How to Apply for the Heinrich Böll Scholarship 2027
Applications go through one online portal. After that comes a three-stage selection: a written review, an interview with a lecturer, and a final committee interview, mostly in German.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
2 min read
Updated Oct 6, 2026
There is no paper route. Everything goes through the Böll online portal at stipendium.boell.de. Only complete applications are considered. The official application page breaks it into four steps.
The four portal steps
- 1Gather information
Read the current info sheet for your level: A1 for master’s or A2 for PhD. They hold the binding document list.
- 2From 15 January 2027Register on the portal
Create your account once the window opens. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader for the forms.
- 3Enter your data
Personal details, education, CV, motivation and your social and political commitment.
- 4By 1 March 2027Upload documents as PDFs and submit
Check that your two references have arrived separately before the deadline.
How references reach the Foundation
Documents →You need two kinds of reference, written by different people:
- Expert report (academic). Master’s: one, from a university lecturer — ideally someone at the German programme you are joining. PhD: two, from professors, assistant professors or Privatdozenten, one of them your main supervisor.
- Social-commitment reference. Someone who has seen your engagement: an NGO coordinator, a project lead, a community organiser. Both info sheets say it should not be a friend or family member.
Expert reports use the Böll form. The info sheets say referees should preferably email them directly to studienwerk@boell.de. A signature is not needed if the email comes from the referee’s own address. Each reference must reach the Foundation by one route only.
Language of the file
Info sheet A1 asks for documents in German, while references may be in English. Write your motivation and commitment texts in German if you can. They are also a quiet test of the B2 you claim. Check the current sheet for how to handle certificates issued in other languages.
The three-stage selection
Interviews →Info sheets A1 and A2 describe the same three stages:
| Stage | Who decides | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Written review | Two Foundation staff members (Studienwerk and another department) | Your full file |
| 2. First interview | A liaison lecturer (Vertrauensdozent*in) | About one hour; usually in person in Germany, digital for non-EU applicants still abroad |
| 3. Selection committee | 3–4 people: 1–2 external members, a current scholar, a staff member | Digital interview, generally in German |
Each stage filters. Many applicants stop at stage 1. Be aware: if you are rejected at stage 3, the info sheets say you may not reapply. After a stage 1 or 2 rejection, the FAQ says you may apply again.
What the reviewers weigh
Four criteria, from the info sheets and the official candidate profile:
- Very good academic record — grades and a credible study plan
- Social commitment and political interest — what you have done, for how long, with what result
- A convincing reason for choosing Böll — why this foundation and its values, not just any funding
- For PhD: a convincing research project — judged on the exposé
Contact
The Studienwerk is reachable at studienwerk@boell.de and +49 30 28534-400 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10:00–13:00 German time). Read the FAQ first; most basic questions are answered there.