Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship 2026-2027 | Fully Funded Study in Germany

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship 2026-2027 – Supporting Social Democracy Values

🌐 Official Website: fes.de/studienfoerderung/bewerbung
📅 Application Deadlines:

• Master’s: 30 April 2026 (Summer Semester) / 31 October 2026 (Winter Semester)

• Undergraduate: After 1st semester until 3 semesters before the program ends

• Medical: After the 4th semester or physics exam until the 6th semester end

• PhD: Anytime
  🖥️ Apply Via: Online Application Portal
  📍 Location: German Universities Nationwide
  👥 Selection Interviews: Regional and National Levels
  💰 Monthly Stipend: €750-850 + Health Insurance + Family Allowance

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🏛️ About the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship

Embark on an intellectually and socially transformative educational journey with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Scholarship 2026-2027, Germany’s oldest political foundation scholarship program. Established in memory of Friedrich Ebert, Germany’s first democratically elected president, this prestigious scholarship embodies his commitment to social justice, democracy, and educational equity.

More than just financial support, the FES scholarship represents a comprehensive support system for students who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a deep commitment to social democratic values. Each year, approximately 40 outstanding scholars are selected to join a vibrant community of politically engaged students, gaining access to unique educational programs, networking opportunities, and personal development support that extends far beyond their academic studies.

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Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship: Study Levels & Academic Coverage

🎓 Levels of Study:

• Bachelor’s Degrees – State examination, diploma, and magister programs

• Master’s Degrees – All disciplines (except pure study abroad outside the EU)

• Doctoral (PhD) Programs – Research across all fields

• Medical Studies – Special timeline for application

📖 Eligible Fields:

• All academic disciplines welcome

• Not eligible: Pure study abroad programs outside the European Union

• Special encouragement for fields relevant to social development and democracy

🇩🇪 Study Location: State or state-recognized higher education institutions in Germany

⏰ Funding Duration: Corresponds to BAföG regulations (standard study period)

👥 Scholarship Numbers: Approximately 40 new awards annually

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Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship: Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this prestigious social democratic scholarship, applicants must demonstrate:

🎓 Academic Requirements:

• Above-average academic performance in previous studies

• Admission to or enrollment at a German higher education institution

• Application Timing Varies:

  • Bachelor’s: After completing 1st semester

  • Master’s: Specific semester deadlines apply

  • Medical: After the 4th semester or physics exam

  • PhD: Any time during doctoral studies

🗣️ Language Proficiency:

• German Language: Minimum DSH-2, TestDaF level 4, or Goethe C1 certificate

• Program Language: Courses may be in English, but German proficiency is required

• Strong communication skills in at least one programming language

🌍 Background & Values:

• Eligible Regions: Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe

• Core Requirement: Demonstrated commitment to social democratic values

• Personal Qualities:

  • Political awareness and engagement

  • Intellectual curiosity and critical thinking

  • Team orientation and collaborative spirit

  • Tolerance and openness to diverse perspectives

  • Capacity for self-reflection

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💶 Scholarship Benefits: Comprehensive Support

The FES provides one of Germany’s most generous and holistic scholarship packages:

Financial Support:

Non-Financial Benefits:

• Seminar Program: Regular academic and political education events

• Skill Development: Workshops on rhetoric, research methods, and leadership

• Networking: Access to 480+ FES liaison lecturers across Germany

• Community: National and regional scholar meetings

• Career Support: Professional development and mentoring

• Publication Opportunities: Through FES platforms and networks

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Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship: How to Apply?

📍 Phase 1: Initial Online Application

1. Access the Online Application Portal

2. Complete preliminary application with:

   • Personal and family background

   • Academic information

   • Preliminary statement of values alignment

3. No documents required in the initial phase

4. Submit by the relevant deadline for your study level

📄 Phase 2: Document Submission (If Shortlisted)

Upon invitation, prepare and submit within 3 weeks:

• Two expert reports from university professors

• Complete educational transcripts and certificates

• Detailed CV with academic and social engagement

• Proof of German language proficiency

• University admission/enrollment confirmation

• Personal statement on social democratic commitment

Expert Report Guidelines:

• First-year students: Two reports from high school/vocational teachers

• Advanced undergraduates: Two reports from university professors

• PhD applicants: One from the dissertation supervisor + one other professor

🤝 Phase 3: Selection Interviews

Shortlisted candidates participate in:

1. Department Interview: With FES liaison lecturer in your field

2. Committee Interview: With a FES selection committee member

3. Focus Areas: Academic plans, political engagement, personal development

4. Preparation: Review FES values and current social issues

🏆 Phase 4: Final Decision

• The selection committee meets multiple times annually

• Decisions based on holistic assessment

• Notification within weeks of interviews

• Funding typically begins next semester

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⚠️ Critical Application Instructions

• Strict Deadlines:
  Master’s: April 30, 2026 (Summer) / October 31, 2026 (Winter)
  Other levels: Consult specific timing rules

• German Proficiency: Certified proof mandatory before final selection

• Value Alignment: Clearly articulate commitment to social democracy

• Complete Documentation: Invited applicants have only 3 weeks to submit

• Early Professor Contact: Secure agreement for expert reports in advance

• Interview Preparation: Study FES history, values, and current initiatives

• Authenticity: Genuine engagement valued over extensive activity lists

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Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship: Selection Criteria & Process

Evaluation Weighting:

1. Academic Excellence (30%) – Consistent above-average performance

2. Value Alignment (40%) – Demonstrated commitment to social democracy

3. Personal Qualities (20%) – Leadership, teamwork, critical thinking

4. Social Engagement (10%) – Practical commitment to community

Selection Timeline:

• Application Submission: According to the study level deadlines

• Initial Screening: Within 4-6 weeks of the deadline

• Document Review: 2-3 weeks after invitation

• Interviews: Scheduled throughout the academic year

• Final Decisions: Committee meetings are quarterly

• Funding Start: Next academic semester

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🌍 The FES Scholar Community

Joining the FES scholarship means becoming part of a dynamic, values-driven community:

🤝 Network & Support:

• 480+ Liaison Lecturers: Department-specific mentors across Germany

• Regional Groups: Regular meetings and events in your area

• National Conferences: Annual gatherings of all FES scholars

• Alumni Network: Connections with professionals in all sectors

📚 Educational Enrichment:

• Political Academies: Deep dives into social democratic theory and practice

• Research Colloquia: Academic exchange across disciplines

• Summer Schools: Intensive thematic programs

• Publication Support: Guidance for academic and public writing

🌐 International Perspective:

• Global Partnerships: Connections with FES offices worldwide

• International Events: Conferences and exchanges

• Comparative Studies: Opportunities to explore social democracy globally

• Development Focus: Emphasis on global justice and equality

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Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship: Final Application Summary

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🔗 Essential Resources

Review sample applications: First-Year Students • Doctoral Candidates. Find German Language Test Centers. Explore FES Values and History.

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