Applications for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships for Master’s and PhD (as well as undergraduate studies for eligible candidates) are accepted twice a year. The Scholarship supports German students, EU students, and non-EU students who wish to pursue a full-time master’s degree, PhD, or (for German/EU citizens) bachelor’s/state examination studies in any field. Funding is primarily available for studies at state or state-recognized universities in Germany (German and EU citizens may also study in the EU or Switzerland in certain cases).
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom advocates the principles of freedom, individual responsibility, the social market economy, the rule of law, tolerance, democracy, and human rights. The foundation provides political education and supports talented young people as a contribution to a free and democratic society.
The foundation currently supports over 850 university students and doctoral candidates from Germany and abroad in their studies and research at German universities.
Program Details
- Host institution: State or state-recognized universities and universities of applied sciences in Germany (limited possibilities in the EU/Switzerland for German/EU citizens).
- Fields of Study: Any field of study.
- Number of Awards: Not fixed (the foundation supports more than 850 scholarship holders in total).
- Duration: Initially one year, renewable annually. Minimum funding period of two semesters. Maximum duration follows the standard period of study (students) or up to three years (doctoral candidates).
- Eligible countries: Open to all nationalities (with different rules for German/EU vs. non-EU applicants).
Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships Benefits
Selected candidates for this foundation scholarship to study in Germany receive both financial and non-material support. The scholarships do not have to be repaid.
Financial benefits (all scholarship holders)
- Monthly study cost a lump sum of €300 (independent of parental income).
- Contributions to health insurance and long-term care insurance.
- Support for study- or research-related stays abroad for a maximum of 12 months (grants for travel expenses, health insurance, tuition/research fees, and living expenses possible on a case-by-case basis, subject to available funds).
Basic monthly scholarship
- Students (Bachelor/Master/State Examination): up to a maximum of €934 (calculated according to BAföG guidelines for German/EU students).
- Doctoral candidates: up to a maximum of €1,200 (plus a research cost allowance in some cases).
Important note for non-EU applicants: Gross income above approximately €520 is generally offset against the scholarship.
In addition to financial support, scholarship holders benefit from extensive non-material (ideational) funding: seminars, workshops, networking events, political education programmes, interdisciplinary exchange, and access to a strong alumni network.
Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships Eligibility
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Good to very good academic performance and multidisciplinary interests;
- Dedication, motivation, decisiveness, readiness to take responsibility, and commitment to promoting a free and open society;
- Visible social, political, or voluntary involvement (e.g., student council, university committees, liberal organizations, human rights groups, cultural activities, environmental protection, sports, family care, or neighborhood initiatives);
- German language skills at least at B2 level (application and selection interviews are conducted in German);
- Germans and EU students can apply from high school graduation or the first semester onward;
- Non-EU students can apply for master’s programs and PhD studies only (Bachelor’s programs are not funded for non-EU applicants).
Additional restrictions: Full-time studies only. Minimum of two remaining semesters required. Second degrees, part-time programs, pure distance learning, LL.M./MBA programmes, and certain medical doctorates are generally not funded.
Other Opportunities
How to Apply for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship?
Interested applicants must submit their application exclusively via the official online application portal during the open periods and follow the instructions there.
The application must be submitted in German.
Note: Application documents must be submitted in German. The selection interview is also held in German, even if the degree programme is taught in English. Knowledge of German at a minimum of B2 level is essential for participation in the non-material support programme. You do not need to submit a formal language test certificate with the application.
Applications can only be made via the online application portal from 1–30 April and from 1–31 October each year. The deadlines are and (23:59). For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including required documents and the application portal link, please visit the official page of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.
Hi, I am Solomon Yohannes aged 43 from Ethiopia, East Africa. can I apply for a fully funded PhD scholarship?
I am a foreign applicant and I don’t know how German language, yet the guidelines are saying applications are to be submitted in Germany language, this confuses me. What should I do if I don’t know the language yet the scholarship is calling for international applicants to study?
When trying to apply, it was only in German language. Could there be alternative ways of applying in English?
Use Google Chrome to translate the page
For international candidates German language knowledge is mandatory?
Dear sir/madam
I’m Humphrey Mlagalila from Tanzania aged 47 years. Can I apply for PhD scholarship?
Hi my dear Sir,
I am Mr Hamda Milkeso from Ethiopia. I need to get information about their scholarship program.