The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS) Scholarships 2025 – Fully Funded

Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung Scholarships 2025 in Germany (Fully Funded)

The Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung (RLS) Scholarships are fully funded opportunities available to both international and German students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and a strong commitment to social justice, political engagement, and community involvement. The foundation focuses on promoting equality, political education, and representation of marginalized communities in higher education.

Host Institutions: State or state-recognized universities in Germany
Degree Level: Master’s, PhD
Eligible Applicants: International and German students
Deadline: October 1, 2025
Scholarship Duration: Up to 3 years (PhD); varies for Master’s
Application Mode: Online (German language portal)

Fields of Study

Scholarships are available for all academic disciplines, except:

• Medicine

• Dentistry

• Veterinary Medicine

Scholarship Benefits

Selected candidates will receive:

• Monthly stipend based on BAföG rates

• Full tuition fee coverage

• Living expenses support

• Participation in educational programs, such as:

  • Political education workshops

  • Summer schools

  • Study trips and symposia

  • Key skills development (rhetoric, time management, academic writing)

• Mentorship and academic support from over 250 advisors

• Access to RLS networks and student-led working groups

Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Above-average academic achievements

• Commitment to social, political, or civic engagement

• Alignment with the values of Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (justice, equity, anti-discrimination)

• German language proficiency (minimum B2 level at time of application)

International Master’s Students

• Must reside in Germany for the purpose of study

• Be enrolled in a state-recognized German university

• Must be pursuing a Master’s degree

• Plan to return to their home country after graduation

• Citizens of EU member states are also eligible

International PhD Students

• Accepted in a German university (excluding medicine-related fields)

• Demonstrate research potential and relevance to the foundation’s goals

• Typically funded for up to 3 years

German and BAföG-Eligible Students

• Must meet §8 BAföG requirements (e.g., German citizenship, legal residency status)

• Applicable for both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs

• Funding begins from second semester onwards

• Limited seats for EU nationals outside of Germany

Lux Like Studium Program

This special track supports German school-leavers from non-academic backgrounds:

• Funding begins from the first semester

• Aims to promote educational equity and access

Preference is Given to:

• Women

• Students from non-academic or immigrant backgrounds

• Individuals with financial hardship

• Applicants with disabilities

• Students in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics)

Application Process

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: October 1, 2025

• Funding Start Date: April 1, 2026 (Summer Semester)

How to Apply

1. Visit the official application portal

   Prepare and upload the following documents:

   • Academic transcripts and certificates

   • Statement of purpose and motivation

   • Evidence of political/social engagement

2. Submit the application online

   • Note: Applications sent by post are not accepted

Why Choose Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung?

The RLS scholarship is more than just financial aid. It offers a transformative experience that combines academic development with political education and social responsibility. Scholars become part of a vibrant community working toward equity, anti-discrimination, and progressive change in society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is this scholarship open to students outside Germany?
Yes, international students who reside in Germany for study purposes are eligible to apply for Master’s and PhD scholarships.

Q2: Is knowledge of German required?
Yes, a minimum B2 level in German is mandatory, as the application process and educational activities are conducted in German.

Q3: Can undergraduate (Bachelor’s) students apply?
Only German and BAföG-eligible students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree may apply through the Lux Like Studium program. This is not available for international students.

Q4: What types of engagement are considered?
Applicants must demonstrate social, political, or civic involvement aligned with the values of the foundation, such as activism, volunteering, or participation in student organizations.

Q5: What is the BAföG rate?
The BAföG rate is the standard German financial aid rate used to calculate student support. It typically covers basic living and academic expenses.

Q6: Can I apply in English?
No, the entire application must be completed in German. Fluency in German is essential for participation in the program.