The Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) scholarships are offered to international students from various regions who wish to study in Germany across a range of subjects. The students must demonstrate academic excellence and have an unwavering commitment to adapting to and abiding by the values of Social Democracy. The scholarships are awarded to highly active international students and comprise a thorough seminar program to help boost the candidates’ social merit and academic skills. The FES offers a scholarship to

• Students of all disciplines
• Doctoral candidates from all disciplines (except medicine)
• Trainees from all disciplines

Target groups

Specifically, gifted students from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern and Southeastern Europe are preferable candidates. The candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to social democracy and promise an academic or professional career.

Key Details

Organizer: Friedrich Ebert Foundation

Partner: The German Academic Exchange Service ( DAAD)

Number of Scholarship: 40 Seats

Gender: Male/Female

Study Level: Bachelor’s, Diploma, and Master’s

Location: Germany

Funding Type: Fully Funded

Eligible Countries: Global South (Asia, Africa, Latin America), post-Soviet states, and eastern and south-eastern European (EU) countries

Application deadline: Applications can be submitted anytime, but early submission is preferred. However, there are specific deadlines for different courses and semesters, which are detailed here.

Benefits of the FES Scholarship

Winners will benefit from the program as follows:

• International students receive a monthly allowance of Euro 992 for a Bachelor’s, Diploma, Master’s, or state examination program.
• Health insurance expenses are covered.
• A monthly family allowance of Euro 160 for scholars who have a child
• Individual assistance by an on-site liaison lecturer is another benefit of this program.

Academic and Eligibility Requirements

• Admission to study or enrollment at a state or state-recognized higher education institution in Germany
• Adequate German knowledge, though courses are English-medium. This means “German language examination for university entrance “of at least DSH level 2, ‘test German as a foreign language’ of at least level 4, or a ‘certificate C 1’ by a Goethe Institute.
• Excellent school or academic merit (first-rated proof of academic achievements where needed).
• Political and social engagement and commitment to the values of social democracy
• Responsible, inspiring, and trustworthy applicants interested in being involved in the Foundation’s network

Application Procedure

The application for this scholarship is submitted online. You need to consider the steps below:

Step 1: Online Application

• Fill out the online application form.
• Answer questions about professional and family background.
• Contact 480 trusted lecturers for guidance if needed.
• Download sample application forms for various funding categories.

Step 2: Document Submission

• If eligible, further documents are requested via email.
• Submit two expert reports from university professors.
• Provide information on previous education and socio-political commitment.
• Three weeks to upload requested documents; six weeks if reports are needed.
• A list of required documents and report preparation instructions are available in PDF downloads.

Step 3: Personal Interviews

• Shortlisted candidates were invited to two interviews.
• The department lecturer and selection committee members conducted interviews.
• Tips for interview preparation are provided.
• The annual report on the FES website shows a list of liaison lecturers and committee members.

Step 4: Final Decision

• The selection committee decides on acceptance.
• The committee meets multiple times a year for decision-making.

Apply Now

More details about the application guidelines can be found here. The scholarship details can also be found on the official DAAD website.

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