Course(s) Offered: All fields
Course Level: Undergraduate, Graduate (masters, PhD)
Provider: Heinrich Boll Foundation
Country to Study in: Germany, Switzerland, EU member states
Scholarship Description
Every year, the Heinrich Böll Foundation grants scholarships (the Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships) to approximately 1,000 undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students of all subject courses and nationalities.
These students are those who are pursuing their degree at universities, universities of applied sciences (‘Fachhochschulen’), or universities of the arts (‘Kunsthochschulen’).
The Foundation campaigns for gender democracy, social emancipation, and equality between women and men. It is also committed to equality and social participation for cultural and ethnic minorities.
Eligibility
The following general requirements apply to international student applicants (except EU citizens) who wish to study in Germany:
- You must be enrolled at a state-recognized university or college (e.g. Fachhochschule) in Germany at the time the scholarship payments begin.
- You should provide proof that you have already graduated with an initial professional qualification. This programme mainly supports students aiming for a Masters degree.
- You need a good knowledge of German, and require you provide proof of your proficiency. Please note that the selection workshop (interviews, group discussions) will normally be in German. Exceptions (interview in English) are, however, possible.
- Unfortunately, the current guidelines specify that the foundation cannot support foreign scholarship holders for stays abroad in third countries for more than four weeks.
- You should definitely apply for a scholarship before the start of your studies, in order to ensure long-term support and cooperation.
- The Heinrich Böll Foundation cannot award you a scholarship, if you are studying for a one-year Masters degree and were not previously supported by the foundation.
- Applications are possible before you begin your study programme or within the first three semesters.
- Applicants must provide proof that they have been accepted as a doctoral student by an institution of higher education in Germany or an EU country (for doctoral scholarship).
Selection Criteria:
The Foundation expects its scholarship recipients to have excellent academic records, to be socially and politically engaged, and to have an active interest in the basic values of the foundation: ecology and sustainability, democracy and human rights, self determination and justice.
Eligible Groups
Citizens from all over the world.
In addition to German students, the Foundation supports young people from many other countries, in particular countries in Eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
The Foundation promotes women, particularly in subjects where they are traditionally under-represented. It promotes ethnic minorities, and very much welcomes applicants from non-academic family backgrounds.
Participating Institution(s)
All state or state-recognized institutions of higher education (university, college or equivalent) in Germany, Switzerland or member states of the EU.
Field(s) of study
All courses and subjects are supported.
(Selected priority fields include: Humanities and Social Science, Fine Arts and Cultural Studies, Economics, Law, Engineering, Media Science and Natural Science).
Having in the past awarded scholarships mainly to students of the humanities, social sciences, art, and culture, the foundation is now, in addition, particularly interested in students of economics, law, engineering, science, mathematics, and journalism.
Number of awards
Approximately 1,000 (around 950 scholarships) are given every year - about 5/6 of them go to undergraduates and graduates and 1/6 to PhD students.
The specific number have not been made public, you may inquire this from the Scholarship Provider.
Sponsorship duration
This award cover the complete duration of the undergraduate, Masters or Doctoral programme
Scholarship benefits
The Foundation awards complete scholarships to students. You may want to inquire the specifics from the provider.
Method of Application
The application process, including the application form, will be completed ONLINE; additional application documents will be submitted as PDF. You may visit the application portal (usually available from mid-July on www.boell.de/studienwerk).
Please upload your documents as early as possible, as the system can become overloaded in the final days before the deadline. This will help avoid any technical problems which can be caused by increased demand.
The foundation only accepts online applications. The application portal will be opened about 6 weeks before the application deadlines.
It is important to visit the official website (link to it is below) for complete details on eligibility, application procedures and other relevant details. It is also essential that you read the "Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship Brochure" (also found on the official website).
DEADLINES:
The foundation holds the application process twice a year. Thus there are two application deadlines each year - early March and early September.
2015 Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships will open on 20 January 2015 to international students around the world. Next deadline is 3 March 2015.
PLEASE NOTE:
The scholarship department of the Heinrich Böll Foundation grants scholarships to undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students from inside and outside Germany. The scholarships are towards a Masters or PhD Degree in any approved field of study at participating German and non-German Universities.
Decisions on the awarding of scholarships will be taken by the Selection Committee, consisting of experienced university lecturers, experts from a variety of professional backgrounds in politics, economics, and society, active members of the Green network, alumni, current scholarship holders, and the staff of the Scholarship Department.
Successful applicants commence their scholarships approximately six months later (after the deadlines). However, the deadlines and dates listed may be liable to change.
Application Deadline: 3 March 2015
Open to International Applicants: Yes
More Scholarship Information and Application
Related: List of Scholarships in Germany for International Students