by Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit) · Any state-recognized university or university of applied sciences in Germany
🕐 Last updated: June 18, 2026
🏆 Fully Funded🟩 Active🎓 Master's, PhD, and Postgraduate🌍 Germany📌 Merit-based and Value-based (Political)
Up to €934 per month for Master students; up to €1,350 per month for PhD students
Duration
Standard period of study (usually 2 to 4 years depending on the degree)
Deadline
April 30 and October 31 annually
Level
Master's, PhD, and Postgraduate
Acceptance
Highly competitive
Difficulty
Very High
Quick Summary
Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship, administered by Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung fr die Freiheit), is one of the funding options available to international students, phd candidates, and domestic german/eu students in Germany. The award covers Provides a monthly financial stipend for living costs, health insurance subsidies, and a rich ideational program involving political education, networking, and soft-skill workshops. and is open to master's, phd, and postgraduate students studying all academic disciplines (excluding human medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine for international applicants). The scholarship runs for standard period of study (usually 2 to 4 years depending on the degree) and may be renewed annually based on academic performance. Eligibility is generally based on applicants must show high academic achievement, personal integrity, and social/political commitment to liberal democratic values. Master's applicants from abroad must have a recognized first degree. The application deadline is April 30 and October 31 annually, with an acceptance rate of approximately Highly competitive. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.
✨ Should I Apply for Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
50%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Low; approximately 5% to 8% of total applicants are successful
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Up to €934 per month for Master students; up to €1,350 per month for PhD students
⏳
Duration
Standard period of study (usually 2 to 4 years depending on the degree)
📅
Deadline
April 30 and October 31 annually
🏥
Fields
All academic disciplines (excluding human medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine for international applicants)
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 150 to 200 new scholars are admitted annually
🌏
Study Country
Germany
🏛️
Provider
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit)
📊
Acceptance
Highly competitive
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom is the foundation for liberal politics in Germany. Its scholarship program supports talented students and doctoral candidates from Germany and abroad who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong commitment to the values of freedom, democracy, and individual responsibility.
👥 Who Should Apply
Applicants must show high academic achievement, personal integrity, and social/political commitment to liberal democratic values. Master's applicants from abroad must have a recognized first degree.
🏛️ Host University
Any state-recognized university or university of applied sciences in Germany
🤝 Sponsor
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNS)
🏥 Fields of Study
All academic disciplines (excluding human medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine for international applicants)
✨ Key Benefits
Provides a monthly financial stipend for living costs, health insurance subsidies, and a rich ideational program involving political education, networking, and soft-skill workshops.
🎯 Target Students
International students, PhD candidates, and domestic German/EU students
Varies, typically 2,000 to 3,000 per application cycle
Applicants Last Year
Approximately 180 (across all categories)
Winners
Highly competitive
Acceptance Rate
Low; approximately 5% to 8% of total applicants are successful
Competition Level
Win Probability
50%
Match Score
75%
Competition
50%
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Tuition is generally free at German public universities; the foundation covers semester fees and research costs
Living Stipend
Master: €934/month; PhD: €1,350/month (plus €100 research allowance)
Total Award
Up to €934 per month for Master students; up to €1,350 per month for PhD students
✈️ Travel: Varies; travel costs for foundation-mandated seminars and events are fully reimbursed🏠 Accommodation: Included within the monthly living stipend💊 Health Insurance: Contribution of up to €130 per month provided🔄 Renewable: Yes💳 App Fee: €0
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Tuition is generally free at German public universities; the foundation covers semester fees and research costs
🏠 Living Stipend
Master: €934/month; PhD: €1,350/month (plus €100 research allowance)
🏡 Accommodation
Included within the monthly living stipend
✈️ Travel Allowance
Varies; travel costs for foundation-mandated seminars and events are fully reimbursed
💊 Health Insurance
Contribution of up to €130 per month provided
🎁 Other Benefits
Family allowances, research travel grants, comprehensive seminar program, and access to a global network of liberal scholars
🔄 Renewable
Yes
📋 Renewal Conditions
Annual progress reports and proof of ongoing academic success and social/political engagement are required
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
International students (non-EU) admitted to a German university for a Master's or PhD; excellent academic record; commitment to liberal values
🎓 Academic Level
Master's, PhD, and Postgraduate
📊 Minimum GPA
Equivalent to German 'Good' or 'Very Good' (Top 10-15% of class)
🗣️ English Requirement
Varies by university course; however, B2/C1 German proficiency is usually required for foundation seminars
🍢 Age Limit
No formal age limit; focus is on the stage of the academic/professional career
💼 Work Experience
Not required but social or political engagement (volunteer work, activism) is mandatory
🏆 Leadership
High; candidates must demonstrate leadership potential through social or political initiatives
💰 Financial Need
Considered, but academic merit and political commitment are the primary selection criteria
🎯 Target Students
International students, PhD candidates, and domestic German/EU students
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes; requires a personal statement and a detailed essay on a relevant political topic or liberal values
Rec Letters
Yes; two academic letters of recommendation from university professors
Interview
Yes; shortlisted candidates must undergo multiple rounds of interviews (Selection Committee)
Application Fee
€0
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Yes; two academic letters of recommendation from university professors Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
Varies by university course; however, B2/C1 German proficiency is usually required for foundation seminars
Interview: Yes; shortlisted candidates must undergo multiple rounds of interviews (Selection Committee)
Min GPA: Equivalent to German 'Good' or 'Very Good' (Top 10-15% of class)
📋 Application Process
Highlight your active participation in social or political organizations. Show a clear understanding of liberal principles such as individual freedom and rule of law.
💡 Insider Tip: Ensure your academic references are from professors who know your work intimately and can attest to your potential for independent research.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Applications are accepted year-round via the online portal, with two major selection cutoff dates
⏰ Deadline
April 30 and October 31 annually
🎤 Interview
Yes; shortlisted candidates must undergo multiple rounds of interviews (Selection Committee)
🎓 Study Starts
Winter Semester (October) or Summer Semester (April)
Applications are accepted year-round via the online portal, with two major selection cutoff dates
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
April 30 and October 31 annually
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes; shortlisted candidates must undergo multiple rounds of interviews (Selection Committee)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Winter Semester (October) or Summer Semester (April)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Academic excellence, personal suitability, social/political commitment, and alignment with the foundation’s liberal mission
Applicants must show high academic achievement, personal integrity, and social/political commitment to liberal democratic values. Master's applicants from abroad must have a recognized first degree.
This scholarship covers: Provides a monthly financial stipend for living costs, health insurance subsidies, and a rich ideational program involving political education, networking, and soft-skill workshops.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is April 30 and October 31 annually. Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Low; approximately 5% to 8% of total applicants are successful. Acceptance rate: Highly competitive. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
Yes
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Varies by university course; however, B2/C1 German proficiency is usually required for foundation seminars, Yes; two academic letters of recommendation from university professors recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.