The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom advocates the principles of freedom, individual responsibility, the social market economy, the rule of law, tolerance, democracy, and human rights. The foundation provides political education and supports talented young people as a contribution to a free and democratic society.
The foundation currently supports over 850 university students and doctoral candidates from Germany and abroad in their studies and research at German universities.
Why You Should Apply
Benefit
Description
Financial Support
Monthly stipend + study cost lump sum
Non-Material Support
Seminars, workshops, networking events
Political Education
Access to liberal political education programs
Alumni Network
Strong network of former scholars
International Exposure
Study in Germany
Any Field
Open to all disciplines
Career Development
Interdisciplinary exchange and professional growth
Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships Benefits
Financial Benefits
Benefit
Details
Study Cost Lump Sum
€300 per month (independent of parental income)
Health Insurance
Contributions to health and long-term care insurance
Travel Support
Stays abroad up to 12 months (case-by-case basis)
Basic Monthly Scholarship
Level
Amount
Notes
Students (Bachelor/Master/State Examination)
Up to €934
Calculated according to BAföG guidelines for German/EU students
Doctoral Candidates
Up to €1,200
Plus research cost allowance in some cases
Important Note for Non-EU Applicants: Gross income above approximately €520 is generally offset against the scholarship.
Non-Material Support
Support
Description
Seminars
Political education seminars
Workshops
Skill development workshops
Networking Events
Connect with other scholars
Political Education
Liberal political education programs
Interdisciplinary Exchange
Exchange across disciplines
Alumni Network
Access to strong alumni community
Eligibility Criteria
General Requirements
Criteria
Requirements
Academic Performance
Good to very good
Motivation
Dedication, motivation, decisiveness
Responsibility
Readiness to take responsibility
Commitment
Visible social, political, or voluntary involvement
Language
German B2 minimum
Study Mode
Full-time only
Remaining Semesters
Minimum of two remaining semesters
Eligible Involvements
Area
Description
Student Council
Representation in university bodies
University Committees
Participation in academic governance
Liberal Organizations
Engagement in liberal political groups
Human Rights Groups
Human rights advocacy
Cultural Activities
Arts and cultural engagement
Environmental Protection
Environmental activism
Sports
Sports involvement
Family Care
Caregiving responsibilities
Neighborhood Initiatives
Community engagement
By Nationality
Nationality
Eligible Programs
German Citizens
Bachelor's, Master's, State Examination, PhD
EU Citizens
Bachelor's, Master's, State Examination, PhD
Non-EU Citizens
Master's programs and PhD studies only
Restrictions
Restriction
Description
Bachelor's (Non-EU)
Not funded for non-EU applicants
Second Degrees
Generally not funded
Part-Time Programs
Not funded
Pure Distance Learning
Not funded
LL.M./MBA
Generally not funded
Certain Medical Doctorates
Not funded
Required Documents
Document
Description
Application Form
Online application portal
CV/Resume
Curriculum vitae
Motivation Letter
Statement of purpose (in German)
Academic Transcripts
Record of academic performance
Proof of Enrollment
Current enrollment certificate
Language Certificate
German B2 (if available)
References
Academic/professional references
Application Process
Step
Action
1
Visit the official online application portal
2
Apply during open application periods (1-30 April OR 1-31 October)
3
Submit all documents in German
4
Complete the selection interview (conducted in German)
5
Await selection decision
Application Periods
Period
Date
Spring Intake
1-30 April 2026
Autumn Intake
1-31 October 2026
Deadline (Autumn)
31 October 2026 (23:59)
Important Notes
Note
Description
Application Language
Must be submitted in German
Interview Language
Selection interview in German
German Level
B2 minimum (no formal certificate required initially)
English Programs
Even if program is in English, interview is in German
Monthly stipend (€934/€1,200) + €300 lump sum + health insurance + non-material support.
Q2. Who can apply?
German, EU, and non-EU students (non-EU: Master's/PhD only).
Q3. Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes, initially 1 year, renewable annually.
Q4. What is the language requirement?
German B2 minimum.
Q5. Can non-EU students apply for Bachelor's?
No, only Master's and PhD.
Q6. Are all fields accepted?
Yes, any field of study.
Q7. When are application periods?
1-30 April and 1-31 October annually.
Q8. Is the application in English?
No, must be submitted in German.
Q9. What is the maximum duration?
Standard period of study (students) or up to 3 years (PhD).
Q10. Are there non-material benefits?
Yes, seminars, workshops, networking, political education.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships offer a unique opportunity for students and researchers to pursue studies in Germany with substantial financial and non-material support. The foundation's commitment to freedom, democracy, and human rights provides a distinctive intellectual environment for scholars.
The scholarships are open to all nationalities, with specific provisions for non-EU students at the Master's and PhD levels. The German language requirement (B2) ensures that scholars can participate fully in the foundation's non-material support programs, including seminars and political education activities.
Best Opportunity For
Category
Suitable
German Citizens
Yes
EU Citizens
Yes
Non-EU Students
Yes (Master's/PhD)
Master's Applicants
Yes
PhD Applicants
Yes
Research Scholars
Yes
All Disciplines
Yes
Liberal Values Advocates
Yes
Competition Level
Category
Level
Overall Competition
High
Selection Difficulty
Competitive
Application Complexity
Medium
CareerFlora Recommendation
Area
Details
Scholarship Value
Excellent
Career Growth
High
Application Difficulty
Medium
Apply Early
Recommended
Final Call-to-Action
Apply for Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships before 31 October 2026.
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