About this opportunity
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship 2027, under the Tailwind for Talents programme, supports international graduate and PhD students from DAC countries who intend to pursue a master degree or PhD in Germany. The foundation funds students who combine strong academic results with civic engagement and a commitment to democracy, human rights, environmental sustainability and social justice. The Spring 2027 portal opens on 15 January 2027 and closes on 1 March 2027, with a second Fall 2027 window from 15 July to 1 September 2027. Exact monthly amounts and allowances depend on the funding line and are set out in the official graduate and PhD information sheets, so check those sheets rather than relying on a single figure quoted by guides.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Be an international student who has completed a first degree abroad and intends to start a master degree at a recognised German university, or an international PhD student who has completed a graduate degree abroad and intends to pursue a PhD in Germany.
- Apply before starting the master or PhD programme: the scholarship is not for students who have already begun the programme.
- Priority is given to applicants from DAC countries who have not yet taken up residence in Germany at the time of application.
- Show above-average academic performance in the previous degree.
- Show civic engagement and social or political commitment, for example volunteer work, political activity or social projects.
- Meet the language requirement in the official graduate or PhD information sheets: independent guides report German at B2 or DSH 2 level for international applicants, so confirm the current requirement in the official sheets before applying.
- Not exceed the standard study period by more than two semesters, as stated in programme guides.
What the opportunity may offer
- Monthly scholarship support for the standard duration of the programme, with the exact amount set by the funding line in the official information sheets.
- Additional allowances where the funding line provides them, for example study costs, health insurance and mobility support for non-EU and non-EEA students relocating to Germany.
- Participation in the foundation's scholar network, seminars and events during the funding period.
- Academic mentoring and exchange with other scholars in the foundation's programme.
- Study at a state-recognised German university of your choice, in any subject area covered by the programme.
Required documents
- Completed online application through the Heinrich Böll Foundation scholarship portal.
- Certified copy of the degree certificate, with a German or English translation if required, plus an explanation of the grading if it differs from the German system.
- Copy of the university entrance qualification, with a certified German or English translation if required.
- Student enrolment certificate, submitted with the application or at the latest by the time of the selection interview.
- Written proof of German language proficiency for international applicants.
- Two reference letters: one from a third party on your social commitment and one from a university lecturer on your academic record.
- For refugees: a document giving information on the residence permit or asylum status, where applicable.
Application process
- Read the official graduate or PhD information sheets for the current funding rules, language requirement and document list.
- Choose a master or PhD programme at a state-recognised German university that you have not yet started.
- Prepare the degree documents, language proof, references and enrolment certificate as PDF files.
- Create an account in the foundation's online scholarship portal when the Spring 2027 window opens on 15 January 2027.
- Upload all documents and submit before the portal closes on 1 March 2027: only complete applications received by the deadline are considered.
- Attend a selection interview if shortlisted, with the enrolment certificate ready by that stage.
Before you apply
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition
- □Check the deadline in your own time zone
- □Prepare documents in the required format
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
The Spring 2027 application portal opens on 15 January 2027 and closes on 1 March 2027. A second window, Fall 2027, runs from 15 July 2027 to 1 September 2027. Apply before starting the master or PhD programme in Germany: the scholarship is for students who have not yet begun the programme they are applying for. Priority is given to applicants from DAC countries who have not yet taken up residence in Germany at the time of application.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Heinrich Böll Scholarship 2027 deadline?
The Spring 2027 portal opens on 15 January 2027 and closes on 1 March 2027. A second Fall 2027 window runs from 15 July to 1 September 2027.
Who gets priority for this scholarship?
Priority is given to international applicants from DAC countries who have not yet taken up residence in Germany at the time of application, and who apply before starting their master or PhD programme.
How much does the scholarship pay?
The monthly amount depends on the funding line and is set out in the official graduate and PhD information sheets. Do not rely on a single figure from guides, since different applicant groups use different funding rules.
Do I need German language skills?
Check the official information sheets for the current requirement. Independent guides report German at B2 or DSH 2 level for international applicants.
Can I apply after starting my master degree?
No. The international graduate route is for students who have completed their first degree abroad and apply before starting a master degree programme in Germany.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-28UShireZone is not affiliated with Heinrich Böll Foundation. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.