Your Path to a Purpose-Driven PhD or Master’s: Apply for the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship 2025!
Are you an academically outstanding student with a strong commitment to social justice, democratic socialism, and a vision for a better world? Do you dream of pursuing your Master’s or PhD in Germany, a country at the forefront of research and progressive thought? Then it’s time to pay close attention to the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship 2025-2026!
This isn’t just any scholarship; it’s an opportunity to join a network of critical thinkers and activists, supported by one of Germany’s most influential political foundations. The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS) offers fully funded scholarships to highly qualified and socially engaged international (and German) students, empowering them to excel academically while championing values of equality and social change.
Why the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship Stands Out:
The RLS scholarship goes beyond financial aid, offering a holistic support system designed to foster both academic and personal growth:
- Generous Financial Support:
- PhD Students: Receive a monthly grant of €1,450, plus a mobility allowance of €100.
- Master’s Students: Receive a monthly basic scholarship of €850, plus a lump sum of €20.
- Health Insurance: Significant subsidies for health and nursing insurance are also provided (up to €86 for Master’s students, and included for PhDs).
- Research & Travel Support: Funding is available to cover research costs, and for PhD students, support for stays abroad (for research, attending conferences, etc.) is also possible.
- Ideational Support and Networking:
- Beyond the financial benefits, RLS scholars become part of a vibrant intellectual community. You’ll gain access to a rich program of seminars, workshops, and personal consultations focused on political education, skill development, and critical analysis.
- This fosters invaluable networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and leading experts in various fields.
- Focus on Social Justice: The RLS actively supports students whose academic work and personal engagement align with its core values of social justice, democratic socialism, and anti-capitalism. This means your research could directly contribute to solving pressing global issues.
- Diversity and Inclusion: The foundation is committed to counteracting social, political, and gender discrimination. They actively encourage applications from:
- Women
- Students from non-academic or migrant backgrounds
- Socially disadvantaged individuals
- People with disabilities
- Students in scientific and technical disciplines, and graduates from technical colleges.
Who Are They Looking For? Eligibility at a Glance:
The RLS scholarship is highly competitive and seeks candidates who demonstrate both academic excellence and a strong commitment to social and political engagement.
- Academic Excellence: You must provide proof of above-average academic achievement (excellent grades) from your previous studies.
- Enrollment in Germany:
- Master’s Students: Must be enrolled (or have an admission letter) at a state or state-recognized German university.
- PhD Students: Must have official acceptance for a doctoral program at a German university.
- German Language Proficiency: A good knowledge of German (at least B2 level or above) is required. While some study programs might be in English, daily life and engagement within the RLS community often require German.
- Social & Political Engagement: This is a crucial criterion. You need to demonstrate active involvement in social, political, or community activities that align with the RLS’s values. This could be through volunteering, activism, political parties, or social initiatives.
- International Applicants: The scholarship is open to applicants from all nations. For international Master’s students, you must reside in Germany for your course of study and plan to return to your home country after completing your degree.
- Exclusion: Students pursuing medicine, dentistry, or veterinary medicine are generally not eligible.
Key Application Dates for 2025-2026: Mark Your Calendar!
The application process for the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship is usually twice a year. For funding beginning in the summer semester of 2026 (April 1, 2026), the key deadline to be aware of is:
- Application Deadline: October 1, 2025
This means you have several months to prepare a compelling application.
How to Apply:
The RLS Scholarship Department operates on a principle of direct online application.
- Visit the Official Website: Head to the official Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung website (specifically the scholarship department section).
- Check Requirements: Carefully review all detailed eligibility criteria and required documents for your specific program (Master’s or PhD).
- Prepare Documents: Gather all necessary documents, which typically include:
- Your academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- A detailed CV.
- A research plan/exposé (for PhDs) or a strong motivation letter (for Master’s) outlining your academic and political/social engagement.
- Proof of German language proficiency.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Proof of acceptance/enrollment at a German university.
- Online Application: Complete the online application form. Ensure all details are accurate, as you cannot access the portal after submission. Applications can be submitted in German or English.
Don’t wait until the last minute! This scholarship is highly sought after, and a well-prepared application is essential. Start researching potential German universities, refining your research proposal, and reflecting on how your values align with the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung’s mission.
This is more than just a scholarship; it’s an invitation to be part of a movement for social change through academic excellence. If you’re ready to make a difference and pursue your higher education dreams in Germany, the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship 2025 could be your ideal launchpad!