The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship 2025 offers fully funded opportunities for international PhD students to carry out research or complete their dissertations in Germany. This program is an excellent path for emerging scholars who want to build knowledge and drive change.
Organized by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation (RLF), which is affiliated with Germany’s Left Party (DIE LINKE), the scholarship promotes research projects aligned with the values of democratic socialism, solidarity, and equality. Whether you’re already accepted into a German university or plan to conduct part of your research in Germany, this scholarship can support your academic and social mission.
The scholarship provides generous monthly funding, mobility support, and additional allowances. It also encourages scholars to engage with communities and academic circles in Germany. This is not just a scholarship—it’s a chance to be part of a global movement focused on critical, justice-oriented research.
If you are deeply committed to your cause and ready to pursue a doctoral project that challenges systems and uplifts communities, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation wants to support you.
Quick Overview of Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship 2025
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institution: Any public or state-recognized university in Germany or abroad (with German supervision)
- Deadline: 1 October 2025
- Programs: PhD-level research (except medical disciplines)
- Value: €1,400 monthly + €100 mobility allowance + €20 lump sum
- Age Limit: Not specified (must not have been in Germany for more than 15 months before applying)
- Eligibility: Foreign doctoral candidates with strong academic records, political engagement, and German language proficiency (B2 level)
Perks of the PhD Scholarships in Germany 2025
This scholarship goes beyond funding—it supports your academic goals and values:
- Monthly stipend of €1,400 to cover living expenses
- Additional mobility allowance of €100/month
- Lump sum of €20/month for miscellaneous costs
- Research guidance through German university supervision
- Possibility of a 6-month extension (total funding duration up to 3.5 years)
- Access to academic networks aligned with social justice and progressive politics
- Ideal for students with interdisciplinary, impactful PhD topics
Benefits of the Research Scholarships in Germany 2025
This scholarship can lead to lasting personal and professional development:
- Conduct advanced doctoral research in Germany’s top institutions
- Establish yourself as an expert and thought leader in your research area
- Join a community that values activism, justice, and critical thinking
- Connect with scholars and movements worldwide focused on equity and social change
- Receive academic credibility while working on issues that matter
Exclusions of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship 2025
- Not open to students in medical disciplines
- Applicants must not have stayed in Germany longer than 15 months before applying (except for pre-PhD or research preparation)
- Applicants must have a B2 level in German (certified proof required)
- Does not cover tuition fees
- Only available for full-time doctoral work (not part-time or postdoctoral research)
Eligibility Criteria of Doctoral Scholarships for International Students 2025
You are eligible if you:
- Are a non-German citizen
- Are enrolled at a state or state-recognized university in Germany or abroad
- Are supervised by a university lecturer in Germany
- Have a very good academic record
- Demonstrate strong social and political engagement aligned with democratic socialism
- Speak and understand German at a minimum B2 level
- Have not been in Germany for more than 15 months at the time of application (unless already pursuing or preparing for the doctorate)
Important Dates of German PhD Grant 2025
- Application Deadline: 1 October 2025
- Duration: Up to 3 years, with a possible 6-month extension
- Scholarship Start: Following acceptance and selection
How to Apply to the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship 2025
Follow these steps to apply:
- Visit the official scholarship page: Rosa Luxemburg Foundation – Research Scholarship
- Review all details and check your eligibility
- Prepare your application documents (see next section)
- Submit your application through the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation’s official channels (check their website for exact links)
- Apply before 1 October 2025
Required Documents for Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship 2025
Applicants should prepare:
- Proof of enrollment at a recognized university (Germany or abroad)
- Proof of supervision by a university lecturer in Germany
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Detailed research proposal or dissertation plan
- Statement of political engagement and social commitment
- German language certificate (minimum B2 level)
- Motivation letter
- Updated CV
- Any additional documents requested by the foundation
Country-Specific Criteria (if applicable)
The scholarship is open to all international (non-German) students. However:
- Applicants must show that their research is either conducted in Germany or supervised by a German university professor
- Must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months before applying (unless due to official research-related stay)
