Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship 2027

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES), Germany’s oldest political foundation affiliated with the Social Democratic Party (SPD), provides fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing Master’s and PhD programs at German universities. FES supports approximately 40 international scholarship holders per year. The Foundation seeks candidates who demonstrate commitment to social democracy, solidarity, and social justice, and who will contribute to the democratic development of their home countries after graduation.

• Open to students from developing and transition countries
• Must be enrolled in or accepted to a Master's or PhD program at a German university
• Must have completed their first degree (bachelor's) in their home country
• Must demonstrate above-average academic performance
• Must show social and political engagement aligned with social democratic values
• Must be proficient in German (B2 level minimum for most programs)
• Must intend to return to their home country after graduation to contribute to its democratic development

• Master's students: approximately €850/month. PhD students: approximately €1,200/month. Health insurance support. Book and materials allowance. Participation in the Foundation's comprehensive seminar program on politics
• Society
• And social democracy. Mentoring from experienced professionals. Networking with FES alumni network worldwide.

Completed online application form, CV/Resume with emphasis on social and political engagement, Motivation letter explaining connection to social democratic values and plans for home country, Academic transcripts and degree certificates (certified copies), German language proficiency certificate (B2+), Two recommendation letters (one academic, one from social/political engagement), For PhD: research proposal with timetable, Proof of social engagement and community activities, Passport copy

• Be admitted to or enrolled at a state-recognised German higher education institution
• International applicants typically come from the Global South, post-Soviet states, or eastern and south-eastern EU countries, must demonstrate sufficient German, and a commitment to social-democratic values
• Complete the online application on the FES website; shortlisted candidates may be interviewed