Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Scholarships for International Students in Germany 2026
Scholarship ShortlistOpportunity Details
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Opportunity ID 287266
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Degree Master PH.D
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Gender Male Female
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Language of Instruction English German
Opportunity Description
Are you an international student passionate about social justice, democracy, and political engagement? Do you want to pursue your Master’s or PhD at a state-recognized German university while receiving comprehensive financial and ideological support? The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Scholarship Department is now accepting applications for its 2026-2027 funding cycle — and it may be exactly what you are looking for.
The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung aims to counteract social, political, and gender discrimination by supporting highly qualified students from Germany and abroad. The foundation actively seeks applicants from diverse backgrounds, particularly women, students with non-academic or migrant backgrounds, and those from scientific and technical disciplines (MINT fields). By becoming a scholarship recipient, you not only receive a monthly financial grant based on BAföG regulations but also gain access to a robust educational program featuring workshops, conferences, and a wide network of academic mentors.
Read on to find out if you meet the eligibility and language requirements, what the scholarship covers, and how to submit a strong application before the 1 October 2026 deadline.
Quick Overview
| Provider | Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung |
| Country / Location | Germany |
| Program Type | Scholarship |
| Study Level | Master’s / PhD |
| Funding | Fully Funded (BAföG rates) |
| Open To | International Students |
| Deadline | 1 October 2026 |
Important Dates
| Application Deadline | 1 October 2026 |
| Interview / Assessment | Mid-November 2026 to Mid-January 2027 |
| Results Notification (PhD) | Beginning of February 2027 |
| Results Notification (Master’s) | Beginning of March 2027 |
| Program Start | 1 April 2027 (Summer Semester) |
Financial Benefits
If you are selected for the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Scholarship, here is what your funding package includes:
- Monthly Financial Grant: A living stipend based on the German Federal Law on Education and Training (BAföG) regulations.
- Extensive Educational Program: Access to workshops, doctoral seminars, regional meetings, and educational trips.
- Networking & Mentorship: Guidance from confidant lecturers (Vertrauensdozent*innen) at universities in Germany and abroad.
- PhD Funding Duration: Doctoral candidates are funded for a period of up to 3 years.
Comprehensive Educational Program (Ideelles Begleitprogramm)
Beyond financial support, the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung offers an extensive educational program designed to foster political education, personal empowerment, and academic success. Participation is expected, and the foundation generally covers travel and accommodation costs.
- Seminars & Workshops: Participate in training on diverse topics including academic writing, mental health, classism, conflict moderation, and empowerment against political repression.
- PhD-Specific Support: Access dedicated digital writing days, Post-Doc preparation courses, and interdisciplinary doctoral seminars to present your research.
- Educational Trips (Bildungsreisen): Opportunities to join heavily subsidized educational trips, such as studying migration and climate change in Senegal or visiting historical memorial sites.
- Working Groups & Networking: Engage in regional networking meetings across Germany or join self-organized, budget-backed working groups (Arbeitskreise) to initiate your own projects.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Scholarship, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Academic Requirements
- You must demonstrate high scholarly and professional qualifications with above-average academic achievements.
- Master’s Students: Must be enrolled at a state or state-recognized German university. You must have completed your basic studies (Bachelor’s degree).
- PhD Students: Must hold an admission letter for doctoral studies from a German university. Funding is open to all disciplines except medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.
Social & Political Engagement
You must demonstrate a high level of social and political engagement in line with the aims of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (e.g., involvement in NGOs, political parties, trade unions, associations, or university committees).
Language Requirements
Even if your degree program is taught in English, you must demonstrate German language proficiency.
- Minimum requirement: B2 Level German proficiency (e.g., Goethe Institute certificate).
- If you do not have a B2 certificate by the deadline, you may submit a B1 certificate along with proof of current enrollment in a B2 language course.
Nationality & Residency
Open to international students and citizens from other EU countries. You must be residing in Germany for your course of study and plan to return to your home country after completing your education.
Required Documents
When preparing your application, you will need to compile the following documents into a single PDF file:
- Certificate of Enrollment / Admission: Current enrollment certificate or formal letter of admission.
- Curriculum Vitae: Tabular CV detailing your educational history.
- Proof of Social Engagement: Confirmation letters, event programs, or official certificates proving your involvement.
- Letters of Recommendation: From university professors assessing your academic ability. PhD applicants require one from their supervisor and a second from another professor.
- Academic Transcripts & Certificates: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree certificates and current transcripts.
- Language Proof: B2 German language certificate (or B1 certificate + B2 course registration proof).
- Identity & Residency: Passport copy and valid German residence permit/visa.
- PhD Specific: Detailed research exposé (max 4,000 characters), annotated table of contents, work schedule, and list of publications.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying for the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Scholarships, follow these steps carefully:
- Ensure you meet the B2 German language requirement and have proof of strong social/political engagement.
- Compile all your required documents into a single PDF file.
- Access the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung online application portal.
- Submit your complete application before the 1 October 2026 deadline for funding beginning in the Summer Semester.
For more information, please visit the
Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung official website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if my Master’s or PhD program is taught entirely in English?
Yes, you can apply. However, you are still required to submit proof of German language proficiency at the B2 level, regardless of the language of instruction for your degree.
What if I do not have my valid German residence permit yet?
If you do not yet have a valid residence permit or visa by the application deadline, you must submit it no later than 1 April 2027. Note that a temporary residence permit (Fiktionsbescheinigung) is not sufficient.
Is there an age limit to apply for this scholarship?
The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung does not specify a strict age limit in its guidelines. The selection committees focus heavily on your academic excellence, personal background, and demonstrated political and social engagement.
