Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship Winter 2026–27€992 Monthly Stipend in Germany
Study in Germany with FES support — monthly stipend for internationally engaged scholars.
International students pursuing higher education in Germany can apply for financial support through the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Scholarship 2026–27.
- Host
- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
- Mode
- In-person study at an eligible German higher-education institution
- Age limit
- No fixed age limit
- Degree
- Admission to or enrolment in an eligible bachelor’s or master’s programme, depending on the scholarship track
- Experience
- None
- Language
- Good German proficiency; B2 level is accepted, even without a certificate
Can you apply?
Applicants must meet the requirements of the international student scholarship programme.
1. Nationality and background
The international scholarship is intended for eligible foreign students, including applicants from countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, former Soviet Union countries, and certain Central and Eastern European countries.
Applicants from OECD countries are generally not eligible for this particular international track. Indian applicants may be considered under the programme rules.
2. Enrolment at a German university
Applicants must be studying at a state or state-recognised university or university of applied sciences in Germany.
Important: The FES international scholarship is not designed to finance an applicant’s initial move from India to Germany. The foundation’s official FAQ states that international applicants must already be in Germany when applying.
3. Academic performance
Applicants should demonstrate above-average academic performance. FES evaluates academic achievements alongside personal suitability and social engagement.
4. German-language proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate good German-language skills, even if their degree programme is taught in English.
The foundation accepts B2-level German proficiency, including cases where the applicant does not have a formal language certificate, subject to its assessment.
5. Social or civic engagement
Applicants should demonstrate engagement with society and an identification with the values of social democracy.
Examples of engagement may include volunteering, participation in community organisations, student initiatives, civic activities, or other contributions to society. Applicants should describe their actual experience and its impact.
6. Application timing for master’s students
Master’s applicants must submit their applications before or at the beginning of their first university semester in the master’s programme.
For the winter semester, the published deadline is November 30. Applicants should not wait until they are well into their degree to apply.
What you get
1. Monthly stipend of €992
Eligible international students receive €992 per month under the general student scholarship programme. This financial support helps students manage their living and study expenses while pursuing an eligible degree in Germany.
The stipend should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every expense, including tuition, rent, travel, and personal costs, will be covered in full.
2. Health-insurance support
The foundation provides support for health-insurance costs according to its programme rules. Applicants should check the precise arrangements and any costs that may remain their responsibility.
3. Additional support for students with children
Eligible scholarship holders with children may receive an additional €255 per month.
Applicants should confirm their eligibility and the documentation required to receive this allowance.
4. Academic and professional development
Beyond financial support, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung scholarship holders can access:
- Social and political seminars
- Workshops and skills-development activities
- Thematic working groups
- Mentoring and guidance
- A network of current scholarship holders and alumni
These opportunities can help students develop their leadership skills, broaden their perspectives, and build meaningful professional connections.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
The FES scholarship provides a monthly stipend and health-insurance support, but the official programme page does not promise that every possible expense will be covered. Applicants should assess their tuition arrangements, accommodation, travel, and other living costs separately.
Applying
Follow these steps to explore the scholarship and submit an application:
- 01
- 02Review the eligibility requirements, including nationality, university recognition, German-language proficiency, academic performance, and civic engagement.
- 03Confirm that your degree programme meets the foundation’s rules on duration and study format.
- 04Check that you meet the requirement to be in Germany when applying.
- 05Prepare your academic records and supporting information about your studies and social engagement.
- 06Follow the foundation’s official application instructions and complete the application in German.
- 07Submit your application by the applicable deadline.
The documents and assessment process may vary according to the applicant’s circumstances. Consult the official programme page for the current instructions rather than relying on an unofficial checklist.
Common questions
Can Indian students apply for the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship?
Yes, Indian students may be eligible under the international scholarship programme. They must satisfy the nationality and other requirements, already be in Germany when applying, demonstrate good German-language proficiency, and meet the academic and civic-engagement criteria.
Can I apply before moving to Germany?
The foundation’s official FAQ states that international applicants must already be in Germany when applying. The programme should not be treated as funding for the initial relocation from India.
Can MBA students apply?
Potentially, yes. An MBA must meet FES requirements for eligible degree programmes, duration, and study format. Short-term and part-time programmes are generally excluded. Applicants must also satisfy the international scholarship’s other conditions.
Is IELTS required?
The international programme specifically requires German-language proficiency. The official page accepts B2-level German, even without a certificate. Check the programme instructions for any additional language or academic documentation relevant to your case.
How much is the monthly stipend?
The international student scholarship lists €992 per month, with health-insurance support. Eligible scholarship holders with children may receive an additional €255 per month.
Is there an application fee?
The official programme page does not specify an application fee. Check the official application portal for any current instructions.
What is the winter-semester deadline?
The deadline for eligible master’s applicants applying for the winter semester is November 30, 2026.
Who can apply?
Nationality:
- Inclusions: Open to students and doctoral candidates from the Global South (developing/low- and middle-income nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America), post-Soviet states, as well as Eastern and South-Eastern European countries
- Exclusions: Citizens/doctoral candidates from OECD member countries (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan) are strictly ineligible
Education: Admission to or enrolment in an eligible bachelor’s or master’s programme, depending on the scholarship track
Age: No fixed age limit
Full description
International students pursuing higher education in Germany can apply for financial support through the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Scholarship 2026–27. The programme supports eligible international students enrolled at state or state-recognised German universities, helping them concentrate on their studies while participating in social and civic activities.
For the Winter Semester 2026–27, eligible international master’s students must apply before or at the beginning of their first semester. The winter application deadline is November 30, 2026.
Selected students receive €992 per month, along with support for health-insurance costs. Eligible scholarship holders with children may receive an additional €255 per month. The programme also offers seminars, workshops, mentoring, and access to a wider academic and social network.
Students considering an MBA in Germany may also explore this scholarship, provided their programme and personal circumstances meet FES requirements. However, applicants should check the programme’s duration and study format carefully, as short-term programmes and part-time courses are generally not funded.
About the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship
The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung is a German foundation that supports students with strong academic performance, social engagement, and an interest in democratic and social values.
Its international student scholarship programme is designed for eligible students from the Global South, former Soviet Union countries, and certain Central and Eastern European countries. Applicants from OECD countries are generally excluded from this international track.
The foundation provides both financial assistance and non-financial support. Scholarship holders can participate in seminars, workshops, professional development activities, and thematic working groups. They can also connect with other scholarship recipients and alumni.
The programme is not simply based on academic grades. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung also considers applicants’ civic engagement, personal values, and commitment to contributing to society.
Can MBA Students Apply?
MBA aspirants may be eligible, but not every MBA programme automatically qualifies.
The FES international scholarship covers eligible master’s programmes, subject to the foundation’s rules. Before relying on the scholarship, MBA applicants should check the following:
- University: The MBA must be offered by a state or state-recognised German higher-education institution.
- Programme duration: FES generally does not fund short-term degree programmes lasting fewer than three semesters.
- Study format: Part-time and extra-occupational programmes are generally excluded.
- Enrolment and timing: Applicants must meet the international programme’s requirement to be in Germany and apply before or at the beginning of the first master’s semester.
- German proficiency: Sufficient German-language ability is required even for an English-taught MBA.
- Academic and civic profile: Strong academic performance and meaningful social or civic engagement are important.
Final Note
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship can be a useful source of financial and academic support for eligible international students already studying in Germany. However, the German-language requirement, social-engagement criteria, application timing, and restrictions on certain study formats make it important to check eligibility carefully.
For MBA aspirants, the key is to confirm that the specific programme qualifies and that the applicant meets the foundation’s requirements before preparing an application.
Visit the Official Scholarship Page
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All quick facts
- Opportunity Type
- International Student Scholarship
- Host Institution
- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES)
- Location
- Germany
- Duration
- Funding duration depends on the eligible degree programme and FES approval
- Age Limit
- No fixed age limit
- Mode
- In-person study at an eligible German higher-education institution
- Nationality
- Inclusions: Open to students and doctoral candidates from the Global South (developing/low- and middle-income nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America), post-Soviet states, as well as Eastern and South-Eastern European countries
- Exclusions: Citizens/doctoral candidates from OECD member countries (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan) are strictly ineligible
- Minimum Degree Required
- Admission to or enrolment in an eligible bachelor’s or master’s programme, depending on the scholarship track
- Academic Requirement
- Above-average academic performance
- German Language Requirement
- Good German proficiency; B2 level is accepted, even without a certificate
- Work Experience
- None
- Application Deadline
- November 30, 2026
- Application Fee
- None
- Stipend / Salary / Financial Support
- €992 per month, health-insurance support, and an additional €255 per month for eligible scholarship holders with children
- Application Status
- Winter Semester 2026–27 application cycle
