Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) Doctoral Funding for Foreign Students 2026/2027

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) is offering doctoral scholarships to international students admitted to a PhD programme at a German university. The scholarship provides financial support to help doctoral researchers concentrate on their dissertation while participating in academic, professional and social development activities.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNot Specified
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorFriedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Monthly stipend of €1,500.

• Subsidy towards statutory health insurance.

• Funding for approximately 3.5 years, with possible extensions in justified cases.

• Academic seminars, workshops and professional development opportunities.

• Doctoral networking, mentoring and personal guidance.

• Access to an interdisciplinary community of current and former scholarship recipients.

This financial support allows our scholarship recipients to concentrate on their dissertation project and their extracurricular activities. Another piece of good news: the scholarship does not have to be repaid.

Requirements

This funding program is available to everyone who

• come from abroad
• are admitted to doctoral studies at a German university
• have very good German language skills
• are politically engaged
• to identify with the values ??of social democracy
• to have completed their studies quickly with above-average results
• whose scientific project makes a significant contribution to research

With the exception of doctoral studies in the field of medicine, we support doctoral studies in all degree programs.

Selection Process

• Step 1: Fill out the online application form
• Step 2: Submit documents and expert opinions
• Step 3: The first selection interview
• Step 4: The second selection interview
• Step 5: Decision by the selection committee

Application Documents

• Detailed CV with information about previous education and socio-political engagement
• Certificates, university entrance qualification, enrollment certificate, other documents
• detailed letter of motivation 
• two letters of recommendation from university professors (for undergraduate and doctoral students) or teachers (for first-year students)

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Eutopia PhD Co-tutelle Call

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the Application Portal.

For more information, kindly visit the FES webpage.