Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship 2027

Q: If my Master’s/PhD programme is taught in English, do I still need German at B2 level?

Yes. RLS states that applicants must have very good German language skills at least B2 and this applies even if the dissertation/programme is in English (for doctoral applicants too).

Q: Will RLS fund German language courses so I can reach B2 after selection?

For the international study scholarship route, RLS explicitly notes that they do not fund German language courses. You should already meet the German (B2) requirement when you apply.

Q: How is the monthly funding calculated for Master’s (is it a fixed amount)?

For international students, RLS explains that funding is based on the BAföG framework (income-dependent) and can include supplements. That means the exact amount can vary by case rather than being identical for everyone.

Q: Can I hold another publicly funded scholarship at the same time (DAAD, Erasmus, state scholarships, etc.)?

Generally no. RLS states that double funding with other public funds is not permitted (examples include receiving two publicly funded scholarships at once or certain public benefits alongside the scholarship).

Q: I’m in a dual-study programme (Duales Studium). Am I automatically excluded?

Not automatically. RLS notes that applicants in a dual course of study can still be eligible if they meet requirements, but certain allowances (such as an apprenticeship allowance) may be offset against the scholarship amount.

Q: Is a part-time (work-based) degree eligible if I’m employed full-time?

No. RLS lists work-based part-time study programmes as not eligible for scholarship support, and doctoral funding is also not awarded for dissertations written part-time alongside other employment.

The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for international students who wish to study in Germany. This fully funded scholarship is available for master’s and PhD programmes. The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship 2027 covers full tuition fees, a monthly living allowance of €1,350, a €100 payment to cover research costs, and a health care subsidy. In this article, we provide a complete guide to the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship, including scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, required documents, application deadlines, and a detailed step-by-step application process.

The funds for this programme are provided by the Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt). The maximum time period of the scholarship is based on the average time or number of semesters of your studies (Regelstudienzeit). The scholarship will initially be granted for one year and then extended until the completion of your studies, provided you fulfil the prerequisites. Extensions beyond the Regelstudienzeit are possible.

The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung’s Scholarship Department offers scholars a wide range of support, including political education events, summer schools, workshops conducted both domestically and abroad, symposia, and educational trips. It also organises practical training in fields such as rhetoric, conflict management, time management, self-management, bolstering academic qualifications, text and writing workshops, and specific seminars on methodology.

Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship Highlights

Degree Programmes	Master’s / PhD
Scholarship Provider	Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung
Study Destination	Germany
Fields of Study	All degree programmes are available, except for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine
Programme Duration	Master’s: 3 years; PhD: 4 years
Funding	Fully Funded

Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship Benefits

The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship will provide the recipients with the following benefits:

For master’s: The monthly basic scholarship consists of €850 along with a lump sum of €20. Additional subsidies for health and nursing insurance of no more than €86 are also available.

For PhD: The doctoral scholarship is largely independent of one’s income and consists of €1350 per month. Additional lump sum payments of €100 to cover research costs and further healthcare subsidies are also available. Scholarship holders can also receive funding to cover stays abroad (for research, attending conferences, etc.).

Euro and German language classes can be sponsored by the organisation.

Eligibility Requirements for the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship 2027

The following are the minimum eligibility requirements for the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship:

Students from all countries are eligible to apply.
Preference is given to women, students of non-academic and migrant backgrounds, the socially needy, and people with disabilities, with achievement and commitment. Applications from undergraduate and doctoral students from scientific and technical disciplines are actively encouraged, as well as from graduates of technical colleges.
Applications will be accepted only in German or English language
MA Students must be enrolled at a state or state-recognised German university
PhD students must be accepted at a German university
Certificate of enrolment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung) for the next semester or at least a letter of admission (Zulassung) from a German university. Your enrolment must be documented at the latest by the time the scholarship starts
Basic knowledge of the German language (further classes can be sponsored by us). At least a very good knowledge of the English language
Activities in social, political and/or community services.

The selection criteria are:

High scholarly and professional qualifications (proof of above-average academic achievement at school and/or university)
Political and social engagement in line with the aims of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung
German language proficiency (B2 level or above).
Personal/family background

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship 2026

The following simple and easy application process will help you to apply for this scholarship:

Step 1: You can apply for this scholarship through the online application portal.

Step 2: Create an account and fill out the application form. Also, upload the required documents.

Step 3: Submit the application.

Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship Application Deadline

The annual application deadline for the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship 2027 is 1 October.

For further information about the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship and the application process, please visit the official websites:

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung scholarship reimburse university tuition fees (for paid programmes)?

No. For international students, the RLS scholarship is primarily a living-expenses stipend. It does not reimburse tuition fees charged by universities.

If my Master’s/PhD programme is taught in English, do I still need German at B2 level?

Yes. RLS states that applicants must have very good German language skills at least B2 and this applies even if the dissertation/programme is in English (for doctoral applicants too).

Will RLS fund German language courses so I can reach B2 after selection?

For the international study scholarship route, RLS explicitly notes that they do not fund German language courses. You should already meet the German (B2) requirement when you apply.

How is the monthly funding calculated for Master’s (is it a fixed amount)?

For international students, RLS explains that funding is based on the BAföG framework (income-dependent) and can include supplements. That means the exact amount can vary by case rather than being identical for everyone.

Can I work part-time while receiving the scholarship? Is there a weekly limit?

Yes, but there are limits. RLS rules commonly reference a maximum of 20 hours per week of paid work while on the scholarship. For AA-funded international students, there are also rules on how much income is counted (often aligned with the minijob threshold and BAföG-style calculation).

Can I hold another publicly funded scholarship at the same time (DAAD, Erasmus, state scholarships, etc.)?

Generally no. RLS states that double funding with other public funds is not permitted (examples include receiving two publicly funded scholarships at once or certain public benefits alongside the scholarship).

I’m in a dual-study programme (Duales Studium). Am I automatically excluded?

Not automatically. RLS notes that applicants in a dual course of study can still be eligible if they meet requirements, but certain allowances (such as an apprenticeship allowance) may be offset against the scholarship amount.

Is a part-time (work-based) degree eligible if I’m employed full-time?

No. RLS lists work-based part-time study programmes as not eligible for scholarship support, and doctoral funding is also not awarded for dissertations written part-time alongside other employment.

Do I need to plan to return to my home country after finishing my studies?

For the international student scholarship route, RLS states applicants must be staying in Germany for the purpose of study and plan to return to their home country after completing their education.

Is there an interview stage after application? When does it usually happen?

RLS FAQ guidance indicates that shortlisted applicants are typically invited to a conversation with a trusted lecturer (Vertrauensdozent*in), usually held from mid-December to February. Applicants who are not invited are commonly informed later by email.

When are final decisions typically made after interviews?

RLS states that the selection committee meets around four weeks before the funding start to make final decisions (timelines can vary by cycle and programme).

For PhD applicants: can my referees submit the reports separately by email?

No. RLS doctoral FAQ guidance states that the Gutachten (reports) must be included as part of the application submission; separately submitted reports are generally not considered for organizational reasons.

For PhD applicants: can I postpone the scholarship start date if selected?

Only in exceptional, well-justified cases. RLS notes that postponing the start is generally possible only after review and subject to available funds; if you cannot start by the valid start date, the scholarship can expire.