The Heinrich Böll Foundation (Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung) supports doctoral candidates with a monthly basic stipend, a research cost allowance and, depending on your situation, further supplements. Before you apply, you need to know how much the funding amounts to, who may apply and which deadlines apply.
This guide summarizes what the foundation states on its website and in its information sheet for doctoral candidates. Some figures differ between these documents, so we give every number with its source and date.
Short answer: The Heinrich Böll Foundation pays a basic stipend of up to 1,750 euros per month, plus a research cost allowance of 100 euros (BMFTR rates, October 2026). Applications close on 1 March and 1 September each year. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points
- Funding: A monthly basic stipend of up to 1,750 euros, plus a 100 euro research cost allowance (BMFTR rates, October 2026).
- Deadlines: Applications close on 1 March and 1 September. Registration in the online portal opens six weeks before the deadline.
- Entry requirement: Admission to a doctorate at a state or state-recognised university.
- Selection: The foundation names very good school and university results, an expert report and evidence of social commitment.
- Duration: Usually 3.5 years, made up of three years of regular funding and an extension of up to six months.
How much is the Heinrich Böll Foundation doctoral scholarship?
The BMFTR rates (October 2026) set a basic stipend of up to 1,750 euros per month, plus a research cost allowance of 100 euros. The information sheet (dated January 2025) predates the current BMFTR rates and is no longer used for the amounts here. For non-EU applicants funded with Federal Foreign Office resources, the rate is 1,500 euros per month plus an allowance of 100 euros (BMFTR rates, October 2026).
| Component | Amount | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Basic stipend for German and EU nationals | up to 1,750 euros per month, plus a 100 euro research cost allowance | BMFTR rates, October 2026 |
| Non-EU applicants | 1,500 euros per month plus a 100 euro allowance | BMFTR rates, October 2026 |
| Supplements for children, family and study abroad | Mentioned in principle, the amounts are not stated in the document | Foundation information sheet |
Worked example. Assumption: Regular funding of 3.5 years (42 months), only the basic stipend of 1,750 euros, no supplements. Calculation: 1,750 euros × 42 months = 73,500 euros over the whole funding period. Without the extension, over 36 months, the total is 1,750 euros × 36 = 63,000 euros. Your actual total depends on your situation and on the award decision.
Who can apply?
The foundation funds doctoral candidates who are admitted to a doctorate. It distinguishes between domestic educational nationals, EU nationals and non-EU nationals. Domestic educational nationals may apply for funding in Germany and abroad. EU and non-EU nationals may apply for funding in Germany. For non-EU applicants, people from DAC countries have priority if they live abroad when they apply.
As evidence, the foundation asks for an expert report and a reference on your social commitment. You apply online through the foundation portal. The documents do not mention a minimum grade or an age limit. Check the current call for applications before you commit.
When do you have to apply?
The foundation works with two fixed deadlines. They recur every year, which is why the information sheet gives only the day and month.
| Deadline | Meaning | Next date after 26 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 March | Applications close | 1 March 2027 |
| 1 September | Applications close | 1 September 2027 |
According to the foundation, registration in the online portal is possible from six weeks before the deadline. For the deadline on 1 March 2027, this means the portal opens around mid-January 2027. Do not leave registration until the last day, because expert reports need lead time.
How long is the funding?
The information sheet usually gives 3.5 years. This consists of three years of regular funding and an option to extend by up to six months. The sheet states no further detail on the extension conditions.
Whether payments from the scholarship are taxable, and how they affect your health insurance, depends on your individual case. Our guide on scholarships, tax and social insurance gives an overview. If you are insured yourself during your doctorate, see also our guide to health insurance during a doctorate (in German).
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply from abroad?
That depends on your nationality and place of residence. Domestic educational nationals may apply for funding in Germany and abroad. EU and non-EU nationals may apply for funding in Germany. For non-EU applicants living abroad, DAC countries have priority.
Do I need to be admitted to a university already?
You need admission to a doctorate. The information sheet requires proof from a state or state-recognised university, for all groups. Treat this document as one of the first things you gather.
Is there a minimum grade?
The information sheet does not name a minimum grade. Very good school and university results are, however, one of the selection criteria. If your grades are less strong, present your expert report and your social commitment with particular care.
Can I apply again after a rejection?
The documents we reviewed do not say. Ask the foundation whether and when a new application is possible.
What if I take up a paid job alongside the doctorate?
This depends on the kind of work. Paid employment alongside a doctorate is subject to limits that you should check in the current call or with the foundation. Clarify this before you apply.
What to do next
- Check whether you already have admission to a doctorate or can apply for it at short notice.
- Put the deadline of 1 March 2027 in your calendar and note that the portal opens around mid-January.
- Request your expert report early and describe your social commitment concretely.
- Read the current information sheet and the foundation website, and confirm the amount the foundation states at the time you apply.
If you are weighing a scholarship against a position or other funding, a personal conversation can help. You can find out more under How we work (in German).
Related guides
- Financing a doctorate: Position, scholarship or own funds compared (in German)
- Applying for a scholarship: How to convince the selection committees (in German)
- Doctoral scholarship of the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
- Doctoral scholarship of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation
- Health insurance during a doctorate (in German)
Sources: Heinrich Böll Foundation, application for a scholarship (German, accessed October 2026), Heinrich Böll Foundation, information sheet for doctoral candidates (German, dated January 2025); Heinrich Böll Foundation, scholarship amounts of the German scholarship foundations (BMFTR rates, in German, October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
