The Reichstag building in Berlin with the German flag flying above the glass dome at dusk.

Germany 2026/27 cycle: applications for international students are typically reviewed in set rounds each year — confirm the current deadline on freiheit.org

Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) is the political foundation associated with Germany's liberal FDP party. Through its scholarship arm it funds international Master's and PhD students at German universities, paying a monthly stipend of around EUR 992 (LKR 340k+) plus study and situational allowances. FNF's selection is values-driven: alongside excellent grades, it seeks applicants committed to liberal democracy, individual freedom, the rule of law, free markets and human rights, and who show this through civic, entrepreneurial, journalistic or policy engagement. For Sri Lankan applicants with a strong academic record and interests in economics, law, political science, public policy, entrepreneurship or media — and a record of engagement in these areas — FNF is a distinctive, less-crowded alternative to DAAD. You must already hold admission to a German university; confirm current terms on the FNF website.

Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

External Organization-funded

emoji_events Award Overview

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Value

~EUR 992/mo + Allowances

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Level

Master's / PhD

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Scope

International Students in Germany

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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Admission to a German University

You must hold admission to, or be enrolled at, a state or state-recognised German university for a Master's or PhD in any discipline. FNF does not fund the admission stage — secure your university place first.

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Excellent Academic Record

A first-class or strong upper-second Bachelor's for Master's applicants, or a strong Master's plus a clear research proposal for PhD applicants. Sri Lankan qualifications are assessed on equivalence to German standards.

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Liberal Values and Engagement

FNF looks for applicants committed to freedom, democracy, the rule of law, human rights and open markets, demonstrated through civic, entrepreneurial, journalistic or policy engagement. Candidates should be able to articulate why these values matter to them.

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German Language Ability

German at roughly B2 or above is strongly preferred, since FNF's scholar seminars and political-education programme run largely in German. Applicants on English-taught programmes should show a credible plan to acquire German.

account_tree Application Process

Secure your German university place

Apply for and obtain admission to a German Master's or PhD programme. FNF funds enrolled students, so arrange your university offer before or alongside the scholarship application.

Apply through the FNF portal

Submit your application with CV, motivation letter, transcripts, proof of admission, references, and evidence of civic/political engagement via the FNF scholarship portal within the current round.

Assessment and interview

Shortlisted applicants are interviewed by an FNF selection panel that probes both academic plans and commitment to liberal values. Interviews are usually conducted in German.

Award and scholar network

Selected scholars receive the monthly stipend and join FNF's ideas-and-liberty scholar network of seminars, mentoring and events, in which active participation is expected.

Why Friedrich Naumann Foundation?

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, founded in 1958 and headquartered near Potsdam, promotes liberal politics and civic education in more than 60 countries. Its scholarship community is united by a commitment to freedom and open societies — a strong fit for Sri Lankan students in economics, law, policy, media or entrepreneurship who want funding plus a values-based network in Germany.