As one of Germany’s leading Begabtenförderungswerke (talent support foundations), FES provides comprehensive financial assistance, personal mentoring, and access to a vast intellectual and professional network. For students planning to pursue undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies in Germany in 2026, this scholarship presents a transformative opportunity to study without financial burden while becoming part of a community committed to shaping a more just, democratic, and inclusive society.
What Is the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES)?
The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) is a German political foundation affiliated with the Social Democratic Party (SPD). One of its core missions is to support young talent, social engagement, and democratic values. Through its Scholarship Programme, FES funds students and doctoral candidates who not only excel academically but also demonstrate social or political commitment to ideals like social justice, democracy, and equality.
FES supports higher education at state or state-recognized universities and technical colleges in Germany, making its scholarship a powerful opportunity for both German and international students.
What Does the 2026 FES Scholarship Cover?
The 2026 FES Scholarship offers comprehensive financial and non-financial support, designed to enable students to focus on their studies and civic participation. According to publicly available sources:
- Monthly Stipend:
- Undergraduate/first-cycle (Bachelor, Diploma, Magister, State Examination): approx. €750 per month.
- Master’s students: approx. €850 per month.
- PhD / Doctoral candidates (in some reports): up to €1,200+ per month, though this depends on the specific program and may vary.
- Health Insurance: Costs for health insurance are covered.
- Family Allowance: Scholars with children receive an additional monthly family allowance (reported around €276).
- Non-Material Support: Recipients also benefit from involvement in FES’s seminar programs, workshops, and mentoring — focusing on political education, social democracy, and professional development.
- No Repayment: The scholarship is a grant, not a loan — recipients do not need to pay it back.
Who Is Eligible for the 2026 FES Scholarship?
To apply for the FES Scholarship, you must meet several important criteria:
- Study Program & Institution
- You must be enrolled in (or have been accepted to) a state or state-recognized university or polytechnic in Germany.
- Eligible study levels include Bachelor’s, Master’s (including Honours), Diploma, State Examination, and PhD programs.
- Academic Performance
- Applicants are expected to have above-average academic performance.
- For doctoral candidates, this often means having a good academic track record from prior studies.
- Language Skills
- Even if your degree will be taught in English, FES typically requires German language competency. Acceptable certifications include: DSH Level 2, TestDaF Level 4, or Goethe Institute Certificate C1.
- Political / Social Engagement
- A key part of the FES Scholarship is socio-political involvement. Applicants should show a genuine commitment to social democracy, community engagement, or social justice.
- Personality traits like critical thinking, team orientation, tolerance, and self-reflection are valued.
- Special Priority Groups
- FES gives special consideration to women, first-generation university students, students from immigrant backgrounds, and students in STEM disciplines.
- For PhD candidates, FES sometimes restricts funding to those who have not been in Germany for more than 15 months (unless under certain exceptions).
- Number of Scholarships
- According to public sources, FES awards up to ~40 scholarships annually for its scholarship program.
How to Apply for the FES Scholarship
FES uses a multi-stage application process. Here’s how it works:
- Start Your Online Application
- Go to FES’s online scholarship portal to fill out an application form.
- In the form, you’ll provide personal data, academic background, motivation, and details about your social engagement.
- Check Your Eligibility
- Confirm that your university and course are eligible.
- Make sure you meet academic, language, and engagement criteria.
- Submit Required Documents
If your preliminary application is accepted, you’ll be asked to upload:- A detailed CV (with academic and extracurricular engagement)
- Transcripts / diplomas (school, university) and proof of enrollment or admission
- A motivation letter, explaining your goals, your commitment to FES values, and social engagement.
- Two letters of recommendation from professors or teachers.
- First Selection Interview
- After reviewing your documents, FES may invite you to a first interview with a subject-area / “trusted” lecturer.
- If you are selected for this, you may receive a trust-advisor report (Gutachten) from this interview.
- Second Selection Interview
- Finalists will be invited to a second interview with a member of the FES selection committee.
- If travel is required, FES can reimburse your travel expenses upon request.
- Final Decision
- Based on your documents and both interviews, the Selection Committee meets to decide on scholarship awards.
- You should receive a final decision via email within a few weeks after their meeting.
Why This Scholarship Is Especially Valuable
- Financially Enabling: The monthly stipend, insurance coverage, and family support make it feasible to study in Germany without taking on excessive financial burden.
- Long-Term Support: Funding through the “normal duration” of studies means stability, not just a one-off grant.
- Holistic Development: Through FES seminars, workshops, and mentorship, recipients grow not just academically but as socially engaged citizens.
- Prestige and Impact: Being selected by a major political foundation like FES signals commitment, leadership, and potential — credentials that can help in future academic, professional, or political endeavors.
- Diversity and Inclusion: FES explicitly supports students from underrepresented backgrounds (e.g., immigrant, first-generation) and disciplines including STEM.
Challenges & Considerations
- Highly Competitive: With only ~40 scholarships awarded annually, the selection rate is low.
- Language Requirement: You will need to demonstrate German proficiency even if studying in English.
- Academic Retention: You must maintain performance thresholds to keep funding.
- Time-Intensive Application: The application requires a range of documents and may involve interviews.
- Living Costs in Germany: While the stipend helps, you’ll need to budget for rent, food, and other expenses not fully covered by the scholarship.
Tips for Applicants
To strengthen your application, consider the following:
- Highlight Social Engagement: Beyond grades, FES values political and social commitment. Include volunteer work, community projects, or leadership in student organizations.
- Prepare a Compelling Motivation Letter: Clearly articulate why you align with the values of social democracy, how you plan to contribute, and how the scholarship will help you make an impact.
- Show Strong Academic Performance: Your transcripts should reflect consistent excellence. For PhD applications, a clear and feasible research proposal is key.
- Demonstrate Language Readiness: Even if your course is in English, show proficiency in German (or meet the required test level) — this is often mandatory.
- Prepare for Interviews: If shortlisted, be ready to talk about both your academic ambitions and your civic engagement. Practice common scholarship interview questions.
- Plan for Retention: Make sure you understand the required WAM / grade thresholds to continue receiving the stipend.
- Network with Current or Former FES Scholars: Try to connect via LinkedIn or academic forums to gain insights and mentorship.
Links to Apply And For More Information
- ➤ Application Portal: FES Online Application for Scholarships
- ➤ FES Scholarship Information: FES Studienförderung – Stipendienprogramme
- ➤ English Info Page (for international students): FES Scholarship Info in English
Conclusion
The 2026 Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship is a remarkable opportunity for international students who are not only academically excellent but also deeply committed to social engagement and democratic values. With full funding (monthly stipend, health insurance, and family allowances) and non-material support, FES offers more than financial aid — it offers a platform to grow as a scholar and as a socially responsible leader.
If you are passionate about studying in Germany, aligning with social democratic ideals, and making a long-term impact in your field or community, this scholarship is well worth considering. Prepare early, articulate your commitment, and build a strong application.
