Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship (Germany)
Fully funded scholarship program by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom supporting talented students and doctoral candidates who actively advocate for liberal values and an open society. Funding is available for first degree programs (Bachelor's and Master's combined) and PhD studies at state or state-recognized universities in Germany, EU member states, and Switzerland.
Quick Facts
Status
Opening SoonFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
April 30 and October 31 annually at 11:59 pm
Country
GermanyAbout the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom, guided by the principles of liberalism and individual responsibility, provides comprehensive financial and ideational support to academically talented individuals. The foundation sponsors students and doctoral candidates across all academic disciplines who demonstrate strong academic achievement alongside a commitment to liberal values, democratic structures, and societal engagement.
The scholarship program offers distinct funding streams for domestic, EU, and international applicants. For German and EU students, support covers Bachelor's and Master's programs, while non-EU foreign applicants are eligible for Master's and PhD funding provided they study full-time in Germany. The program requires a minimum funding period of two semesters for students and 12 months for doctoral candidates, with a maximum duration of three years for doctoral studies.
Financial benefits for basic student funding reach a maximum of 861 euros per month, complemented by a mandatory 300 euros per month lump sum for study costs and monthly contributions for health and long-term care insurance. Doctoral candidates receive up to 1,350 euros per month plus a 100-euro monthly research cost lump sum in German funding, or up to 1,200 euros for international doctoral candidates, alongside potential support for study-related stays abroad of up to 12 months.
Beyond financial assistance, the foundation emphasizes ideational support, networking, and self-organization among its scholars. Recipients participate in political education events, interdisciplinary exchanges, and regional activities designed to foster leadership and dialogue. A mandatory minimum level of German language proficiency (B2) is required for all participants to fully engage in the ideological support network.
The selection process relies on an online application window, a pre-selection based on submitted documents, references, and a final personal interview with an independent selection committee. Applications are accepted biannually through the online portal, with strict deadlines ending on April 30 and October 31 each year.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Comprehensive financial coverage including monthly stipends, study cost lump sums, and health insurance grants
Extensive ideational support through political education events, workshops, and academy programs
Interdisciplinary networking and self-organization opportunities among an active community of scholars
Support for international study-abroad components for up to 12 months
No age limit for applicants across student and doctoral tracks
What the Scholarship Covers
Studying in Germany
Funding is provided for studies at state or state-recognized universities in Germany, EU member states, and Switzerland, provided recipients can actively participate in scholarship life from their study location.
Eligibility Requirements
7 requirements
Documents Checklist
7 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Register in the online application portal during the open window (1-30 April or 1-31 October)
Generate and forward the electronic reference link to designated appraisers for submission of two required letters of reference
Upload all required application documents in PDF format, ensuring each document is bundled and under 5 MB
Await pre-selection results based on academic performance, personality, and social commitment
Attend the mandatory oral selection interview with members of the independent selection committee (in-person in Germany, or via video call for non-European applicants abroad)
Receive final notification of the selection outcome within three weeks after the selection conference
Application Timeline
April 1 / October 1
Application Window Opens
Online application portal opens for submissions.
April 30 / October 31
Application Deadline
Applications and reference links must be completed by 11:59 pm.
February 8 / August 8
Selection Interview Notification
Latest date to receive notification regarding an invitation to the oral selection process.
Within 3 weeks after selection conference
Selection Outcome Announcement
Final acceptance or rejection communicated via email.
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Ensure your German language proficiency reaches at least B2 level before applying, as it is essential for the ideational support program
Initiate contact with your appraisers early to ensure they submit the two required letters of reference through the automated link before deadlines
Bundle multi-page documents into single PDF files and verify that each file remains under the 5 MB upload limit
Highlight your active social commitment and liberal civic engagement clearly throughout your application materials
Double-check that your application is submitted exclusively via the online portal by April 30 or October 31 at 11:59 pm
Prepare to conduct your selection interview in German, even if your specific academic degree or doctoral program is conducted entirely in English
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions - click any to expand
No, membership in the FDP is not required to apply for or receive the scholarship.
No, there is no age limit for student or doctoral applications.
Yes, if your appraisers are not proficient in German, the references may be submitted in English via the designated link.
No, travel and accommodation expenses for attending the selection conference cannot be reimbursed.
No, you do not need to show a formal language test certificate to apply, though a minimum of B2 German proficiency is required for participation in ideational support.
Ready to Apply?
Applications open April and October - get your documents ready now.
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