Heinrich Böll Scholarship FAQ 2027: Answers From the Official Sources

1 March 2027. The portal is open from 15 January to 1 March 2027. The following round runs 15 July to 1 September 2027.

Yes. The official FAQ says B2 German is required even for English-taught programmes, because the final selection interviews are generally in German.

B2 level or DSH. The info sheets and the German FAQ say “B2 or DSH 1”; the English FAQ says “B2 or DSH II”. If you rely on DSH, confirm the level with studienwerk@boell.de. Upload the certificate with your application if you can; the current master’s info sheet lets it follow by stage 3 at the latest.

The published rule gives priority to applicants from DAC countries who have not yet moved to Germany. It does not exclude others, but you compete with less advantage. Master’s applicants must apply before their master’s starts.

No minimum grade is published; the FAQ says applications are assessed individually. No age limit is published for internationals. You still need a very good academic record.

No. The Foundation only funds master’s programmes with a standard duration of at least four semesters.

Master’s: the enrolment certificate can follow, at the latest by the selection interview. PhD: you need admission to doctoral studies or a justified confirmation from your supervisor.

Yes, if you were rejected at stage 1 or 2. The official FAQ says you may reapply and should mention the earlier application. Applicants rejected at stage 3 (the final committee) may not reapply.

No fee is mentioned on the official application pages.

€992 a month base, up to €100 health insurance, a €38 fixed fringe benefit, tuition up to €10,000 a year, German course fees, a €276 family allowance if applicable, and child allowances.

€1,500 a month base plus a €100 monthly mobility allowance, up to €200 health insurance, €38 fringe benefit, German course fees, a €276 family allowance if applicable, and child allowances.

Generally three to three and a half years; info sheet A2 describes three years, extendable by at most six months, and the PhD page allows up to one extra year for parents and scholars with severe disabilities or chronic illness.

No. Study abroad is possible if academically necessary, but the financial support page says there is no additional funding for it.

The Foundation expects scholars to take part in its idealistic support programme and act as multipliers for its goals. The official page does not publish a minimum attendance rule.

The Foundation says it supports up to 1,600 scholars in total, of whom up to 100 are international.