Germany Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) invites international students worldwide to apply for its prestigious scholarship program for the academic session of 2026 in Germany. This fully funded opportunity is open to students pursuing Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees across all academic disciplines. With a maximum of 40 scholarships available annually, FES offers exceptional students the chance to study in Germany free of charge while providing comprehensive seminar programs to enhance their social competencies and academic skills. Applicants are encouraged to showcase their high academic achievements for consideration. Apply now for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship and embark on a transformative academic journey in Germany.

The FES Scholarship 2025 offers one of the most comprehensive funding packages among German scholarships. Benefits include:

• Monthly allowance of €934 for Bachelor’s students.
• Monthly allowance of €1,200 for Master’s and postgraduate students.
• Family allowance of €276 per month (if applicable).
• Health insurance costs reimbursed.
• Academic support and participation in seminars, training, and networking opportunities.

Unlike many other scholarships, the FES not only provides financial support but also invests in building the personal and professional skills of its scholars.

Important note: Any income over €400 per month is deducted from the scholarship amount.

What the FES Scholarship Does Not Cover

The FES Scholarship does not provide funding for:

• Short-term stays abroad or study abroad programs outside the EU
• Short degree programs (e.g., 2-semester Master’s degrees)
• Final stages of a degree course or doctoral degree
• Postdoctoral projects
• Professional training programs (e.g., psychotherapy, physiotherapy, medical training before preliminary exam)
• Language courses and second degrees

The FES Scholarship 2025 supports students at almost every level of higher education in Germany:

• Bachelor’s Degree / Diploma / State Examination – open to students who are pursuing their first degree.
• Master’s / Postgraduate Programs – funding available for those enrolled in a recognized Master’s or equivalent postgraduate program.
• Doctoral Studies (PhD) – doctoral candidates who demonstrate strong academic ability and a commitment to social values may also apply.

However, some fields are excluded (for example: medical studies before the preliminary examination, training programs such as physiotherapy, and postdoctoral studies).

One of the greatest advantages of the FES scholarship is that it is open to all fields of study, including artistic and creative degree programs. Whether you are pursuing a degree in Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Law, Economics, Business, or Arts, you can apply.

That said, the FES particularly emphasizes support for:

• Students in STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
• Students at universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen)
• First-generation students (the first in their families to attend university)
• Women and students from immigrant backgrounds

The FES scholarship is open to both German and international students, as long as they meet the eligibility conditions. Specifically, applications are welcome from:

• German citizens
• Foreign nationals with a German university entrance qualification (e.g., Abitur)
• Refugees currently living in Germany
• International students already studying in Germany (Bachelor’s students must have at least one set of graded results before applying)

Note: International students must already be living in Germany and enrolled at a German university at the time of application. Applications from outside Germany are not accepted.

University Acceptance: 

• To be considered, applicants must have proof of admission or be currently enrolled in a relevant program at a accredited German university or technical college.

Language Proficiency: 

• International students need to demonstrate they have sufficient (or strong) German language skills.

Application Deadlines:

• Freshmen (First-Year): Both German and international students with prior education can apply before the first semester starts or at the latest by the beginning of the first semester.
• PhD Applicants: You must have received an official acceptance letter (without any conditions) confirming your admission for the doctoral scholarship program.
• Foreign PhD Applicants: In addition to the above, you will also need to demonstrate adequate (or competent) German language skills.
• Click here to check deadlines.

Ready to get started with your Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) scholarship application? Here's a breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Apply Online

Head to the FES website and complete the online application form. It's designed to be straightforward, focusing on your background without requiring additional documents at this stage. If you have questions or need guidance before applying, feel free to reach out to one of their 480 trusted lecturers for support. Remember to check the deadlines!

Step 2: Submit Requested Documents (if applicable)

If your initial application shows promise, FES will contact you via email requesting further documentation. This may include:

• Two expert reports:
  • Undergraduates (not Masters) submit reports from two former teachers.
  • Others (including Masters and PhD students) submit reports from two university professors.
• Information about your education and social-political involvement: Showcase your academic journey and commitment to social and political issues.

Tip: They offer a three-week window to upload requested documents after receiving the email. For the expert reports, plan on up to six weeks if you need to consult with them first. While you wait for a response, it's wise to gather these documents in advance.

Step 3: Interviews (if shortlisted)

If selected for further consideration, FES will invite you for two interviews:

• First Interview: This will be with a trusted lecturer from your field of study.
• Second Interview: This will be with a member of the FES scholarship selection committee.

Step 4: Selection Committee Decision

The FES scholarship selection committee meets regularly throughout the year to make final decisions on program acceptance.

Additional Resources:

• Sample application forms for different scholarship types.
• Information sheets and instructions for preparing reports are available in downloadable PDFs.
• Tips for preparing for the selection interviews.
• The FES annual report, lists all liaison lecturers and selection committee members.