The doctoral funding of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES, a German foundation linked to the Social Democratic movement) is open to German nationals, to Bildungsinländer (foreign nationals who completed their school education in Germany) and to refugees. This guide explains the amounts the foundation states, how the selection works and why there are no fixed application dates.
Short answer: For its doctoral funding, the FES pays, according to the Heinrich Böll Foundation (BMFTR rates, October 2026), a basic amount of up to 1,750 euros per month plus a research cost allowance of 100 euros per month. Funding usually lasts 3.5 years and does not have to be repaid. The website names no fixed application deadlines. Last updated: October 2026.
The most important points at a glance
- A basic amount of up to 1,750 euros per month, plus a research cost allowance of 100 euros per month (Heinrich Böll Foundation, BMFTR rates, October 2026).
- Funding period: usually 3.5 years. According to the foundation, the scholarship does not have to be repaid.
- Applications: no fixed deadlines on the website. You are advised to apply as early as possible, at the latest about two years before submitting your dissertation.
- Selection: at least two selection meetings each in spring, summer and late autumn. Which meeting applies to you is decided during the process.
- Not stated: supplements, book allowance, family supplement and an age limit. Ask the foundation directly.
How much is the funding, and what is missing from the information?
The doctoral funding page names two monthly components. Anything beyond them is not stated. This mainly concerns family supplements and the book allowance, but also whether an age limit applies.
| Component | Figure | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Basic amount | up to 1,750 euros per month | BMFTR rate, October 2026 |
| Research cost allowance | 100 euros per month | Part of the funding |
| Total of both components | arithmetically up to 1,850 euros per month | Without further supplements |
| Funding period | usually 3.5 years | No extension mentioned |
| Supplements and book allowance | not stated | Ask the foundation |
A simple calculation shows the scale. Assumption: you receive the funding for 3.5 years without supplements, with a basic amount of 1,750 euros. At 1,850 euros per month, that is 1,850 x 42 = 77,700 euros over the period. The actual payments follow the foundation’s award notice.
Are there fixed application deadlines?
No, at least not on the doctoral funding page. The foundation names no fixed date. It recommends applying as early as possible, at the latest about two years before submitting the dissertation. The separate FAQ on timing lists fixed dates only for first-semester applicants in undergraduate and master’s programmes, and it names no such date for doctoral funding.
Selection meetings take place regularly, at least two each in spring, summer and late autumn. The foundation decides during the process which of them is relevant to your application.
How does the selection process work?
The process has several stages. The website describes them in this order:
- Preliminary selection by FES staff.
- Upload of the written documents, including reports from university teachers.
- Interview with a trust lecturer and a member of the selection committee.
- Academic assessment based on the reports.
- Final decision by the selection committee.
The page gives no overall duration. Plan a buffer before you commit to a fixed start for your doctorate.
Which requirements count, and which grades are needed?
The FES sets no specific grade. It does expect your degree to have been completed in good time and with good marks. The reports from university teachers are a central part of the file, so clarify early who will write them and by when.
How does the funding fit into your life plan?
Because the selection can take several months and the foundation names no fixed application dates, build the application into your planning early. Do not accept a post or contract that prevents you from starting before you know how the process ends. The funding runs for 3.5 years, so think about what comes afterwards well in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to repay the scholarship?
No. According to the FES, the scholarship does not have to be repaid. This distinguishes it from a student loan, which you must repay later.
When is the best time to apply?
The foundation recommends applying as early as possible, at the latest about two years before you submit your dissertation. Applying early gives you time to prepare the reports and the other documents calmly.
Who decides on my application?
The selection committee makes the final decision. Before that, FES staff carry out a preliminary selection, and interviews take place with a trust lecturer and a committee member.
Is there a family supplement or a book allowance?
The page mentions neither. If either matters to you, ask the FES directly before you submit, and keep the answer in writing.
Can I apply again after a rejection?
The page names one exception: applicants rejected from state examination programmes such as law or teaching may apply again. For other cases the page gives no information.
What to do now
- Decide when you will apply. The foundation recommends early, at the latest about two years before the dissertation is submitted.
- Obtain the reports from university teachers in good time, because they form a central part of the documents.
- Ask the FES about supplements, the book allowance and any age limit before you commit.
- Plan for several months of selection and for an interview with a trust lecturer.
Related reading
- PhD in Germany: routes, titles and requirements
- Scholarships for students: types, providers, requirements
- Health Insurance for PhD Students in Germany
- Promotionsstipendium der Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes
- Promotionsstipendium der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung
Sources: Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Doctoral funding for German and Bildungsinländer applicants and refugees (in German, retrieved October 2026, no date on page); Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Timing of applications and procedure information (in German, retrieved 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.
