Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship for International Students (Masters/PhD)

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom offers this scholarship to international students who want to complete a full-time Master’s or PhD at a state or state-recognised higher-education institution in Germany, Switzerland or another EU country. The award provides up to € 861 per month for Master’s students, plus a contribution to health insurance. It is aimed at students who support liberal political ideas and are ready to take on responsibility. The foundation is based in Germany and works to advance freedom and dignity for all people, both in Germany and abroad.

• Host: Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
• Level: Full-time Master’s and PhD
• Study destination: Germany, Switzerland or another EU country
• Deadlines: 30 April and 31 October each year
• Awards: Number not specified
• What is covered: Up to € 861 per month for Master’s, plus a health insurance contribution
• Language: Application and interview in German; German skills at B2 level obligatory

German, Swiss and other EU state or state-recognised universities and technical colleges.

Full-time Master’s and PhD degrees in any subject are eligible, with the following exceptions: second degrees; LL.M and MBA programmes; part-time degrees; bachelor’s degrees for non-European applicants; doctorate studies in dentistry and medicine; postdoctoral programmes; and projects or separate stays abroad.

Not specified. The foundation presently supports over 850 university students and doctoral candidates from Germany and abroad.

International students from all countries who are committed to the political ideas of the German liberal party and are willing to take responsibility.

For Master’s students, the scholarship is worth up to € 861 per month. The foundation also contributes to health insurance.

Beyond the money, the foundation offers non-material support for projects, events and initiatives. The minimum funding period is 2 semesters, and the scholarship does not have to be paid back. Funding is initially granted for 1 year, and extensions up to the end of the course can be requested. Study and research stays and internships abroad are not funded.

The scholarships are aimed at young people who are committed to the political ideas of the German liberal party and are willing to take responsibility. Applicants can come from any discipline or subject taught at state-recognised universities of applied sciences or higher-education institutions in Germany. Those awarded a scholarship by the Foundation for Freedom are considered members of the ‘liberal family’ in Germany.

Selection criteria: good to very good performance in specialty areas as well as multidisciplinary interests (capabilities and talent); dedication, motivation, decisiveness, readiness to take on responsibility, and getting involved in promoting a free society (personality); and liberal or social commitment, for example in a student council, university committee, liberal political party, youth organization, ecclesiastic or social institution, human rights organization, cultural activities, environment protection, sports, within your family, or in a neighborhood help group.

You must submit your application documents in German, and the selection interview will also be conducted in German, even if you are applying for funding for an English-language course or an English-language doctoral programme. German language skills at B2 level are obligatory.

All applications must be submitted online. Fill out the application form and submit it with your CV and two references; doctoral candidates should include a précis of their planned research. For information and forms, visit stipendium.freiheit.org.

After submission, candidates are preselected based on the selection criteria. Successful candidates are invited for a selection interview with the foundation’s independent selection committee. You will be notified of acceptance or rejection within two weeks in writing, whereby you shall have no right of acceptance for a scholarship.

The application deadlines are 30 April and 31 October of each year. Visit the official website (link below) for detailed information on how to apply.

This scholarship suits international students who plan a full-time Master’s or PhD in Germany, Switzerland or another EU country and who support liberal political ideas. You should be ready to take on responsibility and take part in the foundation’s network and activities. You also need solid German, because both the application and the interview are in German and German skills at B2 level are obligatory.

• Who can apply for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship? International students from all countries who are committed to the political ideas of the German liberal party and are willing to take responsibility. You must be enrolled in or applying for a full-time Master’s or PhD at a state or state-recognised institution in Germany, Switzerland or another EU country.
• What does the scholarship cover? For Master’s students, up to € 861 per month plus a contribution to health insurance. The foundation also offers non-material support for projects, events and initiatives. The scholarship does not have to be paid back.
• How long is the funding? Funding is initially granted for 1 year, with a minimum funding period of 2 semesters. Extensions up to the end of the course can be granted on request.
• When is the deadline? There are two deadlines each year: 30 April and 31 October.
• In what language do I apply? The application documents and the selection interview are in German, even for English-language courses or doctoral programmes. German skills at B2 level are obligatory.
• Which fields are excluded? Second degrees, LL.M and MBA programmes, part-time degrees, bachelor’s degrees for non-European applicants, doctorate studies in dentistry and medicine, postdoctoral programmes, and projects or separate stays abroad.

• Read the official guidelines on the foundation’s website before you start your application.
• Prepare your documents early, including proof of German language skills at B2 level, since the whole process is in German.
• Make sure your chosen programme is full-time and at a state or state-recognised institution.
• Check that your degree type is not on the exclusion list before you apply.
• Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute problems.