Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Scholarships 2027: Funding for Undergraduate, Master’s and Doctoral Students in Germany
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The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS) Scholarship Department awards financial grants to qualified undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students who show a strong record of social and political engagement. The foundation, based in Germany, gives preference to women, students from non-academic or migrant backgrounds, socially disadvantaged applicants, and people with disabilities, provided they demonstrate comparable academic achievement. Students from scientific and technical disciplines, including graduates of technical colleges, are actively encouraged to apply. The programme includes a separate track for foreign students already studying or researching in Germany. Applicants must generally show German language proficiency at B2 level or above. The main application deadline is 1 October each year, for funding beginning the following summer semester (1 April).
Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Scholarship (including International Scholarships and Lux like Studium) |
| Provider | Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung, Scholarship Department |
| University/Institution | Any state or state-recognized German university (for the relevant track) |
| Study Country | Germany |
| Study Level | Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctoral (varies by track — see eligibility) |
| Degree/Program | Open to all disciplines; technical and scientific fields actively encouraged |
| Eligible Countries | Germany (main track); foreign students temporarily residing in Germany (International Scholarships track) |
| Target Applicants | Highly qualified students with demonstrated social and political engagement |
| Funding Type | Grant/scholarship (coverage details vary by track — not fully specified as “fully funded”) |
| Funding Coverage | Not fully specified in the available information |
| Application Deadline | 1 October (for the summer semester beginning 1 April the following year) |
| Study Start | 1 April (summer semester) |
| Scholarship Duration | Not specified |
| Application Fee | Not specified |
| Official Website | rosalux.de application page |
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The source information does not specify exact monetary amounts or a full benefits breakdown for the general scholarship or the International Scholarships track. Based on the information provided:
- A financial grant intended to support study or doctoral research
- Support is described as being based on the applicant’s qualifications and engagement rather than a fixed universal package
Because exact coverage (tuition, stipend, insurance, etc.) is not detailed in the source material, applicants should confirm the specific funding amount and components directly with the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung before applying.
Eligibility Requirements
The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung runs more than one funding track, and eligibility differs between them:
General Scholarship Programme
- High scholarly and professional qualifications (above-average academic performance at school and/or university)
- Political and social engagement in line with the aims of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung
- German language proficiency at B2 level or above
- Personal/family background is considered as part of the selection process
- Preference given to women, students from non-academic or migrant backgrounds, socially disadvantaged applicants, and people with disabilities who show comparable achievement
- Applications from scientific, technical and technical-college backgrounds are encouraged
International Scholarships (Master’s and PhD)
- Open to foreign students who are temporarily residing in Germany for study or research purposes
- Applicants for the Master’s scholarship must be enrolled in a Master’s programme at a state or state-recognized German university
- Applicants in a state examination or diploma course must have completed their basic studies
- Applicants must plan to return to their home country after completing their education
- Citizens of other EU countries may also apply
Lux like Studium and the Study Scholarship strand
- Limited to German students and to international students who meet the specific residency criteria set out in §8 of the German BAföG regulations (broadly, holders of a German passport or immigrants with prospects of permanent residence in Germany)
- Limited funding is also available for students from other EU member states
- This track is not open to international students generally — applicants from outside these categories should not assume eligibility
Required Documents
The source material does not list a specific document checklist. Applicants should expect standard scholarship documentation such as academic transcripts, proof of enrollment, and evidence of German language proficiency, but should confirm the exact requirements on the official application page, as full instructions are provided only in German.
How to Apply
- Visit the official Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung application page here.
- Determine which track applies to you: the general Scholarship Programme, the International Scholarships track, or Lux like Studium.
- Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements for that specific track, including the German B2 language requirement.
- Prepare the required application documents as outlined on the official page.
- Submit your application directly to the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung before 1 October. Note that documents cannot be sent by post.
- If applying under the International Scholarships track, ensure you are already enrolled in, or have secured a place at, a state or state-recognized German university.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | 1 October |
| Study/Funding Start | 1 April (summer semester) of the following year |
| Interview Date | Not specified |
| Results Announcement | Not specified |
Can International Students Apply?
Yes, but only under the specific International Scholarships track, which is designed for foreign Master’s and PhD students who are temporarily residing in Germany for study or research and who intend to return to their home country afterward. The broader Study Scholarship and Lux like Studium tracks are restricted mainly to German nationals and to international students who meet specific BAföG §8 residency criteria — they are not open to international applicants generally.
Can African and Nigerian Students Apply?
The information provided does not name Nigeria or African countries specifically as eligible or ineligible. Foreign students from any country may apply under the International Scholarships track if they meet the stated requirements (enrolled in a Master’s programme at a German university, or conducting PhD research in Germany, and planning to return home afterward). Applicants should not assume eligibility for the general Study Scholarship or Lux like Studium tracks unless they meet the BAföG §8 residency conditions described above.
Important Things to Know
- The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung operates multiple scholarship tracks with different eligibility rules — read carefully to identify which one applies to you.
- The main application page and required documents are only available in German.
- A German language proficiency level of B2 or above is required for the general track.
- Applications cannot be submitted by post; they must go through the official online process.
- The International Scholarships track requires applicants to already be enrolled in, or admitted to, a qualifying German university programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung scholarship? Highly qualified undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students who demonstrate social and political engagement aligned with the foundation’s aims, subject to the specific track’s eligibility rules.
Can international students apply? Yes, through the International Scholarships track for foreign Master’s and PhD students temporarily residing in Germany. Other tracks have residency restrictions.
Is this scholarship fully funded? The available information does not confirm full funding; exact coverage is not specified.
What is the application deadline? 1 October, for funding beginning the following 1 April.
Do I need to speak German? Yes, B2-level German proficiency or above is required for the general track.
Where do I apply? Directly through the official Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung application page, which is in German only.
Final Thoughts
The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung scholarship offers a genuine funding route for students in Germany who combine strong academic performance with social and political engagement, and it includes a dedicated pathway for foreign Master’s and PhD students already based in Germany. Because eligibility and benefits vary significantly between the different tracks, applicants should read the official German-language application page carefully and verify current details directly with the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung before applying.
