The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit) funds doctoral candidates in all disciplines who are admitted to a doctorate at a university. For German doctoral candidates, it names a monthly amount that can be supplemented by flat rates and allowances.
The foundation sets no age limit, and it accepts applications in two windows each year. This guide shows the amounts with their source and date and works through an example.
Short answer: The Friedrich Naumann Foundation pays German doctoral candidates up to 1,750 euros per month under the BMFTR rates (October 2026), plus a research cost allowance of 100 euros. Applications are possible in April and October. The October window closes on 31 October 2026. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points
- Funding of up to 1,750 euros per month for German doctoral candidates (BMFTR rates, October 2026), plus a 100 euro research cost allowance.
- Allowances: Health insurance support of up to 100 euros, a family supplement of 155 euros and a childcare allowance from 155 euros, depending on your situation.
- Application windows: 1 to 30 April and 1 to 31 October. The October window of 2026 is still open.
- Duration: At least two semesters, at most three years.
- Exclusions: No funding for dentistry and human medicine. A paid side job above certain limits excludes funding.
How high is the Friedrich Naumann Foundation doctoral scholarship?
Under the BMFTR rates (October 2026), German doctoral candidates receive up to 1,750 euros per month. A research cost allowance of 100 euros per month for material costs and travel within Germany is added. Other benefits depend on your personal situation.
| Benefit | Amount | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Doctoral scholarship for German doctoral candidates | up to 1,750 euros per month | BMFTR rate, October 2026 |
| Research cost allowance | 100 euros per month | Foundation website, accessed October 2026 |
| Health insurance support | up to 100 euros per month | Foundation website, accessed October 2026 |
| Family supplement | 155 euros per month, depending on your situation | Foundation website, accessed October 2026 |
| Childcare allowance | from 155 euros per month, depending on your situation | Foundation website, accessed October 2026 |
| Foreign doctoral candidates | up to 1,500 euros per month, family supplements of 276 euros (spouse) and 259 euros (child), health and long-term care insurance covered | Foundation website, accessed October 2026 |
Worked example. Assumption: German doctoral candidate, funding for the maximum of three years (36 months), basic stipend of 1,750 euros, only the scholarship and the research cost allowance, no further supplements. Calculation: (1,750 euros + 100 euros) × 36 months = 66,600 euros. With the family supplement of 155 euros, the total is (1,750 + 100 + 155) × 36 = 72,180 euros. The health insurance support and the childcare allowance are not included.
Who can apply?
The foundation funds doctoral candidates in all disciplines who are admitted to a doctorate at a university. The admission must be unconditional. Doctorates in dentistry and human medicine are not funded.
The foundation sets no age limit. The more important question is paid work alongside the doctorate: A paid activity can exclude funding if it exceeds a certain scope. The page does not state the exact limits, so ask the foundation before you apply.
When can you apply?
The foundation accepts applications twice a year. The spring window runs from 1 to 30 April, the autumn window from 1 to 31 October.
| Window | Period | Status on 26 October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 2026 | 1 to 31 October 2026 | Open, closes in a few days |
| Spring 2027 | 1 to 30 April 2027 | Next date |
| Autumn 2027 | 1 to 31 October 2027 | Following date |
According to the foundation, the windows repeat every year. The page does not state the years explicitly, so the years in the table are derived from that pattern. Confirm them on the foundation website before you submit.
How long is the funding?
The minimum funding period is two semesters and the maximum is three years. Plan your finances for the whole doctorate, even if the funding ends earlier.
Whether the scholarship is taxable and how it affects your health insurance depends on your case. Our guide scholarships, tax and social insurance (in German) explains the basics. 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 as a foreign doctoral candidate?
The page gives separate amounts for foreign doctoral candidates: Up to 1,500 euros per month, family supplements, and coverage of health and long-term care insurance. Whether this applies to you depends on your situation, which you should clarify with the foundation.
Is there an age limit?
According to the foundation website, there is no age limit for applying. What matters is admission to the doctorate, your field and the scope of any paid side work.
Why is medicine excluded?
The foundation does not fund doctorates in dentistry or human medicine. The page gives no reason. If you are doing a doctorate in a medical field, check other programmes first.
Do I need my admission already?
Yes, admission to the doctorate is a requirement. It must be unconditional, which means the university must not attach open conditions.
Can I work alongside the scholarship?
A small activity may be allowed. A paid activity above the scope limits excludes funding. Ask the foundation for the exact limits before you sign a contract.
What to do next
- Note 31 October 2026 as the last day of the autumn window and check whether you can submit by then.
- Work out your own finances with the scholarship, the research cost allowance and the supplements.
- Ask the foundation about the scope limits for paid side work before you accept a contract.
- Plan for the spring 2027 window if you cannot finish in time for the autumn one.
Related guides
- Doctoral scholarship of the Heinrich Böll Foundation: Amount and deadlines
- Doctoral scholarship of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation: Deadlines and terms
- Doctoral scholarship of the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
- Doctoral scholarship of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation
- Financing a doctorate: Position, scholarship or own funds compared (in German)
Sources: Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, scholarships for gifted doctoral candidates (German, accessed October 2026); 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.
