If your school leaving grade (Abitur) is weak and you are considering a doctoral scholarship in Germany, you may wonder whether applying is pointless. The foundations do not publish a fixed grade limit. Selection depends on several factors, and the Abitur is only one of them.
Short answer: The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung sets no fixed grade limit in figures. It expects above-average grades in school and university. Doctoral project, supervision and commitment also carry weight. The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung names no grade, but requires evidence of special aptitude for research. Last updated: October 2026, based on the foundations’ websites.
Key facts at a glance
- The foundation pages checked name no fixed grade limit in numbers.
- The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung expects above-average grades in school and university, so the Abitur is part of the assessment.
- The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung requires study and examination results that show special aptitude for research.
- The proposal, supervision and commitment count according to both foundations.
- The overall impression from your studies, thesis and application is decisive.
Which grades do the foundations ask for?
Both foundations describe their requirements in words. The table shows what their pages say.
| Foundation | Grade requirement according to the page | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung | School and university completed with above-average grades; no number given | Checked October 2026 |
| Hans-Böckler-Stiftung | Study and examination results with special aptitude for research, fast-track study; no number given | Checked October 2026 |
The difference matters. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung looks at school and university together, while the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung focuses on the degree course. For your assessment, a weak Abitur therefore weighs differently depending on the foundation.
What counts besides the Abitur?
Selection involves more than grades. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung assesses the doctoral project with proposal and supervision, identification with its values, voluntary commitment, personal initiative and open-mindedness. The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung checks the scientific quality of the application and personal requirements, and its expert statement focuses mainly on biography and commitment.
- A clear research topic with a proposal and support from a supervisor
- Documented commitment, for example in volunteering or a student group
- Study results that stay steady or improve over the course of the degree
- The willingness to think beyond your own subject
How does a weak Abitur look during the degree?
The school leaving certificate is often years old. A degree documented with good results gives selection panels more reference points. This matters especially for the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, which looks at school and university together. A convincing degree can soften the effect of a weaker Abitur, but it does not guarantee a result.
Ask your university whether grade overviews or cohort comparisons are available. Such data helps you judge your performance realistically before you invest time in an application.
Which documents apply if the certificate is still missing?
If your final certificate is not yet issued, the foundation’s rules for proof apply. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung accepts a provisional transcript with the grade of the thesis, if a copy of the certificate follows within two weeks. The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung requires proof of the degree that qualifies you for a doctorate.
| Document | Rule according to the foundation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional transcript | Accepted by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung if the certificate follows within two weeks | Checked October 2026 |
| Proof of degree | Official proof of the degree qualifying for a doctorate, required by the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung | Checked October 2026 |
| Application guidance | PDF guidance from the foundation for doctoral colleges, dated 22 February 2024 | Dated 22 February 2024 |
Can commitment make up for a weaker grade?
The foundation pages do not describe any compensation rule. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung names commitment as a selection criterion of its own, alongside personal initiative and attendance at seminars. The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung even requires trade union or socio-political commitment.
Commitment therefore does not replace grades, but it adds to the picture the reviewers form of you. With the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, make clear how your commitment relates to your research topic. Otherwise reviewers will quickly ask why this particular project suits you.
How do I judge my chances realistically?
A realistic assessment starts with comparing your documents with the wording of the call. Ask a supervisor with selection experience for honest feedback. That usually helps more than assumptions from forums, where individual cases are presented as the rule.
The self-check below does not replace information from the foundation, but it shows where your documents are strong and where gaps remain.
| Check | What to look at |
|---|---|
| School | Your Abitur grade compared with what the foundation describes as above average |
| Degree | Grade and duration of the degree, provisional or final proof |
| Course of study | Speed and consistency of your results |
| Commitment | Documented activity that matches the foundation’s values |
| Proposal and supervision | Clear topic and confirmed support |
| Deadline | Date of the call and the submission route |
Frequently asked questions
Is a grade just above the average enough?
The foundations give no fixed number. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung speaks of above-average grades, and the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung of special aptitude for research. Check whether your results fit these wordings, and ask the foundation directly if you are unsure.
Does the Abitur still count if I have a master’s degree?
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung looks at school and university together, so the completed degree carries considerable weight. The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung mainly names study and examination results on its page, and does not mention the Abitur.
Do I have to explain my Abitur grade in the application?
The page of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung does not mention a separate explanation of the Abitur grade. Whether your call includes a cover letter is stated in the documents. A short, concrete sentence about your course of study can help if it does not evade the question.
Is it worth applying anyway?
Usually yes, if the call, your documents and your research topic fit together. The pages checked name no grade that excludes applicants. Anyone who does not apply never learns how the selection would have turned out. The effort is considerable, so check honestly whether your proposal has substance first.
Are there other routes if the foundation does not fit?
Yes. A doctoral position at a university has different selection criteria and different contract terms. A comparison helps before you decide. Our article on the doctoral position shows the differences in figures (in German).
Next steps
- Read the grade wording on the foundation’s page and note what it means for you.
- Collect your study grades, thesis and proof of commitment.
- Ask your university when a provisional transcript is accepted.
- Ask a supervisor for honest feedback on your proposal before you submit.
Related articles
- PhD Position or Scholarship: Net Comparison with Worked Example
- Hans-Böckler-Stiftung for a PhD
- PhD Funding: Position, Scholarship or Own Savings
- PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements
Sources: Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, PhD funding (checked October 2026); Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, PhD funding (checked October 2026); Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, guidance on applications (as of 22 February 2024).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
