The Rosa Luxemburg Scholarship, a transformative PhD study in Germany initiative, invites international and German students to pursue doctoral degrees at renowned institutions like Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, and Universität Hamburg. Supported by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, affiliated with DIE LINKE, and funded through DAAD, these international scholarships Europe foster global social justice scholars in disciplines like political science, sociology, history, economics, philosophy, and cultural studies, excluding medicine. Scholars embark on a transformative doctoral journey, engaging in critical research aligned with democratic socialism, solidarity, and social justice.
Founded in 1990, the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation promotes emancipatory social analysis and supports over 1,000 doctoral scholars since its inception. The Rosa Luxemburg Scholarship encourages interdisciplinary research on topics like global inequality, climate justice, labor rights, and post-colonial studies at facilities such as Humboldt’s Center for Social Critique or Hamburg’s Institute for Social Research. Scholars collaborate with expert faculty, with 80% of alumni contributing to policy reform, academia, or activism post-graduation. The program emphasizes critical societal analysis, fostering solutions to global challenges through progressive methodologies.
The scholarship champions global academic networks. Scholars join the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation’s international network, connecting with peers, mentors, and activists through seminars, conferences, and events like Berlin Social Justice Forum, Leipzig Critical Theory Workshop, or Rosa Luxemburg Annual Conference. This inclusive framework supports diverse perspectives, with 60% of scholars from non-European regions. Campus activities, such as feminist research symposiums, anti-racism workshops, or Munich Solidarity Hackathons, enrich the research-driven experience, with 70% forming international professional ties. Germany’s partnerships with Latin American, African, and Asian institutions enhance cross-border research opportunities.
Studying in Germany, scholars explore landmarks like Berlin’s Museum Island, Bavaria’s Black Forest, or Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie, immersing in European cultural vibrancy. Events like Berlinale Film Festival, Cologne Carnival, or Freiburg Sustainability Week deepen engagement. German campuses, equipped with advanced libraries, research centers, and innovation hubs, support global academic excellence, with connectivity to Amsterdam, Paris, and Vienna. Germany’s safe, diverse cities (QS Best Student Cities 2025) complement academic pursuits, ideal for doctoral studies.
Candidates must submit an online application, including a research proposal aligned with democratic socialism and academic records, and affiliate with a German university. Only one scholarship type (e.g., doctoral, research stay) can be applied for at a time. Join a global cohort to champion social justice research, embrace German cultural heritage, and redefine career horizons with the Rosa Luxemburg Scholarship!
Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship in Germany:
Host Country:
•Germany.
Host Organization:
•Rosa Luxemburg Foundation.
DAAD Scholarship Duration:
•The duration for these PhD scholarships in Germany is for a minimum of 2 years and can be extended twice for 6 months due to any solid reason.
Opportunity Focus Areas:
•Master’s and PhD degrees in any subject, except for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary medicine
Benefits of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship in Germany:
•Doctoral students will be given a grant of EUR 1,450 per month.
•A mobility allowance of EUR 100 is given.
•Health care subsidies are also provided.
•Candidates will be getting the chance to explore Germany and its culture.
•Candidates will be allowed to conduct research on prevalent issues of the globe.
Eligibility Criteria of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship:
1. Every German resident and foreign candidate who wants to enroll in a doctoral degree can apply.
2. Doctoral students enrolled in a private or public accredited institution of higher education in Germany, Switzerland, or the EU are eligible to apply.
3. Foreign students who want to extend their research while staying outside of Germany are also eligible.
4. Should be given proof of German Language at B2 level.
5. Should have an exceptional academic record.
6. Should be able to conduct the doctoral thesis on a topic that shows commitment to democratic socialism and its values.
7. Should be socially engaged with the values of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation.
8. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Documents required for the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of bachelor’s or master’s degree.
3. Academic transcript of bachelor’s or master’s program (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
Scholarship Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in April 2026!
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
