Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Scholarships 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
If you're a committed student in Germany with a passion for social democracy and academic excellence, the FES Scholarships 2026 are now open. The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), Germany’s oldest political foundation linked to the Social Democratic Party, offers financial and ideological support to outstanding students and doctoral candidates studying at German institutions. With a long legacy since 1925, FES empowers scholars through both monetary funding and civic engagement opportunities—particularly benefiting those from underrepresented backgrounds and with a strong commitment to societal development. Details in this article.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Germany, at public or state-recognized universities and universities of applied sciences
Sponsor: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) study sponsorship program
Study Levels Supported:
Bachelor’s / Diploma / State Examination (first degree programs)
Master’s / Postgraduate degrees
Doctoral (PhD) degrees
Target Group:
Students enrolled in Germany (including international students and refugees), with excellent academic merit and socio-political engagement
Priority given to women, STEM students, first-generation university students, immigrant-background students, and university of applied sciences attendees
Field of Study: All disciplines, including artistic degrees
Value & Coverage:
Base stipend for international students: approximately €934 per month (varies by level)
Additional allowances: Family allowance—€160–€276 per month (for scholars with children)
Health insurance costs covered
Duration: Up to the standard study period (aligned with BAföG norms)
Application Deadlines:
Bachelor’s: by mid-study (e.g., before the end of 3rd semester for 6-semester courses)
Master’s: by end of 1st semester
PhD: any time after admission
Estimated deadlines: 30 November 2025 (Winter intake), 31 May 2026 (Summer intake)
📚 Scholarship Overview
Beyond financial support, FES fosters a strong sense of community and socio-political growth through:
Ideelle Förderung (Non-material support): Participation in seminars, conferences, and civic events focused on democratic education and leadership development
Mentorship & Liaison Lecturers: Each scholar is accompanied by an FES liaison who guides involvement and encourages networking
Solidarity Fund for Refugees: Dedicated scholarships for students fleeing persecution, funded by alumni donations
🎁 Benefits
Reliable financial support (~€934/month), with extra allowances for families and healthcare coverage
Inclusive access: Open to international students and refugees studying in Germany
Leadership & civic engagement: Access to seminars, mentorship, and FES networks emphasize social democratic values
Support for disadvantaged groups: Special focus on first-generation, women, STEM, and those from immigrant backgrounds
Meaningful alumni network and solidarity initiatives, especially for displaced scholars
⚠️ What is not Funded?
The scholarship excludes support for certain fields and short-term programs, such as:
Medical studies and related postgraduate training
Short-term study visits abroad
Language courses only
Second degrees or short programs less than three semesters.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be enrolled in a state or state-approved German university or university of applied sciences
Demonstrate strong academic performance, including first graded achievements for Bachelor’s/Master’s applicants
Show social or political commitment, with alignment to social democratic values
Have proficient German language ability—applications and processes are in German
For international students: be currently studying in Germany
📝 Application Procedure
Fill out an Online application in German language
Submission of:
Academic transcripts and enrollment proof
German language proficiency certificate
CV and letters of recommendation (often including sociopolitical engagement evidence)
Interviews: Candidates may undergo interviews with liaison lecturers and the selection committee
Selection: Based on academic merit, commitment, and alignment with FES values
ℹ️ All information about the application process can be found here
⭐ Why This Matters?
FES Scholarships offer more than financial relief—they empower young leaders anchored in the values of democracy and social justice. By supporting diverse and committed scholars, the foundation nurtures a generation poised to drive inclusive progress and civic transformation within and beyond Germany.
