The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship Programme is one of Germany’s most respected funding opportunities for academically outstanding and socially engaged students. Through its Scholarship Department, the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung provides financial assistance and comprehensive academic support to undergraduate, Master’s, and doctoral students from Germany and around the world.

Unlike many scholarship programmes that focus solely on academic excellence, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation places equal emphasis on social responsibility, political engagement, and commitment to creating a more just society. The foundation actively supports students who demonstrate leadership, social awareness, and dedication to democratic values.

The scholarship also seeks to reduce inequalities in higher education by giving preference to applicants from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds, including women, students from non-academic families, migrants, socially disadvantaged applicants, and people living with disabilities.

If you are planning to pursue a Master’s degree or PhD in Germany and have a proven record of academic excellence combined with social commitment, this scholarship may provide not only financial assistance but also access to an extensive academic and professional development network.

About the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation

The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (Rosa Luxemburg Foundation) is one of Germany’s leading political foundations dedicated to education, research, democracy, and social justice.

Its Scholarship Department supports highly qualified students who demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic performance
• Strong professional potential
• Active social engagement
• Political commitment aligned with the values of the foundation
• Motivation to contribute positively to society

Beyond financial support, the foundation invests heavily in developing future leaders through networking, educational programmes, workshops, and mentoring.

Scholarship Overview

The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation offers several scholarship programmes, including:

• International Master’s Scholarships
• International PhD Scholarships
• Study Scholarships for German students
• Lux like Studium Programme
• Domestic PhD Scholarships

International applicants are primarily eligible for the Master’s and PhD scholarship programmes.

International Study Scholarships

The International Study Scholarship is intended for foreign students who are temporarily living in Germany for higher education.

Applicants are expected to return to their home countries after completing their studies.

The programme supports students who have already been admitted to a German university and who intend to complete a Master’s degree.

Who Can Apply?

International applicants must:

• Be temporarily residing in Germany
• Be enrolled at a state or state-recognized German university
• Be studying for a Master’s degree
• Intend to return to their home country after graduation
• Meet all academic and language requirements

Students enrolled in diploma or state examination programmes may also qualify if they have completed their foundational studies.

Citizens of other European Union countries are also eligible to apply.

Learn more

PhD Scholarships

The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation also offers scholarships to doctoral candidates from Germany and abroad.

These scholarships support research across nearly every academic discipline.

Applicants must already be accepted into a German university before applying.

Funding is generally awarded for a period of three years.

Eligible PhD Fields

Funding is available for almost every discipline except:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Veterinary Medicine

Students from scientific, technical, engineering, and research disciplines are particularly encouraged to submit applications.

Learn more

Scholarship Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated using several important criteria.

1. Academic Excellence

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Outstanding school results
• Excellent university performance
• Strong academic achievements
• High professional potential

Evidence of above-average academic performance is required.

2. Political and Social Engagement

One of the distinguishing features of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship is its strong emphasis on social commitment.

Applicants should demonstrate involvement in activities such as:

• Community service
• Social justice initiatives
• Student organizations
• Civic participation
• Political engagement
• Volunteer work
• Human rights advocacy
• Environmental initiatives

The foundation seeks applicants whose values align with its commitment to equality, democracy, and social justice.

3. German Language Requirement

Applicants must possess German language proficiency of at least:

Level B2

Proof of language ability is required during the application process.

4. Personal and Family Background

The foundation considers an applicant’s personal circumstances.

Preference is often given to:

• Women
• Students from non-academic families
• Migrant backgrounds
• Economically disadvantaged students
• Applicants with disabilities
• Applicants who have overcome significant barriers while maintaining excellent academic performance

Information on eligibility requirements and application forms for the scholarship can be found on the applications page.

Fields of Study

The scholarship supports students from all academic disciplines.

The foundation actively encourages applications from:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• Arts
• Natural Sciences
• Technical disciplines

Graduates from technical colleges are also encouraged to apply.

Scholarship Benefits

Although funding amounts follow German scholarship regulations and may vary depending on the programme, recipients benefit from far more than financial support.

Scholarship holders gain access to:

• Financial assistance for studies
• Academic mentoring
• Networking opportunities
• Political education programmes
• Summer schools
• International workshops
• Educational trips
• Conferences
• Symposia
• Research support
• Academic writing workshops
• Methodology seminars
• Time management training
• Conflict management training
• Public speaking (rhetoric) training
• Leadership development
• Career development opportunities
• Strong alumni and academic networks

More than 250 academic mentors and foundation staff members support scholarship recipients throughout their studies.

Additional Support for Scholars

Recipients become members of a large academic community that provides:

Academic Development

• Research guidance
• Academic advising
• Methodological training
• Writing workshops
• Publication support

Professional Skills

Training includes:

• Leadership
• Communication
• Public speaking
• Negotiation
• Conflict resolution
• Self-management
• Time management

International Exposure

Participants may also attend:

• International workshops
• Study visits
• Summer schools
• Political education events
• Educational travel programmes

Application Process

The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation operates through a direct application process.

Applicants must submit their applications using the official online application system.

Important notes:

• Application forms are available only in German.
• Documents cannot be requested or submitted by post.
• Applicants must carefully review the eligibility requirements before applying.

The new application round begins August 20, 2025.

Please inform yourself in advance on our website about the funding requirements for a study scholarship or doctoral scholarship.

Application Deadline

The annual application deadline is:

1 October

Successful applicants begin receiving funding for the following summer semester, which starts on 1 April of the next year.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare all required documentation well before the deadline.

Please note the Application Portal Opens: 20 August 2026

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Contact Information

Applicants seeking further guidance may contact the Scholarship Department directly.

Please visit the German website for more information.

Telephone: +49 30 44310-223

Email: studienwerk@rosalux.de

Telephone consultation hours:

• Tuesday: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Wednesday: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (September only)
• Thursday: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Additional application information and official application forms are available on the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation’s German-language scholarship website.

Why You Should Apply

The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship is much more than a source of financial assistance. It is a comprehensive academic and leadership programme designed to support students who combine academic excellence with a commitment to making society more equitable and democratic.

For international Master’s and PhD students planning to study in Germany, the scholarship provides funding, mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities, and lifelong connections with scholars and practitioners committed to positive social change.

If you possess outstanding academic achievements, strong social engagement, and German language proficiency, this programme represents an excellent opportunity to pursue higher education while becoming part of one of Germany’s most respected academic communities.

Conclusion

The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship Programme offers an exceptional opportunity for talented and socially committed students to pursue advanced studies in Germany. By combining financial support with extensive academic mentoring, leadership training, and professional development opportunities, the foundation helps scholars build successful careers while contributing meaningfully to society.

Prospective applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements, prepare all required documents in advance, and submit their applications before the 1 October deadline. For students who aspire to excel academically while promoting social justice and democratic values, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship can serve as a transformative step toward achieving both educational and professional goals.

Visit the OFY website for more Scholarship Opportunities.