candidates (including those with international backgrounds) pursuing PhD studies in Germany or within other EU countries, in any academic discipline.
International PhD applicants (from both EU and non-EU countries, including those with refugee status) intending to carry out doctoral studies in Germany, in any field of study.
German and international doctoral candidates applying to the Research Cluster on Social-Ecological Transformation, open to all academic areas.

Additional Information for Refugees and Foreign Nationals:
Refugees are encouraged to apply, regardless of their country of origin or current residency status.
For individuals with foreign citizenship:

If your university entrance qualification was obtained outside of Germany, you will be assessed under the guidelines for international applicants.
If your qualification was earned within Germany, you will be evaluated under the criteria for international students educated in Germany.

Academic Merit

Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, typically through academic transcripts, strong letters of recommendation, and evidence of previous academic success. The foundation looks for candidates with the potential to excel in their chosen field and make meaningful contributions to their academic and professional communities.

Admission to a Doctoral Program

Applicants must provide proof of admission to a doctoral program at a state-recognized or public university in Germany.

They must also submit their university degree certificate and demonstrate progress on their PhD project, including a realistic timeline for completion.

German Language Proficiency

International applicants must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in German. Strong or very strong language skills are required, typically at a minimum of B2 level or DSH2.

What is the Required Language for the Application?

We expect your application documents to be submitted in German. However, references, expert opinions, and, if needed, translations of certificates and other documents may be provided in English. Doctoral applicants must write the summary version of their research proposal (exposé) in German, while the full exposé may be written in English.

Eligible Universities

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Doctoral Scholarships awards scholarships to approximately 1,500 students annually. These scholarships are available to graduate and doctoral students from all academic disciplines and nationalities. Recipients may pursue their studies at a range of higher education institutions in Germany, including:

Traditional universities
Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen)
Universities of the arts (Kunst-/Musikhochschulen)

Required Documents for Application

To apply for a Heinrich Böll Foundation Doctoral Scholarships, applicants must submit the following:

Completed application form for doctoral scholarship (PhD)
A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
Proof of admission to a PhD program at a recognized university
Documentation of preliminary work on the PhD project
Certificate of German language proficiency (minimum B2 or DSH2 for international applicants)
Evidence of social and political engagement
A compelling statement explaining your motivation for applying to the Heinrich Böll Foundation
A reference letter attesting to your social commitment
Two academic letters of recommendation from university instructors
Refugee applicants must also provide official documentation of their residence status (asylum status)

Deadline for Heinrich Böll Foundation Doctoral Scholarships

The Heinrich Böll Foundation doctoral scholarship deadlines occur twice yearly, on March 1st and September 1st. The application portal typically opens about six weeks before each deadline, around January 15th and July 15th, respectively. For autumn 2025, the deadline is September 1, 2025, followed by the next deadline on March 1, 2026, for the spring 2026 cycle.

How to Apply

Applications for the Heinrich Böll Foundation doctoral scholarships must be submitted exclusively through the online application platform. To apply, visit the “Apply Now” page to create an account or log in.

The selection process consists of three stages:

Stage 1: Review of Written Application Materials
Two staff members from Studienwerk and another department within the Heinrich Böll Foundation evaluate the submitted documents and decide which applications advance to the next stage.

Stage 2: Interview with a Liaison Lecturer
Applicants participate in a one-hour interview conducted by a liaison lecturer from the foundation, which may take place in person, by phone, or online.

Stage 3: Committee Interview
A final digital interview is held with a committee of 3–4 members, including 1 to 2 external experts, 1 current scholarship recipient, and 1 staff member from Studienwerk.

At each stage of the selection process, only a limited number of applicants will be invited to proceed to the next phase. You will be notified in writing about the outcome after each stage. Please ensure you complete your application using Adobe Acrobat Reader.

For a detailed guide on the application process for the Heinrich Böll Foundation doctoral scholarship, visit here.

Conclusion

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships go beyond financial support—they embody a dedication to nurturing future leaders committed to environmental sustainability, social justice, and active civic engagement. By funding students who uphold these values, the foundation plays a vital role in building a more equitable and sustainable future. These scholarships offer applicants not only the chance to advance their academic goals but also a meaningful platform to make a positive impact on the world.

For further information about the Heinrich Böll Foundation doctoral scholarships, please visit the official website.