2025 Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship Program for International Students

Published: 25 Mar 2025

The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is the oldest political foundation in Germany with a rich tradition in social democracy dating back to its foundation in 1925.The foundation owes its formation and its mission to the political legacy of its namesake Friedrich Ebert, the first democratically elected German President.

To address social disadvantages by supporting students who actively work for freedom, justice and social cohesion in their commitment to social democracy, or will do so in future, continues to be one of the aims of the FES. For the FES, service to the common good deserves recognition. It is therefore not only the applicants’ academic achievement but their social and political involvement and personal attitudes that play an important part in the selection process.

FES Scholarship Program

Benefits of FES Scholarship Program

• A monthly Stipend of EUR 750 in a Bachelor’s, Diploma, Magister, or state examination program
• A monthly Stipend of EUR 850 for a Master’s course.
• Costs for health insurance are funded and scholars with a child receive a family allowance of EUR 276.
• The scholarship does not have to be repaid.

Requirements for FES Scholarship Program

• Applicants must have a good command of German, even if the classes are in English.
• Students from all fields are eligible to apply for the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship.
• In addition, they must have been accepted or enrolled in a German or state-recognized higher education institution.
• Applicants must be from the Global South (Asia, Africa, and Latin America), post-Soviet republics, and eastern and south-eastern European (EU) countries to be eligible for this German scholarship program.
• Furthermore, they must have the motivation to study along with voluntary social and political involvement.

Application Documents

• Detailed CV with information about previous education and socio-political commitment
• Certificates, university entrance qualification, enrollment certificate, other evidence
• Detailed letter of motivation 
• Two reports from university lecturers (for students and doctoral candidates) or teachers (for first-year students)

Application Deadline

How to Apply