Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
The Heinrich Böll Foundation is the political foundation affiliated with Germany's Green Party — and one of the country's largest scholarship providers for international students. Awards pay €934/month plus a €100 study allowance, with additional family and health insurance contributions where applicable. Selection is values-driven as well as academic: alongside strong grades, the foundation expects demonstrated engagement in democracy, human rights, gender equality, climate justice, or ecological sustainability. Sri Lankan applicants with backgrounds in NGO work, climate action, journalism, or social-justice volunteering — particularly those with research interests in democratisation, post-conflict reconciliation, or environmental policy — are well-aligned with the foundation's mission.
Heinrich Böll Foundation
External Organization-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Monthly Stipend
€934/month (Master's level)
Study Allowance
€100/month additional
Cohort
~1,200 Scholars Globally
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Admitted or About to Apply to a German Master's / PhD
You must hold (or actively be applying for) admission to a state-recognised German university — for a Master's, PhD, or in some cases a final-year Bachelor's. The full duration of standard study time can be funded.
International Applicants Welcome
Open to international students from any country, including Sri Lanka. The foundation explicitly prioritises applicants from the Global South and from communities underrepresented in higher education.
Demonstrated Social/Political Engagement
Volunteer or professional work in human rights, gender equality, democracy promotion, ecological sustainability, anti-racism, or migration justice is essential. Document specifics: organisations, your role, duration, and impact.
German B2 Recommended
While English-taught programmes are eligible, the foundation strongly recommends German at B2 level or higher by start of scholarship — most cohort events are conducted in German. Free German classes are offered to scholars to bridge the gap.
account_tree Application Process
Self-assess fit
Read the foundation's principles carefully — the Green/progressive political alignment is non-negotiable in selection. If you cannot honestly describe your commitment to these values with concrete examples, this is not the right scholarship.
Online application
Submit via the foundation's online portal. Required documents: CV, motivation letter (heavy emphasis on your social/political engagement), academic transcripts, two references (at least one academic, one from a civic-engagement context), and a research/study proposal.
Document review + selection seminar
Shortlisted candidates are invited to a 2-3 day selection seminar (in person in Germany or online for international applicants) — interviews, group discussions, and engagement with foundation themes.
Award + integration into scholar network
Awardees receive monthly funding via direct deposit. Scholars are required to attend foundation events (online and in person), engage with study groups, and submit periodic progress reports. The alumni network is active in NGO, journalism, and policy sectors.
Why Heinrich Böll Foundation?
Beyond the funding, the foundation offers ideational support — political education seminars, networking with Green Party affiliates, and integration into Germany's progressive policy ecosystem. Strong fit for students aiming at careers in NGOs, journalism, climate advocacy, or international development.
1,200+
Current Scholars Globally
1997
Foundation Established
Green/Progressive
Values-Based Selection
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