The Heinrich Böll Foundation, a German political foundation aligned with green and democratic values, runs a scholarship programme for international students who earned their university entrance qualification at a school outside Germany. If you’re an African graduate hoping to study for a Master’s degree or complete a PhD at a German university, this is one of the more accessible fully supported routes. It is explicitly open to non-EU students and covers all subjects offered at state or state-recognised universities.
What makes it worth a serious look is the monthly funding. Master’s students who are non-EU citizens receive €934 per month plus individual allowances and possibly health insurance, while doctoral candidates receive €1,200 per month plus a mobility allowance and further individual allowances. This is the 2024 cycle; the foundation runs the programme on a recurring annual basis with two fixed application windows.
One thing to plan for early: the foundation requires proof of German language proficiency at Level B2 or DSH 2, backed by a certificate. That requirement shapes your timeline, so read on before you commit.
This is such a great opportunity! Go apply
Scholarship benefits
- Master’s, non-EU students: €934 per month plus various individual allowances, and possibly health insurance; tuition fees are covered in certain cases in Germany.
- Master’s, EU students: a maximum of €812 per month plus €300 book money; tuition not covered in Germany but possible to a limited extent in other countries.
- PhD, non-EU students: €1,200 per month plus a €100 monthly mobility allowance and various individual allowances; tuition fees are not covered.
- PhD, EU students: €1,350 per month basic scholarship plus €100 per month research costs allowance; tuition not covered in Germany but possible to a limited extent elsewhere.
- Duration: Master’s awards run for the regular period of study and may be extended by one semester. PhD awards run for three years as a rule (two years, extendable by at most 12 months).
Eligibility checklist
✔ You earned your university entrance qualification at a school outside Germany.
✔ You are an international student (EU or non-EU) who was not educated in Germany.
✔ For Master’s applicants: you may apply before starting your Master’s programme or any time up to the end of your first semester.
✔ For Master’s applicants: you can provide proof of a first professional qualification.
✔ For PhD applicants: you can show admission to doctoral studies at a state or state-recognised university (as a rule in Germany).
✔ For PhD applicants: preliminary work is completed by the application date and you can submit a valid timetable for completion.
✔ For PhD applicants: note that subjects related to the Foundation’s focal areas are given priority.
✔ You hold proof of German proficiency at Level B2 or DSH 2, with a certificate.
Application tips for African students
- Start your German language plan now. The B2 / DSH 2 certificate is non-negotiable, and reaching B2 from scratch can take many months of structured study. Book a recognised test (such as through a Goethe-Institut) well ahead of the 1 March or 1 September window.
- Line up your admission early if you’re a PhD applicant. You must include proof of admission to doctoral studies with your application, so secure your supervisor and university place before the portal opens.
- Get transcripts and qualification certificates properly certified. German institutions expect officially certified and where necessary translated — copies. Arrange this through your issuing university and a certified translator early, as it takes time.
- Show the fit with the Foundation’s values. The Heinrich Böll Foundation prioritises PhD topics linked to its focal areas. Research what those are and make your motivation and, for doctoral candidates, your research plan speak directly to them.
- Write a focused statement of purpose. Explain clearly why Germany, why this field, and how your study connects to your goals. Specific, concrete detail reads far better than broad ambition.
- Ask recommenders early. Give referees several weeks and share your CV and study plan so they can write letters that reinforce your application.
- Read the official information sheets. The foundation directs applicants to sheet A 1-1 (graduate/undergraduate) or A 2-1 (doctoral) — download and follow these before submitting through the online portal.
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the Heinrich Böll Foundation’s online portal, which closes on 1 March (for Master’s and PhD) or 1 September (for PhD studies only). Before applying, consult information sheet A 1-1 for undergraduate and graduate students, or A 2-1 for doctoral studies, for the full list of required documents and procedures. Confirm the current requirements and deadlines on the official page: https://www.boell.de/en/application.
Frequently asked questions
Can African (non-EU) students apply?
Yes. The programme is open to international students, both EU and non-EU, who were not educated in Germany and earned their university entrance qualification at a school outside Germany.
What levels of study does it cover?
The scholarships support Master’s and PhD degrees in all subjects offered at state or state-recognised universities in Germany. For EU students, some Master’s courses in Switzerland and other EU member states are also possible.
Do I need to speak German?
Yes. You must provide proof of German proficiency at Level B2 or DSH 2, backed by a certificate, for both Master’s and PhD applications.
How much funding will I receive?
Non-EU Master’s students receive €934 per month plus individual allowances and possibly health insurance; non-EU PhD students receive €1,200 per month plus a €100 mobility allowance and further allowances. Amounts differ for EU applicants — see the benefits section above.
When is the deadline?
The online portal closes on 1 March or 1 September each year, with the September window for PhD studies only. This is an annually recurring award.
Do I need to be admitted to a university before applying?
PhD applicants must include proof of admission to doctoral studies with their application. Master’s applicants may apply before starting their programme or up to the end of their first semester.