The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Scholarship 2027 is one of the most prestigious and fully funded politically oriented scholarship programs in Europe. Funded by Germany’s oldest social democratic political foundation, this program supports academic excellence combined with a strong commitment to civic engagement, social justice, and democratic values.

  • Applications Open: The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Scholarship 2027 is now accepting applications on a rolling basis for international and domestic students studying in Germany.
  • 🎓 Degree Levels: Available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs at recognized German universities and technical colleges.
  • 💰 Generous Funding: Offers a €850 monthly stipendfull tuition coveragehealth insurance supporttravel expensesresearch funding, and language course support.
  • 🩺 Health Benefits: Includes a health insurance supplement of up to €71 per month and comprehensive medical coverage.
  • 💼 Career Development: Features a fully funded 12-month internship program, providing practical experience in civil society, politics, and related sectors.
  • 🌍 Wide Academic Coverage: Open to students from all major academic disciplines, including engineering, sciences, humanities, law, business, health sciences, and education.
  • 🤝 Who Can Apply: Open to international, domestic, and refugee students with strong academic performance and active involvement in civic, democratic, or social activities.
  • 🗳️ Selection Focus: Preference is given to applicants demonstrating academic excellencesocial responsibilitydemocratic values, and community engagement

Quick Overview

DetailInformation
Scholarship NameFriedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Scholarship
Host Country / LocationGermany
Degree LevelsBachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD
Financial CoverageFully Funded (Stipend, Tuition, Health Insurance, Travel)
Application DeadlineRolling Basis (Apply anytime throughout the year)

Designation

Scholarships are awarded for undergraduate and postgraduate study levels:

  • Bachelor’s Degree candidates
  • Master’s Degree candidates
  • PhD / Doctoral researchers

Research Areas & Fields of Study

The FES Scholarship is highly inclusive and covers virtually all academic disciplines at recognized German universities and technical colleges, including:

  • Humanities & Social Sciences
  • Political Science & Governance (Core academic focus area)
  • Law & Public Policy
  • Economics & Business
  • Health Sciences, Nursing, & Biomedical Research
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Natural Sciences
  • Education & Teacher Training

Eligibility & Qualifications

To be eligible for the FES Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Target Audience: Open to both domestic (German) and international students, including individuals with refugee status.
  • Academic Performance: Must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements and intellectual excellence.
  • Civic Engagement: Active participation in democratic, social, or political activities (e.g., student councils, youth work, NGOs, trade unions, or political organizations) is a key differentiator.
  • Language Skills: Sufficient language skills to successfully follow their chosen degree program in Germany.
  • Exclusions: Double funding is not permitted (e.g., if you currently receive BAföG or Deutschlandstipendium, you cannot receive both simultaneously). Prior holders of other German university or foundation scholarships are ineligible.

Scholarship Description & Benefits

This fully funded scholarship is designed to ensure a debt-free academic journey in Germany. Recipients receive a comprehensive financial and professional development package:

  • Monthly Stipend: €850 per month to cover daily living expenses, accommodation, food, and transport (additional child support is available for students with children).
  • Tuition Coverage: Full exemption or coverage of university academic tuition fees.
  • Health Insurance Support: A monthly supplement of up to €71, alongside international medical insurance coverage.
  • Travel & Research Support: Funding for international travel expenses and dedicated financial support for research stays, fieldwork, and academic collaboration.
  • Language Courses: Funded German or other language training to aid in local integration.
  • 12-Month Internship Program: A built-in, career-integrative professional development component providing funded work experience in civil society, politics, or related sectors.

How to Apply

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation uses a rolling application system, making the process highly accessible:

  1. Online Application: Complete and submit the initial application form via the Official FES Scholarship Page / DAAD Database.
  2. Document Request: Following a successful initial review, the Foundation will contact you via email to request supporting documents.
  3. Submit Supplementary Materials: Prepare to send your academic transcripts, proof of active civic/political engagement, letters of recommendation, CV, and a compelling motivation letter.
  4. Evaluation: Await the final selection results, which will be communicated directly to your registered email address.

Last Date to Apply

  • Deadline: Continuous / Rolling Basis

There is no single annual deadline. You can submit your application at any time throughout the year.