Rosa Luxemburg Foundation 2025 | PhD Scholarship in Germany

Are you interested in pursuing a full PhD or conducting part of your doctoral research in Germany? Then the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship might be the perfect opportunity for you. Affiliated with Germany’s Die Linke (The Left Party), the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation is offering a fully funded doctoral scholarship for international students committed to the values of social democracy, social justice, and equality.

This opportunity is ideal for those who want to pursue a PhD either at a German university or undertake a research stay in Germany as part of their doctoral studies at a university abroad.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to highly qualified international doctoral candidates from all academic disciplines (except medical fields), who meet the following criteria:

• Enrolled in a doctoral program at a state or state-recognised university (in Germany or abroad)
• Have secured supervision from a university professor in Germany
• Hold a very good master’s (graduate) degree
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to social and political engagement in line with values of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
• Possess German language proficiency at B2 level or above (proof required)
• Have not lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of application (unless already preparing for or pursuing their PhD or research stay)

Two Application Paths:

• Full PhD Program in Germany

If your dissertation is being completed at a university in Germany (proof of admission required), you are eligible to apply for full funding. The duration is up to 3 years, with the possibility of a 6-month extension.

• Research Stay in Germany (part of a PhD abroad)

If you are pursuing your PhD at a university in your home country, but plan to spend part of your research period in Germany, you may apply for funding for the research stay only. In this case, the duration of funding depends on the specifics of your research project but cannot exceed 3 years.

In both cases, official proof of enrollment and supervision is required.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

• Monthly stipend: €1,400
• Mobility allowance: €100
• Additional support: €20 per month

Key Notes:

• Double funding with other public funds is not allowed, multiple scholarships will be calculated together.
• Only one type of scholarship can be applied for at a time
• Scholarships are not available for part-time dissertations or full-time employees

Required Application Documents

• Detailed CV including social/political engagement in the spirit of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung
• Proof of enrollment at a state- recognized university (in Germany or abroad)
• Confirmation of supervision by a German university professor
• Outstanding academic performance during undergraduate studies
• Proof of German language skills (B2 level minimum)

Application Deadline: October 1, 2025