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Foundation Scholarship

Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship for International Students (Grundförderung)

by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES, affiliated with SPD)

Stipend

934 EUR/month

Duration

Standard study period

Level

Bachelor, Master, PhD

Deadline

30 November (for Winter semester) and 31 May (for Summer semester)

Overview

Germany's oldest political foundation (affiliated with the SPD) supports approximately 40 talented international students per year from the Global South, post-Soviet states, and Eastern/Southeastern Europe who are committed to social democracy and already study in Germany.

Provider

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES, affiliated with SPD)

Type

foundation Scholarship

Who Can Apply

Global South (incl. India), post-Soviet states, Eastern/Southeastern Europe

Degree Levels

Bachelor, Master, PhD

Benefits & Financial Support

Funding Amount

934 EUR/month + health insurance + child allowance (160 EUR/month per child)

About

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is Germany's oldest political foundation, affiliated with the Social Democratic Party (SPD). It awards approximately 40 scholarships per year to international students from the Global South, post-Soviet states, and Eastern/Southeastern European countries who demonstrate excellent academic merit and commitment to social democratic values.

Benefits

  • Monthly base stipend of 934 EUR (for international students)
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Child allowance of 160 EUR/month per child (if applicable)
  • Extensive seminar and networking programme

Eligibility

  • From countries in the Global South (Asia including India, Africa, Latin America), post-Soviet states, or Eastern/Southeastern Europe
  • Already studying at a German university
  • Excellent academic merit
  • Commitment to the values of social democracy
  • Active social and political engagement

Contact

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Abt. Studienförderung
Tel: +49 228/883-7902
Email: [email protected]

Eligibility Requirements

  • Already studying at a German university
  • from an eligible country
  • excellent academic record
  • commitment to social democratic values and active engagement.

What This Scholarship Covers

Living Allowance

Monthly stipend for rent, food, and daily expenses

Health Insurance

Mandatory health, accident, and liability insurance

How to Apply

1

Check Eligibility

Verify you meet the nationality, degree level, academic, and language requirements listed above.

2

Prepare Documents

Gather your academic transcripts, degree certificates, CV, letters of recommendation, language certificates, and motivation letter.

3

Find a Programme

Identify the German university and programme you want to study. Some scholarships require university admission before applying.

4

Submit Application

Apply through the official application portal before the deadline. Upload all required documents as PDFs.

5

Interview & Selection

If shortlisted, attend an interview (may be online). Selection committees assess academic merit, motivation, and fit.

6

Receive Decision

Scholarship decisions typically arrive 3–6 months after the deadline. If awarded, complete visa and enrolment procedures.

Application Document Checklist

  • Completed application form
  • Curriculum vitae (CV / resume)
  • Motivation letter / statement of purpose
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree certificate
  • Academic transcripts with grades
  • Language proficiency certificate (IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or DSH)
  • Letter(s) of recommendation from university professors
  • Valid passport copy
  • Passport-sized photograph
  • University admission letter (if already accepted)

Note: Exact document requirements vary. Always check the official scholarship page for the definitive list.

Need Help With Your Application?

Scholarship applications are competitive — a strong profile evaluation, polished SOP, and the right university selection make the difference. GradGermany's experts can help at every step.

Quick Facts

Amount
934 EUR/month + health insurance + child allowance (160 EUR/month per child)
Duration
Standard study period
Degree Levels
Bachelor Master PhD
Deadline
30 November (for Winter semester) and 31 May (for Summer semester)
Who Can Apply
Global South (incl. India), post-Soviet states, Eastern/Southeastern Europe

Frequently Asked Questions About the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship for International Students (Grundförderung)

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship for International Students (Grundförderung) provides 934 EUR/month + health insurance + child allowance (160 EUR/month per child). The exact amount may vary depending on your study level, programme, and personal circumstances.
Already studying at a German university; from an eligible country; excellent academic record; commitment to social democratic values and active engagement.
The application deadline is: 30 November (for Winter semester) and 31 May (for Summer semester). We recommend starting your application at least 3 months before the deadline to allow time for document preparation.
The target group for this scholarship is: Global South (incl. India), post-Soviet states, Eastern/Southeastern Europe. Indian students are generally eligible for most German scholarships if they meet the academic and language requirements.
This scholarship covers: monthly living allowance, health insurance.
To apply: (1) Check you meet the eligibility requirements, (2) Prepare all required documents including transcripts, CV, motivation letter, and language certificates, (3) Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline. Apply at: https://www.fes.de/studienfoerderung/stipendium/grundfoerderung-fuer-auslaender-innen

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