The Friedrich Naumann Foundation annually awards the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship for Freedom to German and non-EU students. Scholarship applications are open for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Master’s applicants with good academic achievements and grades or those interested in politics and committed to a liberal and cosmopolitan attitude can apply to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom for 2026. The foundation supports German and foreign students studying full-time course at state or state-recognized universities and technical colleges in Germeny.

Ph.D. candidates with previous study and examination achievements demonstrate a special ability about academic work or those whose work making a significant contribution to research can apply to the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom. The Foundation supports about 150 doctoral students from all disciplines annually. Applicants should work on a convincing and innovative research project and have been admitted to a doctoral program at a university.

All international applicants should note that the program does not support any Bachelor’s degree program for non-EU nationals.

Key Details

Application period:

• April 1-30
• October 1-31

Application Deadlines:

• 30 April 2026 (11:59 pm)
•  31 October 2026 (11:59 pm)

Interview Dates: TBD

Awarding Institution: Friedrich Naumann Foundation

Location: Germany

Study Levels:

• German student: Bachelor, Master’s or Ph.D.
• Non-EU applicants: Master or PhD

Funding Type: Partially Funded

Eligible Countries: All

Scholarship Values

The scholarship’s value for foreign Master’s applicants is up to 934 euros/month and 1200 euros/month for Ph.D. or doctoral candidates.

Other scholarship benefits

• Gross income of more than 450 euros in addition to the scholarship funding for foreign doctoral candidates or students doing jobs.
• The Foundation will contribute to health insurance.

You may check other great scholarships:

• Friedrich Ebert Foundation- DAAD Scholarships for International Students
• 132 University of Calabria (UniCal) Masters Scholarships for Non-EU Students in Italy
• Bilkent University Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students
• University of Bologna Scholarships for International Students

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply for Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship for Freedom:

• Talent: Candidates have very good to exceptional academic or scientific records in their fields of study and strong interests within school or university and beyond.
• Personal Requirements: Candidates should be trustworthy, motivated, and willing to make decisions and assume responsibility. They should also commit to German’s liberal party ideals and be ready to actively contribute to further development of social, political, cultural, and economic life.
• Social and Political Involvement: Candidates enjoy a unique liberal profile with cognizance of and commitment to social and political affairs, meaning participation in events by higher-education institutions and engagement in a liberal political party or organizations, associations, and initiatives.
• The sponsorship for foreign students is intended for international applicants who wish to take on a full-time degree at a state or state-recognized higher-education institution in Germany.

Ineligible Programs

Programs not eligible for funding are as follows:

• Second degrees/above master’s
• Part-time programs
• Distance learning degrees that are not undertaken full-time
• Post-graduate and complementary courses
• Bachelor’s programs by international students who are non-EU citizens
• Degree courses in their final stages
• Ant projects include internships, language courses, travel expense allowances, etc.

How to Apply?

The application for this scholarship is online. The application forms and more information are on the link given below.

Apply Now

Please visit the Friedrich Naumann Foundation website for more information about the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship for Freedom.

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