Creating Equal Opportunities: Support of Students and Postgraduates

[ Philosophy ] [ Application and Selection Criteria ] [ Programmes ] [ FAQs ]

Philosophy

Since the foundation of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, the idea of supporting outstanding students and postgraduates was let by two guiding principles. It was aiming at a contribution to overcome the educational barriers and gaps for non-elite classes and trying to establish a counterweight against anti-democratic forces which where then predominant at German universities and in the so-called educated classes in general. This explicitly socio-political approach committed to the values of social democracy – freedom, justice and solidarity – remains decisive for the grant of scholarships even today.

In addition to financial support scholarship holders are provided with the opportunity to participate in a broad range of seminars, workshops and study trips. This participation in the work of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is an important cornerstone of the programme with the aim to give scholarship holders additional professional exposure and socio-political orientation.

However, by accepting the support of the Foundation, scholarship holders are not only provided with material and non-material privileges but also need to meet some obligations. Please check with the Division for Scholarships at the FES headquarters for details.

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Application and Selection Criteria

Students and postgraduates can apply directly to the Foundation. The selection process can also be started upon recommendation, e.g. by a university teacher. No specific deadlines apply.
Applicants who are short-listed after review of their documents are invited to an interview. The final decision is being taken by the selection committee which meets several times a year. The committee consists of reputed university teachers as well as leading professionals from other walks of life. Their names and addresses are published our annual reports.
 Selection criteria are:

  • outstanding talent and above-average qualification (proven by outstanding marks);

  • political and/or social engagement as defined by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung;

  • personality;

Apart from the professional qualification, origin, personal circumstances of life as well as sense and acceptance of responsibility are also taken into consideration when taking the decision. 

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Programmes

The scholarship-system distinguishes between the support of students up to the first qualifying degree and the support of postgraduates. In addition to that, foreign students who ran into difficulties can get support from a solidarity fund. For latest information and updates on programmes and conditions please check with the Division for Scholarships at the FES headquarters.

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FAQs

Support of Students:
 

1. When can I apply?
Applications can be filed after completion of the foundation course (Grundstudium), i.e. when holding a certificate of “Vordiplom“, “Zwischenprüfung“ or “Physicum”, in both major and minors. A specific deadline for applications does not apply.

2. How can I apply?
The following documents must be submitted:

  • a detailed CV which highlights the socio-political engagement,

  • the school-leaving certificate

  • the certificate of “Vordiplom”, “Zwischenprüfung” or “Physicum”,

  • an explanation why you apply for a scholarship from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.
     

3. How long does the selection procedure take?
Approximately half a year.

4. How does the selection procedure work?
Normally, two separate interviews would be scheduled in Germany. It is, therefore, necessary to be in Germany during the selection procedure. In spring, summer and autumn, the selection committee decides about all filed applications.

5. Do the submitted documents have to be certified?
No.

6. Do you support internships or study visits abroad?
No.

Support of Postgraduates:
 

1. How can I apply?
The following documents must be submitted:

  • a detailed CV which highlights the socio-political engagement,

  • the university diploma,

  • a detailed exposé with work-plan and time-frame,

  • a certificate of your supervisor,

  • an explanation why you apply for a scholarship from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.
     

2. How long does the selection procedure take?
Approximately half a year.

3. How does the selection procedure work?
Normally, two separate interviews would be scheduled in Germany. It is, therefore, necessary to be in Germany during the selection procedure. In spring, summer and autumn, the selection committee decides about all filed applications.

4. Do the submitted documents have to be certified?
No.

5. Do you support doctorates abroad?
No.

6. Do you grant allowances for travel and printing?
Travel allowances cannot be granted. In certain cases, the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung can contribute to the printing costs of your thesis.

7. Do you offer short-time or degree scholarships?
No.

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