The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Scholarship for doctoral students from EU countries supports doctoral candidates from EU member states at state or state-recognized universities in Germany. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the scholarship is part of the foundation’s ideational support programme and aims to assist researchers in the early stages of their career.

Overview

The scholarship is open to doctoral students from all EU countries who wish to pursue a doctorate in Germany. Eligible research fields include Formal sciences, Humanities, Natural sciences, Professions and applied sciences, and Social sciences. Doctorates in human medicine and dentistry are not eligible, nor are doctorates that are already in the final phase. Candidates with a law degree may apply only if they have completed their postgraduate traineeship (law, teaching, medicine) or will begin it after completing the doctorate.

Language requirements are significant: all application documents must be submitted in German, and the selection interview is conducted in German. Even for English-language courses or doctoral programmes, applicants must demonstrate German language proficiency at a minimum of B2 level to participate in the ideational support component.

Funding and Benefits

The scholarship provides a monthly stipend and travel support for an initial period of one year. Upon request, the funding may be extended for up to two additional years. Additional grant subsidies are available for stays abroad related to research, field and archive work, as well as conference participation.

Eligibility

• Doctoral students who are nationals of an EU country.
• Enrolment at a state or state-recognized university in Germany.
• Research focus in Formal sciences, Humanities, Natural sciences, Professions and applied sciences, or Social sciences.
• German language proficiency at B2 level or higher.
• Not eligible: doctorates in human medicine or dentistry; doctorates in the final phase; law degree holders who have not completed their postgraduate traineeship or plan to start it after the doctorate.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted in German. The selection interview is also conducted in German. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the values of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.

There are two application periods each year: from 1 April to 30 April, and from 1 October to 31 October. The next application deadline is 31 October 2026. Following that, the subsequent deadline will be 30 April 2027.

Deadline and Timeline

• Next application deadline: 31 October 2026 (applications open 1–31 October)
• Following deadline: 30 April 2027 (applications open 1–30 April)
• Award duration: One year, renewable up to two additional years upon request.

Organisation: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany
Further information: https://www.scientifyresearch.org/grant/eu-countries-doctoral-students-scholarship-friedrich-naumann-foundation-germany/