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Are you an ambitious student passionate about sustainability, democracy, and social justice? The Heinrich Böll Scholarship, offered by the Heinrich Böll Foundation, provides financial support for international and German students pursuing higher education in Germany. Named after the Nobel Prize-winning author Heinrich Böll, this scholarship aligns with the foundation’s values of ecology, human rights, and equity.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Heinrich Böll Scholarship—from eligibility and application steps to benefits and deadlines. Whether you’re targeting undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs, we’ll help you navigate the process for the 2026 cycles.
This Blog Includes:
Overview of the Heinrich Böll Scholarship
The Heinrich Böll Foundation, a German political organization tied to the Green Party, funds around 1,200 scholarships annually for talented students committed to its core principles. In the table below, let’s explore the scholarship’s purpose, scope, and key facts to set the foundation for your application journey.
| Scholarship Name | Heinrich Böll Scholarship |
| Scholarship Provider | Heinrich Böll Foundation |
| Award Amount | Varies by level and nationality (detailed below) |
| Target Audience | German, EU, and non-EU students studying at state or state-recognized universities in Germany (some programs extend to Switzerland and other EU countries) |
| Deadline | March 1 every year for the spring session and September 1 for the autumn session |
| Scholarship Period | Full duration of your studies, with extensions possible for PhD candidates |
| Official Link | https://www.boell.de/en/scholarships |
The program prioritizes fields like environmental sciences, political science, and social studies, but all disciplines are eligible if they align with the foundation’s values.
Also Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK
Eligibility Criteria of Heinrich Böll Scholarship
Understanding eligibility is the first step to a successful Heinrich Böll Scholarship application. Here we have broken down requirements by student category and nationality, using current data from the official Heinrich Böll Foundation website.
Proof of admission or enrollment is mandatory, and applications are limited to early study phases. Here are the eligibility criteria for different courses;
For Undergraduate and Graduate Students
These scholarships target students starting or in the early stages of their programs at German state-recognized universities.
| Requirements | German/Foreign students | EU nationals | Non-EU nationals |
| Degree required to qualify for the scholarship | During your degree course’s first semester (enclosed student registration required) | Master’s degree only (first professional qualification proof must be provided) | Master’s degree only (first professional qualification proof must be provided) |
| Latest application date | During your degree course’s third semester (enclosed student registration required) | During your degree course’s third semester (enclosed student registration required) | During your degree course’s first semester (enclosed student registration required) |
| Eligible courses | All | All | All |
| Eligible host universities | state or state-approved universities in Germany or other EU member states | state or state-approved universities in Germany or other EU member states | state or state-approved universities in Germany |
| German proficiency proof | – | Level DSH 2 or B2 (certificate required) | Level DSH 2 or B2 (certificate required) |
| Other Notes | Focus on foundation values preferred | Proof of first degree | Limited spots; priority for developing countries |
For Doctoral(PhD) Students
PhD applicants must demonstrate advanced progress and alignment with sustainability or democracy themes.
| Requirements | German/Foreign students | EU nationals | Non-EU nationals |
| Doctoral Studies Admission | Proof of doctoral studies admission at a state or state-approved university must be attached to the application | Proof of doctoral studies admission at a state or state-approved university must be attached to the application | Proof of doctoral studies admission at a state or state-approved university must be attached to the application |
| Application date | Preliminary work must have been finished, and the submission of a valid timetable for completion is required | Preliminary work must have been finished and the submission of a valid timetable for completion is required | Preliminary work must have been finished and the submission of a valid timetable for completion is required |
| Eligible fields | All (subjects related to the foundation’s basic values will be given priority) | All (subjects related to the foundation’s basic values will be given priority) | All (subjects related to the foundation’s basic values will be given priority) |
| Regular scholarship period | Two years (maybe extended two times at the most by half a year) | Two years (maybe extended two times at the most by half a year) | Two years (maybe extended two times at the most by half a year) |
| German proficiency proof | – | Level DSH 2 or B2 (certificate required) | Level DSH 2 or B2 (certificate |
Non-EU PhD students from certain regions (e.g., CIS, Middle East) may receive tailored support.
Also Read: Edinburgh University PhD Scholarships
Application Process of Heinrich Böll Scholarship
The application process for the Heinrich Böll Scholarship is done through online means. The portal officially opens 6 weeks before the application dates. Here’s the process that you have to follow:
- Prepare in Advance: Gather documents and register on the portal when it opens (late January for March 1; mid-July for September 1).
- Access the Portal: Visit boell.de/en/scholarships, select your student type, and start the application.
- Complete the Form: Provide personal details, academic history, and a motivation letter emphasizing your commitment to the foundation’s values.
- Upload Documents: Attach all required files in PDF format (see next section).
- Submit Before Deadline: Review and send—late submissions are rejected. You’ll receive confirmation via email.
- Selection Phases: Shortlisted candidates attend interviews (online or in Germany) in April/May or October/November.
The process is competitive; about 1 in 10 applicants succeeds, per foundation reports.
Document Requirements
Strong documentation is key to standing out. As mentioned in the process, here are the documents you need to submit along with the application form:
- Personal Statement/Motivation Letter: Explain your goals and alignment with Böll values (1-2 pages).
- CV: In tabular form, highlighting academic and social engagements.
- Academic Transcripts: University entrance qualification and current certificates.
- Enrollment/Admission Proof: From a German state-recognized university.
- Language Certificates: German (DSH 2/TestDaF 4) where required; English if applicable.
- References: Two expert opinions—one on academic aptitude, one on social commitment.
- PhD-Specific: Thesis outline, timeline, and supervisor letter.
Important Dates
Stay ahead with these fixed dates for Heinrich Böll Scholarship cycles:
| Particulars | Details |
| Application Process Starts (Spring Season) | March 01 |
| Application Process Starts (Autumn Season) | September 01 |
Applications are biannual; apply only once per year.
Benefits of Heinrich Böll Scholarship
Along with knowing its eligibility and application process, the applicant needs to know the benefits as well. Here are the grant details:
For German Students/Foreigners in Germany
| PhD Students | EUR 1,350/month + EUR 100 mobility. |
| Undergraduate and Graduate students | EUR 812/month + EUR 300 study allowance. |
| Family or childcare allowance, health insurance | Varies |
For Non-German Students (EU/Non-EU)
| PhD Students | EUR 1,200/month + EUR 100 mobility + possible tuition (up to EUR 12,000/year for non-EU). |
| Undergraduate and Graduate students | EUR 934/month + individual allowances (e.g., health insurance). |
| Family or childcare allowance, health insurance | Varies |
Additional perks: Family allowances, childcare, health coverage, and extensions for justified reasons.
The Heinrich Böll Scholarship empowers students who share a vision for a greener, fairer world. By meeting eligibility requirements, preparing thorough applications, and applying on time, you can secure funding to study in Germany. Start early, showcase your passions, and join a community of change-makers.
FAQs
The Heinrich Böll Scholarship is provided by the Heinrich Böll Foundation.
To apply for the Heinrich Böll Scholarship, go to the online portal for this foundation and fill out the application online.
The last date to apply for the Heinrich Böll Scholarship is March 1 and September 1.
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