About Friedrich Ebert Foundation
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.
The work of our political foundation focuses on the core ideas and values of social democracy – freedom, justice and solidarity. This connects us to social democracy and free trade unions. As a non-profit institution, we organise our work autonomously and independently.
Location: Bonn, Germany
What Friedrich Ebert Foundatio do
We support and strengthen social democracy in particular by means of:
- Political educational work to strengthen the civil society. Our political education programs in Germany motivate, enable, inform and qualify citizens to successfully engage in political, trade union and civil spheres. We improve citizens’ participation in social discussions and decision-making processes.
- Think Tanks: We develop strategies on the core issues of economic, social and educational policies as well as on key issues that advance democracy. At the crossroad where think tanks, academia and political practitioners meet, we create a public discourse for a just and sustainable economic and social order on a national, European and worldwide level
- International cooperation: With our international network of offices in more than 100 countries, we support a policy for peaceful cooperation and human rights, promote the establishment and consolidation of democratic, social and constitutional structures and are pioneers for free trade unions and a strong civil society. We are actively involved in promoting a social, democratic and competitive Europe in the European integration process.
- Support for talented young people with scholarship programs, in particular for students and doctoral candidates from low-income families or with a migrant background. This is our contribution to increasing educational democracy.
- The collective memory of social democracy: Our archive, library and contemporary history projects keep the historical roots of social democracy and the trade unions alive and provide support for sociopolitical and historical research.
Programme Description
Applicants come from countries in the Global South (Asia, Africa, Latin America), post-Soviet states as well as eastern and south-eastern European (EU) countries. Students in any subject area are eligible to apply, if they demonstrate excellent school or academic merit, wish to study in Germany, are committed to the values of social democracy and live by them. Scholarships are awarded to highly-performing students and include a comprehensive seminar programme to help enhance the candidates’ social competences and academic skills. Individual support by an on-site liaison lecturer is another benefit of the sponsorship. Each year up to 40 students are awarded FES sponsorships. They are paid a monthly amount of 861 EUR and costs for health insurance are funded. Students with a child receive a family allowance of 276 EUR. The scholarship does not have to be repaid.
Target Group
particularly gifted students from countries in the Global South (Asia, Africa, Latin America), post-Soviet states as well as eastern and south-eastern European (EU) countries. The candidates’ aptitudes and personalities show excellent promise for an academic or professional career. Moreover, candidates are expected to show commitment to the values of social democracy.
Academic Requirements
- admission to study or enrolment at a state or state-recognised higher education institution in Germany
- sufficient knowledge of German, even if the courses are held in English. This means a “Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang” of at least DSH level 2, a “Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache” of at least level 4, a “Zertifikat C 1” by a Goethe Institute, the “Deutsche Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz” on level II or Telc C1 Hochschule
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship Details
- Host country: Germany
- University: There are many top German universities that participate in this scholarship program.
- Fellowship Offered: German Government (offered under the DAAD Program)
- Number of scholarships: 40
- Degree Level: Diploma, Bachelor’s, and Master’s programs in multiple fields.
- Application Deadline: Award applications can be submitted at any time
Scholarship Value
International students receive a monthly base amount of 861 EUR. In addition, costs for health insurance are funded and scholars with a child receive a family allowance of 276 EUR. The scholarship does not have to be repaid.
Eligibility criteria
- Candidates must be registered at a state-recognized higher education institution in Germany.
- Candidates must have an outstanding academic record.
- Candidates must have sufficient knowledge of the German language.
- Candidates must be responsible, reliable, and enthusiastic individuals.
- Candidates must have social and political participation.
- Candidates must demonstrate the true values of democracy.
How does the application process work?
Four steps lead to funding:
- Step 1: Simply fill out our online application . We will ask you a few questions about your professional and family background – no further documents are required. If you feel unsure or if you need to talk to us in advance of your application, you can contact our approximately 480 liaison lecturers. (Note: Please note the deadlines and dates! ) You can download a sample hereDownload the online form for information:
- Sample application form for basic funding for first-year students (not for master’s students)
- Sample application form for basic funding for Germans, foreigners with education and refugees
- Sample application form for basic funding for foreigners
- Sample application form for doctoral funding for Germans, foreign students with education and refugees
- Sample application form for doctoral funding for foreigners
- Step 2: If you are eligible for a scholarship, we will request further documents from you by e-mail: two expert reports from university professors as well as information about your previous training and your socio-political commitment . First-year students (not master’s students) in the first semester of university submit two reports from former teachers.
Upon our request, you have three weeks to upload the documents . Six weeks for the expert opinion, if necessary after consultation with us. We advise you to put the documents together while you are waiting for our response.
A listYou can find the required documents as well as information on the preparation of expert opinions in the following PDF downloads :
- First- year students (not Master’s students): information sheet for applications Basic funding for first-year students at the beginning of the 1st university semester (Germans, nationally educated students and refugees); Reports from secondary school teachers or vocational school teachers
- Basic funding : information sheet for applications for basic funding (Germans, foreign students with education and refugees who are not new students or residents and foreigners after the 1st semester); Reports from university professors
- Doctoral funding : information sheet for applications for doctoral funding (Germans and foreign students as well as foreigners); Expert opinion from the supervisor of your dissertation as well as a further expert opinion from a second university professor
- Step 3: If you are shortlisted, we would like to get to know you personally. We invite you to two meetings : with a liaison professor from your department and with a member of our selection committee. Tips for preparing for the interviews can be found here .
- Step 4: The selection committee makes the final decision on admission to one of our programs. The committee meets several times a year.
