Planning a PhD in Germany could become more manageable for international researchers through the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation scholarship.
The foundation has opened its doctoral scholarship application round for international candidates seeking doctoral study in Germany.
The programme supports doctoral candidates from various academic backgrounds, except medical disciplines.
However, applicants must meet specific academic, language and supervision requirements before applying.
The current application deadline is October 1, 2026, with the online portal closing at 11:59 pm.
Rosa Luxemburg Foundation PhD Scholarship 2027
The scholarship supports international doctoral candidates admitted to a state or state-recognised university in Germany.
Applicants must also have supervision from a university lecturer in Germany.
In addition, candidates need a strong academic record and demonstrated social engagement aligned with the foundation’s values.
The foundation accepts doctoral candidates from all disciplines except medical fields.
Scientific, technical and engineering applicants are also expressly encouraged to apply.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The current doctoral scholarship provides international doctoral candidates with a monthly grant of €1,400.
Recipients can also receive a €100 mobility allowance and an additional €20 lump sum.
Funding for a doctorate at a German university can continue for a maximum of three years.
Previous doctoral funding may reduce the remaining funding period under the foundation’s rules.
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Doctoral Scholarship |
| Degree Level | PhD |
| Country | Germany |
| Eligible Fields | All fields except medical disciplines |
| Monthly Grant | €1,400 |
| Mobility Allowance | €100 |
| Additional Benefit | €20 |
| Maximum Duration | Up to 3 years |
| German Requirement | B2 level |
| Deadline | October 1, 2026 |
Who Can Apply?
International doctoral candidates must have admission to a state or state-recognised higher education institution in Germany.
They must also have academic supervision from a university lecturer in Germany.
A very good graduate degree and strong academic performance are required.
Furthermore, applicants must demonstrate social engagement that aligns with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation.
International applicants who are already in Germany must also meet the foundation’s residence-related eligibility conditions.
German Language Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate German language skills at B2 level or higher.
Importantly, this requirement applies even when candidates plan to write their doctoral dissertation in English.
Applicants must provide acceptable proof of their German language ability.
The foundation’s current application information also allows certain applicants without a B2 certificate to provide a current B1 certificate and evidence of participation in a B2 course.
Therefore, applicants should carefully review the latest requirements before submitting their applications.
Documents Required
International doctoral applicants need to prepare several documents for the online application.
These include their doctoral admission confirmation, curriculum vitae and academic degree certificates.
Applicants must also provide evidence of social, societal or voluntary engagement.
Proof of German language proficiency is mandatory under the current requirements.
The application documents also include supporting material required for the doctoral scholarship selection process.
Applicants should check the current application portal for the complete document list before submission.
How to Apply for the PhD Scholarship
Applicants should first secure doctoral admission at a recognised German university.
They must also arrange academic supervision from a university lecturer in Germany.
After meeting these conditions, candidates can prepare their scholarship documents and submit them through the online application portal.
The 2026 application round began on August 20, 2026.
The application portal will close on October 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
The foundation advises applicants to complete their submissions early enough for all documents to transfer successfully.
Opportunity for International PhD Researchers
The scholarship can provide financial support while selected international candidates pursue doctoral research in Germany.
However, applicants should note that the programme has requirements beyond academic qualifications.
Strong academic performance, German B2 proficiency, doctoral admission, supervision and social engagement all form part of the eligibility framework.
The foundation also states that duplicate funding through other public funds is generally not permitted.
For international researchers who meet these conditions, the scholarship offers a route toward supported doctoral study in Germany.
With the October 1 deadline approaching, prospective applicants should review their eligibility and prepare the required documents before submitting their applications.
The most important step is to check the current official requirements carefully, particularly the doctoral admission, supervision and German-language conditions.
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