Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) · All India
| Scheme Name | Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships |
| Provided By | Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) |
| Eligibility Summary | Masters, PhD · No income limit |
About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
₹10.7 Lakh+
The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) scholarship primarily supports students pursuing their studies in Germany, not within India. The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of approximately 992 EUR for students and 1,500 EUR for postgraduates. In addition, health insurance costs are covered, and scholars with a child may receive a family allowance of 276 EUR per month. Any income exceeding 400 EUR per month will be credited against the scholarship. The amounts in INR (estimated at 1 EUR = 90 INR) are provided for reference; actual disbursements are in EUR for studies in Germany. The scholarship does not have to be repaid.
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Nationality:Open to international students, particularly from countries in the Global South (Asia, Africa, Latin America), post-Soviet states, and Eastern/South-Eastern European countries.
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Study Level:Applicants must be enrolled in or admitted to a Bachelor's, Diploma, Magister, State Examination, Master's, or PhD program at a state or state-recognized German university or technical college. The scholarship does not support second degree courses, short-term stays abroad, project proposals, short-term courses (less than 3 semesters), research visits, trainee programs, university preparatory courses, or medical studies up to the preliminary examination.
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Location:International applicants must already be studying in Germany at the time of application.
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Academic Performance:Outstanding or above-average academic merit is required.
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German Language Proficiency:Sufficient German language skills are absolutely necessary, even if the course is taught in English. This must be proven by a certificate such as DSH level 2, TestDaF at least level 4, a Zertifikat C1 by a Goethe Institute, the Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz on level II, or Telc C1 Hochschule.
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Social and Political Engagement:Applicants must demonstrate social and political involvement and a strong commitment to the values of social democracy (freedom, justice, solidarity).
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First-year students (Bachelor's/Diploma/Magister/State Examination) must apply before or at the beginning of the first semester.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Masters, PhD |
| Course / Stream | Masters, PhD |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Completed online application form
- ✓Confirmation of study place or certificate of enrollment at a state or state-recognized German university
- ✓Academic transcripts and proof of initial academic achievements/marks (first graded proofs of academic achievement)
- ✓Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- ✓Motivation statement
- ✓Proof of sufficient German language skills (e.g., C1 certificate, DSH level 2, TestDaF level 4, Goethe Institute C1, Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz level II, or Telc C1 Hochschule)
- ✓Evidence of social or political commitment
- ✓Expert reports/recommendations from teachers or professors (requested after initial screening)
- ✓For PhD applicants: Research proposal and supervisor-related documentation
Selection Process
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The selection process for the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung scholarship is comprehensive, considering not only outstanding academic achievement but also social and political involvement, and personal attitudes
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Applicants are expected to demonstrate identification with the fundamental values of social democracy and socio-political commitment
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The process involves an online application, followed by a request for additional documents if eligible
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Shortlisted candidates are invited for two individual interviews: one with an FES lecturer and another with a member of the FES scholarship committee
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The final decision is made by the scholarship committee based on these evaluations.
Renewal Policy
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The FES scholarship is renewable for the standard period of study, subject to continuous fulfillment of specific conditions
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Scholars are expected to maintain above-average grades in their degree courses, regularly participate in extra-curricular seminars and activities organized by FES campus groups, and sustain their socio-political commitment
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The funding duration typically corresponds to BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) regulations in Germany.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Check Eligibility
Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including academic performance (above-average grades), socio-political commitment, and sufficient German language skills. Crucially, foreign applicants must already be enrolled in a German university or have a supervisor for their Ph.D. studies in Germany and be living in Germany at the time of application.
- 2Online Application
Fill out the online application form available on the official FES scholarship website. This form typically requests personal information, educational and family background, a letter of motivation, and details about your social or political engagement.
- 3Initial Review
FES usually reviews applications within two to four weeks. During this phase, they decide whether to reject an application or invite the candidate to submit further documents.
- 4Submit Documents (if invited)
If shortlisted, you will be requested to submit comprehensive documents and recommendation letters.
- 5Interviews
Selected candidates will be invited for two individual interviews. The first interview is typically conducted by an FES lecturer, and the second by a member of the FES scholarship committee.
- 6Final Decision
The FES scholarship committee (AWA) makes the ultimate decision based on your application and interviews. Key Deadlines (for 2026, similar for 2025-26): * May 31 for the summer semester. * November 30 for the winter semester. There is no specific status tracking portal mentioned beyond direct communication with the FES. Applicants should regularly check their email for updates.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Is the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung scholarship for studying in India?
No, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) scholarship program is primarily for international students, including those from India (as part of the 'Global South'), to pursue their Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD studies *in Germany*. Applicants must already be enrolled in a German university and reside in Germany at the time of application.
What are the most crucial eligibility criteria beyond academic performance?
Beyond above-average academic performance, key eligibility criteria include strong socio-political commitment and identification with the fundamental values of social democracy. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate sufficient German language skills and be enrolled in a state or state-recognized university in Germany.
What financial benefits does the FES scholarship offer?
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend (approx. 992 EUR for students, 1,500 EUR for postgraduates), full coverage of health insurance costs, and potentially a family allowance of 276 EUR per month for scholars with children. These benefits are disbursed in EUR for studies undertaken in Germany and do not need to be repaid.
Plan your study abroad
Use these guides to plan your next steps. Check this scholarship's eligibility before choosing a university or program.
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) website before final submission.