Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship for Foreign Students

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) · Checked September 26, 2026

The social-democratic foundation funds foreign students who are already studying at a German university. Foreign scholars get €992 a month (students) or €1,500 (postgraduates), plus health cost refunds. Applications must be in German.

Deadline: Master's students must apply by the end of their 1st semester in Germany; exact dates are in the FES programme descriptions.
FundingFully funded
LevelBachelor's, Master's, PhD
Study inGermany
SubjectsAll fields of study, including artistic degree courses

What it covers

  • €992 per month for students
  • €1,500 per month for postgraduates (doctoral)
  • €276 family allowance, if applicable
  • Refund of health care costs

Who can apply

Foreign students of any nationality, including Pakistanis, can apply, but only once they are already studying in Germany.

  • You are enrolled at a state or state-recognised German university or university of applied sciences.
  • You have proven German language skills, which are essential.
  • You show good academic performance and socio-political commitment, and share the values of social democracy.
  • Master's applicants apply by the end of their first semester; Bachelor's students must submit first graded records.
  • Not funded: programmes shorter than 3 semesters (e.g. 2-semester Master's), part-time study, medicine, postdocs and more.

How to apply

  1. Start your degree at a German university.
  2. Check the deadlines in the FES scholarship programme descriptions.
  3. Prepare your application in German, following the FES application guide.
  4. Submit online by the end of your first Master's semester (or the stated Bachelor's cut-off).
  5. Take part in the selection procedure and interviews if shortlisted.

Documents you usually need

  • Application in German
  • Proof of German language skills
  • Enrolment certificate from a German university
  • Grade records
  • Evidence of socio-political commitment

Scholarship rules and deadlines change every cycle. This page summarises the official information; always confirm on the official page before applying. Official applications are free.