Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships: Fully-Funded Master’s and PhD Programs for Social Democracy

Germany has long been a hub for academic excellence, and with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Scholarships, international students have the chance to pursue Master’s and PhD programs in Germany with fully-funded financial support. If you’re passionate about social democracy, equal opportunity, and human rights, the FES Scholarship is an excellent opportunity to study in Germany and contribute to positive social change in your home country and beyond.

Fund Overview

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) is one of the oldest and most well-established political foundations in Germany. It is aligned with the Social Democratic Party and focuses on promoting democracy, human rights, social justice, and equal opportunities for all. Through its scholarship program, FES seeks to empower students from around the world who are committed to these values, helping them pursue their academic and professional goals in Germany.

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships provide fully-funded opportunities for Master’s and PhD students who demonstrate a commitment to social democracy and the values of freedom, justice, and solidarity. This scholarship is not just about academics—it’s about fostering a generation of leaders who can make a real impact in society.

Coverage of the Fund

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support to successful applicants, covering a wide range of academic and living expenses:

Monthly Stipend: €750 per month for Master’s students and €1,000 per month for PhD students to cover living expenses.
Health Insurance: Full coverage for health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
Tuition Fees: The scholarship ensures that you will not need to worry about tuition fees, which are generally low or waived at public universities in Germany.
Travel Allowance: Financial support for travel to and from Germany.
Research and Conference Funding: Additional funds are available for attending academic conferences or conducting research related to your studies.
Family Allowances: In certain cases, applicants with dependents may receive family allowances to assist with the cost of living.

More Here: Deutschlandstipendium: Fully-Funded Scholarships for Bachelor's and Master's Students

This comprehensive funding package ensures that you can focus on your studies and research without worrying about financial constraints, allowing you to fully engage with your academic and personal growth during your time in Germany.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Academic Requirements: Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree (for Master’s students) or a Master’s degree (for PhD students) from a recognized institution.
Field of Study: The scholarship is open to students in a wide range of fields, but preference is given to applicants pursuing degrees in areas that align with social democracy, political science, human rights, social justice, economics, and other related disciplines.
Social Engagement: FES values candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to social democracy and community service. Applicants should have a proven track record of involvement in political organizations, activism, or volunteer work that supports social equality, justice, and human rights.
Political Commitment: FES seeks applicants who are politically engaged and committed to the values of freedom, justice, and solidarity. Applicants should be passionate about advancing social change and fostering democratic values in their home country and globally.
Language Requirements: Proficiency in English or German is required, depending on the language of the program.

Timelines

Application Period: The application period for the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship typically begins in early summer (around June) and ends in late summer (around August).
Selection Process: The selection process may take several months, with notifications of results usually made in November or December.
Scholarship Duration: The scholarship is awarded for one year, with the possibility of renewal for Master’s students and continued funding for PhD students for the duration of the program, based on academic performance.

How to Apply

Applying for the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship involves several steps. Here’s how to get started:

Visit the FES Scholarship Portal: Start by visiting the official Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship website to view detailed information about the program, eligibility, and deadlines. You can access the portal directly here.
Prepare Your Documents: The following documents are typically required for the application:
- Application Form: Complete the online application form.
- Academic Transcripts: Submit your most recent academic transcripts, including your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
- Motivation Letter: A compelling letter explaining why you’re passionate about social democracy, your academic goals, and how you plan to contribute to society through your field of study.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A structured CV that highlights your academic achievements, social engagement, and any leadership roles.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation, preferably from academic or professional mentors who can speak to your qualifications and commitment to social change.
- Proof of Language Proficiency: Provide evidence of your proficiency in German or English (depending on the language of the program).
Submit Your Application: Once all documents are prepared, submit your application through the FES online portal.
Interview Process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.
Wait for Results: Once the interview process is completed, candidates will be notified of the scholarship decision.

More Here: How To Secure Fully Funded Scholarships As International Students in 2026

Documents Needed

Ensure you have the following documents ready to submit:

Completed Application Form
Academic Transcripts or proof of enrollment
Motivation Letter
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Two Letters of Recommendation
Proof of Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or DSH)
Additional Documents (if applicable, based on your field of study)

Tips to Increase Your Chances

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship is highly competitive, so it’s essential to make your application stand out. Here are a few tips:

Showcase Your Commitment to Social Change: The scholarship values applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to social justice, human rights, and democracy. Make sure your application highlights your involvement in relevant activities, such as volunteering, activism, or leadership roles in social movements.
Craft a Powerful Motivation Letter: Your motivation letter should clearly articulate your academic and professional goals, your passion for social democracy, and how the scholarship will help you achieve those goals.
Highlight Leadership Experience: FES values leadership qualities. Be sure to showcase any leadership roles or initiatives where you’ve made a positive impact in your community or field of study.
Strong Recommendations: Provide strong letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic achievements and your commitment to making a difference in society.
Align Your Values with FES: Ensure that your application reflects a deep commitment to the values of freedom, justice, and solidarity. Demonstrate how these values guide your academic journey and future career.

More Here: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships — Fully Funded Scholarship for International Students

Conclusion

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships offer an exceptional opportunity for international students to pursue Master’s and PhD programs in Germany while receiving full financial support. This scholarship is designed for students who are passionate about social democracy, human rights, and making a meaningful impact in their communities and the world. If you are committed to social justice and leadership, the FES Scholarship is the perfect opportunity to further your academic and professional journey in Germany.

For more information and to apply, visit the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship Page.

Explore Other Fully-Funded Scholarships in Germany:

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships: Fully-Funded Master’s and PhD Programs for Social Democracy