Heinrich Boll Stiftung Scholarships

The Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships are one of the prestigious awards offered by the Heinrich Boll Foundation for both German nationals and International students. If you are an applicant showing promise for an excellent future in academic and professional careers, this scholarship allows you to study any subject at different levels- UG, PG or PhD. However, you will have to show involvement in line with the values ​​of green policy, the foundation’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability, social justice, and democracy. Read ahead for in-depth details on this scholarship.

Aspects	Details
Offered by	Heinrich Boll Foundation
Type of Award	Merit Based
Level of Study	UG, PG and PhD
Subjects/ Fields	All
Deadline	March 1st, 2025 and Sep 1st, 2025
Website	https://www.boell.de/en/scholarships

Scholarship Benefits

The Heinrich Boll Stiftung Scholarships are awarded to selected candidates for an entire duration of their studies. However, this can be extended for an extra semester, if needed. Here are the things that Heinrich Boll Stiftung Scholarship covers:

• Covers tuition fees associated with university enrollment
• Monthly allowance to cover living expenses, including accommodation, food and personal needs
• Additional funds are available to support research for PhD candidates

Eligibility Criteria

Now, before you move on, check whether you are eligible for Heinrich Boll Stiftung Scholarship or not. We’ve mentioned the requirements separately for different levels of study:

Requirements for Study Scholarship

• Excellent school grades and academic standing
• Level DSH 2 or Test DaF Level B2
• Social engagement and interest in politics

Requirements For Doctoral Scholarship

• Doctoral candidates from Germany (German Nationals)
• International doctoral candidates 
• Doctoral candidates from Germany or abroad for the “Research Cluster Social-Ecological Transformation”

Documents Required

• Certificate of enrollment
• Personal Data and CV
• Letter of Motivation
• Two Reference Letters (Expert and Personal)
• Abitur, baccalaureate or university entrance qualification
• Copy of Degree Certificate
• Proof of German Language Proficiency
• Work samples/ Proof of Publication (if any)
• Residence Permit (asylum status) for Refugees

Application Process

To apply for the Heinrich Boll Stiftung Scholarships, make sure you match the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet the requirements. The application process is completely online so make sure you are thorough with the entire process.

• Visit the Heinrich Boll Stiftung website and go to the Scholarships section.
• Select your level your study and apply for – Study Scholarships or Doctoral Scholarships.
• Register on the online portal.
• After registration, you’ll be directed towards admission application.
• Fill all the details in the online application form and upload all the required documents.
• Check all the details once and click on submit.
• As soon as you completed your application, you will receive a confirmation email.
• If you are selected, you’ll be notified for further process through your email.

**Make sure you use Adobe Acrobat to fill out the application form as suggested by the Foundation.

Important Dates

The Heinrich Boll Stiftung Scholarship conducts application procedures twice a year. The first application deadlines for the upcoming session will be on March 1st, 2025 and the second on September 1st, 2025. And the application portal will open six weeks before the deadline, i.e., on 15th January, 2025 for the March deadlines and on 15th July, 2025 for September deadlines. Check out the application timeline below for both times.

Applications starting January:

Applications Starting July:

Selection Process and Criteria

The Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship prioritizes candidates who are entitled to or currently receiving BAfoG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz, or Federal Training Assistance Act). German students should indicate their BAfoG status in their applications to receive this consideration. The selection process is rigorous and multi-staged, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of all applicants.

Selection Process Stages:

• Formal Review and Evaluation: Initial document review by the scholarship office following the four-eyes principle.
• Interview with a Trusted Lecturer: Preferably conducted in person to assess the candidate’s qualifications and fit.
• Digital Interview: Conducted with three to four selection committee members.

Applicants advance to the next stage only if positively assessed in the previous one, ensuring a meticulous and fair selection process.

Tips FOr Applicants

• Secure Original Signatures for References: Ensure that your personal and expert references from university lecturers contain the referee’s original signature. This requirement is crucial unless the referee sends the document directly to the Heinrich Böll Foundation by email.
• Distinguish Your Referees: The personal reference and the expert reference must come from different individuals. Choose one referee who knows you personally and another who can attest to your academic and professional capabilities to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your qualifications.
• Language Requirements for Documents: Prepare all application documents in German. While the foundation also accepts personal and expert references in English, having your documents in German can demonstrate your readiness to study in Germany and your attention to their requirements.
• Highlight Commitment to Foundation Values: Clearly articulate your dedication to environmental sustainability, social justice, and human rights in your personal statement. Demonstrate how your past experiences and future goals align with the foundation’s mission.
• Detail Your Political and Social Engagement: The Heinrich Boll Foundation values applicants who are socially and politically engaged. Include specific examples of your involvement in community service, activism, or political initiatives, and explain the impact of these activities.

FAQs