Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) · All India
Amount
EUR 750/mo (approx. ₹10.7 Lakh+)
Deadline
31 May
Status
Open now
Provider Type
Study Abroad
Last Verified
2026-27
About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
EUR 750/mo (approx. ₹10.7 Lakh+)
The scholarship provides a monthly stipend: EUR 750 for Bachelor's, Diploma, Magister, or State Examination programs; EUR 992 for Master's students; and EUR 1,500 for doctoral candidates. Health insurance costs are fully covered. Scholars with children receive a family allowance of EUR 276 per month. Any income exceeding EUR 400 per month will be credited against the scholarship. The scholarship does not need to be repaid. In addition to financial support, the scholarship includes a comprehensive non-financial program with seminars, workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities. (Approximate conversion: 1 EUR = 90 INR. Annual amounts range from ~INR 810,000 for Bachelor's to ~INR 1,620,000 for PhD).
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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: General, OBC, SC, ST
- Domicile: 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 involves several stages: initially, applicants fill out an online application form
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If the application progresses, candidates are requested to submit further documentation, including expert reports from teachers or professors
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Shortlisted candidates then undergo two interviews: one with a trusted lecturer and another with a member of the FES scholarship selection committee
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The final decision is made by the selection committee, which typically meets three to four times a year
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The selection considers not only academic achievement but also social and political involvement, personal attitudes, and identification with the fundamental values of social democracy.
Renewal Policy
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Scholarship holders are expected to achieve above-average academic results in their degree courses and participate regularly in extra-curricular seminars and activities of FES campus groups
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The funding duration aligns with the standard period of study permitted by BAföG rules
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For doctoral candidates, funding typically lasts 3.5 years and may be extended in justified exceptional cases.
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
Carefully review the eligibility criteria for international students on the official FES website, including academic, language, and social engagement requirements.
- 2Online Application
Access the 'Online-Bewerbung' (online application) portal through the official FES scholarship page for international students and complete the application form, which is typically in German.
- 3Submit Initial Documents
Upload all required documents as specified in the online application, such as academic transcripts, proof of enrollment, CV, motivation letter, and German language proficiency certificate.
- 4Await First Review
The Foundation will review your application. If eligible, you will be contacted to submit additional documents, which may include expert reports or letters of recommendation from professors/teachers.
- 5Attend Interviews
If shortlisted, you will be invited to two interviews: one with a trusted lecturer and another with a member of the FES scholarship selection committee.
- 6Receive Decision
The selection committee meets regularly (about 3-4 times a year) and you will be notified of their decision.
Apply Links
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Help & Contact Support
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Official Last Date & Timelines
31 May 2027
For Master's students, the application deadline for the Winter Semester 2026/2027 is November 30, 2026, and for the Summer Semester 2027, it is May 31, 2027. Bachelor's students can apply after their first semester, typically up to three semesters before the end of their standard study period. PhD candidates have continuous enrollment and can apply at any time.
Dates are subject to change per the provider's official notification. Apply well before the closing date.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Do international students need to be in Germany to apply for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship?
Yes, international applicants must already be studying at a German university or technical college at the time of application. They must also provide proof of enrollment or a confirmation of their study place.
What level of German language proficiency is required?
Applicants need to demonstrate sufficient German language skills, typically at C1 level or equivalent, even if their study program is taught in English. Accepted certificates include DSH level 2, TestDaF level 4, Goethe Institute C1, Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz level II, or Telc C1 Hochschule.
Is the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship a fully funded program, and does it need to be repaid?
Yes, the scholarship is fully funded, covering a monthly stipend, health insurance costs, and a family allowance if applicable. It is a non-repayable grant, meaning recipients are not obligated to refund any portion of the support.
What kind of social or political engagement is expected from applicants?
The Friedrich Ebert Foundation seeks applicants who demonstrate active social and political involvement and a strong commitment to the values of social democracy, such as freedom, justice, and solidarity. This can include participation in student councils, youth work, NGOs, or political organizations.
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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.