Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Scholarships 2026 , Germany
The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS) Scholarship Programme provides financial and academic support to highly qualified undergraduate, Master’s, and doctoral students in Germany and abroad who demonstrate strong social and political engagement. The program is rooted in the foundation’s commitment to social justice, equal opportunity, and educational access.
The scholarship is open to both German and international students, with special consideration given to applicants from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds.
About Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung
The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung is a German political foundation dedicated to democratic socialism, critical social analysis, and political education. Through its Scholarship Department, the foundation supports students whose academic excellence aligns with values of social responsibility, civic engagement, and equality.
Degree Level
The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Scholarship supports the following levels:
- Undergraduate studies
- Master’s degree
- Doctoral (PhD) studies
(Excluding medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine at the PhD level)
Available Subjects
Funding is available for all academic disciplines, including:
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering & Technology
- Humanities
- Economics & Political Science
- Environmental & Sustainability Studies
Applications from scientific and technical disciplines and graduates of technical colleges are particularly encouraged.
Benefits
The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Scholarship provides:
- Monthly financial support (based on BAföG guidelines where applicable)
- Research and study funding for PhD candidates
- Access to academic mentoring and advisory networks
- Participation in political education programs
- Workshops, summer schools, and international seminars
- Skills training (writing, research methods, rhetoric, leadership, time management)
Funding duration:
- PhD scholarships: usually up to three years
- Study scholarships: based on degree length and BAföG regulations
Special Scholarship Programs
International Study Scholarships
- For foreign Master’s students only
- Must be enrolled in Germany
- Excludes applicants eligible for domestic funding categories
PhD Scholarships
- Open to domestic and international doctoral candidates
- All disciplines except medical fields
- Admission to a German university required
Lux like Studium
- Designed for students from non-academic backgrounds
- Supports access to higher education from the first semester
- Open to German students and selected international students under §8 BAföG
Eligible Nationalities
Who Can Apply? (Nationality & Residency)
International Students
- Master’s students and PhD candidates
- Must be temporarily residing in Germany for study or research
- Must be enrolled at a state or state-recognized German university
- Must intend to return to their home country after completing studies
- EU citizens may also apply
- German citizens
- Immigrants with long-term residence prospects in Germany
- Students meeting §8 BAföG eligibility criteria
Eligibility Criteria
Special Scholarship Programs
International Study Scholarships
- For foreign Master’s students only
- Must be enrolled in Germany
- Excludes applicants eligible for domestic funding categories
PhD Scholarships
- Open to domestic and international doctoral candidates
- All disciplines except medical fields
- Admission to a German university required
Lux like Studium
- Designed for students from non-academic backgrounds
- Supports access to higher education from the first semester
- Open to German students and selected international students under §8 BAföG
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated based on:
- Above-average academic performance
- Strong social and political engagement aligned with RLS values
- German language proficiency (minimum B2 level)
- Personal and family background
- Commitment to social justice and equality
Preference is given to:
- Women
- Students from non-academic families
- Migrant backgrounds
- Socially disadvantaged applicants
- Applicants with disabilities
Application Procedure
- Applications are submitted directly to the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung
- The application portal and forms are available only in German
- Applications must be submitted online
- Documents cannot be sent by post
Applicants should carefully review eligibility and prepare required documents before applying.
Application Deadline
- Applications close on 1 October
Funding typically begins with the summer semester (starting 1 April)
Additional Support for Scholars
Scholarship holders receive extensive non-financial support, including:
- Political education events and symposia
- Academic workshops and writing seminars
- Educational trips and summer schools
- Practical skills training
- Strong peer networks and self-organized working groups
- Support from academic advisors and foundation staff
Why Choose the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Scholarship?
- Financial support combined with academic mentorship
- Strong focus on social responsibility and civic engagement
- Equal-opportunity oriented selection process
- Access to a nationwide and international academic network
- Ideal for students committed to social change and public engagement
