Are you an international student looking for a scholarship opportunity to study in Germany? The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship 2027 may be an option for eligible international students and doctoral candidates who want to pursue higher education in Germany.
The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung) supports students and doctoral candidates who demonstrate strong academic performance and significant social or societal engagement. International students can apply under the foundation’s international scholarship programmes, subject to the specific eligibility requirements.
Important: Although this scholarship is often described online as “fully funded,” the exact funding and eligibility conditions depend on the scholarship category. The international student scholarship is primarily a living-expenses scholarship, and the foundation states that tuition fees are not reimbursed.
Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship 2027 – Overview
| Scholarship | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Germany |
| Scholarship Provider | Rosa Luxemburg Foundation |
| Study Levels | Master’s-level study and PhD/doctoral study |
| Eligible Applicants | International students and doctoral candidates meeting the requirements |
| Academic Fields | All disciplines, subject to programme restrictions |
| University Requirement | State or state-recognized university |
| Language Requirement | German B2 for international applicants |
| Application Deadline | October 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM for the current application round |
| Application Method | Online application portal |
| Application Fee | No application fee is stated by the foundation |
The foundation’s current application page says the new application round starts on August 20, 2026, with applications closing on October 1, 2026 at 23:59.
What Is the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship?
The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation is a German political education foundation that operates a scholarship programme for students and doctoral candidates.
According to the foundation, applicants are expected to have excellent academic achievements and demonstrate current social or societal engagement consistent with the foundation’s objectives. Students in scientific, technical and engineering fields, as well as public administration, are explicitly encouraged to apply.
For international applicants, the scholarship programme is supported with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office and is intended for foreign nationals coming to Germany for study.
Is the Rosa Luxemburg Scholarship Fully Funded?
This is an important point for applicants.
The international student scholarship is described by the foundation as a living-expenses scholarship. The foundation’s FAQ specifically states that tuition fees for international students are not reimbursed by the scholarship.
Therefore, applicants should carefully review the exact scholarship benefits before describing the award as completely covering all study costs.
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances and scholarship category, financial support can help with living expenses during study.
Who Can Apply for the International Student Scholarship?
International applicants must meet several conditions.
According to the official Rosa Luxemburg Foundation requirements, international students must generally:
- Be a foreign national.
- Be admitted to or enrolled at a state or state-recognized university in Germany.
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent undergraduate studies where applicable.
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
- Demonstrate social or political engagement consistent with the foundation.
- Have very good German language skills at B2 level.
- Be in Germany for the purpose of studying.
- Generally not have been in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of application, subject to the foundation’s stated exceptions.
Applicants should carefully review the official eligibility rules because the requirements differ between the international student and doctoral programmes.
Can Master’s Students Apply?
Yes. International students who have completed a bachelor’s degree can apply for the international scholarship for a master’s programme if they meet the foundation’s requirements.
The foundation’s FAQ states that an international student who already holds a bachelor’s degree can apply for support for a master’s programme. However, applicants who already hold a diploma or master’s degree are not eligible for another master’s programme under this scholarship.
The international scholarship is therefore particularly relevant to students who:
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree.
- Have been admitted to a master’s programme in Germany.
- Meet the academic requirements.
- Have the required German-language skills.
- Can demonstrate appropriate social or societal engagement.
Can PhD Students Apply?
Yes. The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation also offers doctoral scholarships.
Doctoral candidates from Germany and abroad can apply, although medical disciplines are excluded from the doctoral scholarship according to the official information.
International doctoral applicants generally need:
- Admission to a doctoral programme at a state or state-recognized German university.
- Academic supervision by a university lecturer in Germany.
- Excellent academic performance.
- Social engagement consistent with the foundation.
- German language proficiency of at least B2 level.
The foundation states that B2 German is required even when the dissertation is written in English.
German Language Requirement
One of the most important requirements for international applicants is the German language requirement.
International students generally need proof of German language skills at B2 level.
This requirement applies even if the degree programme is taught entirely in English. The foundation explains that scholarship holders are expected to participate in its workshops, seminars and other activities, which are generally conducted in German.
For doctoral applicants, B2 German is also mandatory even when the dissertation is written in English.
Is IELTS Required?
IELTS is not the central language requirement for the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation’s international scholarship.
Instead, the foundation specifically requires German language proficiency at B2 level for international applicants who are not native German speakers.
This means applicants should focus on meeting the foundation’s German-language requirement rather than assuming that an English IELTS certificate will satisfy the scholarship requirement.
Academic Requirements
Strong academic performance is an important part of the selection process.
Applicants should have a solid academic record and demonstrate that they are capable of successfully completing their chosen programme.
For master’s applicants, the completed bachelor’s degree and academic transcripts are important.
For doctoral applicants, the foundation requires doctoral admission and additional academic documents related to the proposed dissertation.
Social and Community Engagement
Academic excellence alone is not enough.
The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation places significant emphasis on social, political and societal engagement.
Applicants may need to provide evidence of activities such as:
- Volunteer work
- Community organizations
- NGOs
- Student organizations
- Social initiatives
- Civic activities
- Associations
- Other documented forms of social or societal engagement
For international doctoral applicants, the official document requirements include evidence of social, political or voluntary engagement during at least the previous 18 months.
Applicants should provide clear evidence rather than simply listing activities on a CV.
Required Documents for International Students
The exact documents depend on the scholarship category, but the foundation’s international student application information includes documents such as:
1. University Enrollment or Admission
Applicants should provide proof of enrollment at a German university.
If enrollment has not yet been completed, an admission letter for the chosen programme may be submitted according to the applicable application requirements.
2. Academic Records
Applicants should provide their academic certificates and relevant transcripts.
A bachelor’s degree certificate may be required for master’s-level applications.
3. Curriculum Vitae
A detailed CV should show your complete educational background and relevant academic or professional experience.
4. Evidence of Social Engagement
Provide documentation demonstrating your social, societal or political engagement.
Examples can include official confirmation letters, programmes, certificates or other evidence.
5. Passport
A valid passport or identity document is required.
6. German Language Certificate
Non-native German speakers must provide proof of German language proficiency at B2 level. The foundation also indicates that, in certain circumstances, applicants who currently have B1 and are participating in a B2 course may provide that documentation according to the applicable rules.
7. Residence Permit or Visa
Applicants from outside the EU may need to provide their German visa or residence permit where applicable.
Additional Documents for PhD Applicants
Doctoral applicants should prepare additional documents.
The official requirements include:
- Admission to the doctoral programme
- Academic CV
- Previous degree certificate
- Evidence of social or societal engagement
- Supervisor’s assessment
- A second academic reference
- Passport or identity document
- Residence permit or visa, where applicable
- B2 German-language proof
The doctoral application may therefore require significantly more preparation than a standard master’s scholarship application.
Application Deadline for 2027
The current Rosa Luxemburg Foundation application round opened on August 20, 2026.
The official application deadline is:
October 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM
The foundation states that the application portal closes at this time and applicants should submit their complete application before the deadline.
Applicants should not wait until the final day because all required documents need to be uploaded before submission.
How to Apply for the Rosa Luxemburg Scholarship
Follow these steps to prepare your application:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before starting the application, make sure you satisfy the academic, university, language and engagement requirements.
Step 2: Choose the Correct Scholarship
The foundation has different scholarship programmes. Applicants should apply to the programme that matches their situation.
The foundation states that applicants can apply for only one of its scholarship programmes in a given application round.
Step 3: Secure University Admission
International master’s applicants generally need admission or enrollment at a recognized German university.
PhD applicants need doctoral admission and the appropriate supervision arrangements.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Collect your:
- Academic certificates
- Transcripts
- CV
- Admission letter
- Passport
- German B2 certificate
- Evidence of social engagement
- Recommendation/reference documents
- Other programme-specific documents
Step 5: Complete the Online Application
Applications are submitted through the foundation’s online application portal.
The foundation states that applications cannot be submitted by post or email.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Make sure every required document is uploaded before submitting the application.
The foundation warns applicants to wait until all required documents have been uploaded because documents cannot simply be added after submission.
Selection Process
The scholarship selection process is competitive.
According to the foundation’s FAQ, complete and formally correct applications are first screened according to the funding criteria. Applicants who reach the next stage may be invited to speak with a trusted lecturer associated with the foundation.
The interview record and application documents are then used by the selection committee when making its decision.
Therefore, applicants should prepare not only strong documents but also be ready to explain:
- Their academic goals
- Their study programme
- Their social engagement
- Their future plans
- Why the scholarship is relevant to their situation
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship may be particularly suitable for international students who have:
- Strong academic results
- A bachelor’s degree for master’s study
- Admission to a German university
- B2 German proficiency
- Meaningful social or societal engagement
- A clear academic and professional direction
Students from scientific, technical and engineering disciplines are explicitly encouraged to apply.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
Before submitting your application, remember:
1. It is not an undergraduate scholarship for international students.
The international student programme requires completed undergraduate studies/bachelor-level qualifications for the relevant master’s route.
2. German B2 is important.
Even students studying in English generally need to demonstrate B2 German.
3. Tuition fees are not reimbursed by the international scholarship.
The foundation describes this award as a living-expenses scholarship.
4. Social engagement matters.
Applicants should provide evidence of meaningful engagement rather than relying only on academic achievements.
5. Check the official deadline.
For the current 2026 application round for the 2027 scholarship cycle, the deadline is October 1, 2026 at 23:59.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship open to international students?
Yes. The foundation has a specific scholarship programme for international students, as well as a programme for international doctoral candidates.
Can I apply for a master’s degree?
Yes. International applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree can apply for a master’s programme if they meet the other requirements.
Can I apply for a PhD?
Yes. International doctoral candidates can apply if they meet the doctoral scholarship requirements, including admission and academic supervision arrangements.
Do I need IELTS?
IELTS is not the primary language requirement for the international scholarship. The foundation requires non-native speakers to demonstrate German proficiency at B2 level, including applicants studying in English.
Does the scholarship pay tuition fees?
For international students, the foundation states that the scholarship is a living-expenses scholarship and tuition fees are not reimbursed.
What is the application deadline?
For the current application round, the deadline is October 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Can I apply by email?
No. The foundation says applications must be submitted through its online portal; applications by post or email are not accepted.
Final Thoughts
The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship 2027 in Germany is an opportunity worth considering for international master’s students and doctoral candidates with strong academic records, B2 German-language skills and meaningful social or societal engagement.
Because the scholarship has specific eligibility rules, applicants should carefully review the official requirements before applying. In particular, international applicants should remember that B2 German proficiency is required even when the academic programme or dissertation is in English.
The current application round opened on August 20, 2026, and the deadline is October 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM.
Official Application & Information
Rosa Luxemburg Foundation – Official Scholarship Application Page
Rosa Luxemburg Foundation – Study Scholarship Requirements
Disclaimer: Scholarship deadlines, eligibility requirements, funding amounts and application procedures can change. Applicants should verify all information on the official Rosa Luxemburg Foundation website before applying.