Rosa Luxemburg Foundation: International PhD Scholarship

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The RLF is a political educational organisation closely affiliated with DIE LINKE (The Left Party) which awards scholarships to international students planning to obtain a doctorate or carry out a doctoral research stay in Germany. The sponsorship is based upon the Foundation’s political values: social justice and solidarity in particular.

The funds for this program are provided by the Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt). All German residents and foreigners, who want to pursue their degrees through funded scholarships in Germany are encouraged to apply for this tremendous opportunity.

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Key Information

  • Level of Study: PhD
  • Institution: Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung
  • Country: Germany
  • Program Period: 2-4 years
  • Deadline: 1st April 2024

Target Group

Particularly gifted international doctoral candidates from any discipline (except for medical disciplines) and type of higher education institution with a promising topic for a doctoral thesis who can identify with and are committed to the democratic socialism and its values.

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Eligibility Criteria

  • Admission to a doctoral programme at a state or state-recognised higher education institution in Germany
  • Proof of proficiency in German at a B2 level
  • Supervision by a professor in Germany
  • Outstanding academic performance
  • Social engagement in the spirit of the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung

Duration

2 years with the option to extend the period twice for 6 months for academic or technical reasons, and up to another year due to illness, disability or parental leave.

Benefits

  • Grant of EUR 1,450 or INR 1.3 Lakhs each month 
  • Mobility allowance of EUR 100 or INR 9000
  • Health care subsidies
  • Funding to cover stays abroad (for research, attending conferences, etc.)

How to apply?

You can apply for this scholarship through the online application portal. The application portal opens approximately 6 weeks before the application deadline.

How is the application decided?

The approval of scholarships is decided in a multi-stage selection process. For this purpose, the complete applications are subject to a pre-selection. Applicants who have been shortlisted for a scholarship based on funding criteria are asked to meet with one of the foundation’s trusted lecturers for an interview. The interview minutes, together with the documents submitted, form the basis for the selection committee’s decision. The acceptance or rejection is not justified. There is no legal entitlement to funding.

Are there any requirements for the reports to be submitted?

There are no formal requirements. The reports must provide information about the planned doctoral project (not the diploma/master’s thesis). They should contain the following information:

  • on the scientific relevance of the dissertation topic
  • to the current state of research
  • to the research methods
  • to the current status of work
  • for access to sources/materials/research fields
  • to the schedule

Conclusion

The Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarship offers an excellent opportunity for international students. These scholarships, provided by the renowned political foundation associated with Die Linke, support doctoral studies across various disciplines. For those seeking to immerse themselves in Germany’s vibrant academic environment while contributing to social justice and progressive ideals, the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships represent a pathway to educational excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. Can I submit my application at any time?

    A. No. The application portal opens approximately 6 weeks before the application deadline.

  • Q. Is there an age limit?

    A. There is no age limit. However, you should be of an age where a doctorate offers you realistic opportunities to pursue an academic career at a university or other institution.

  • Q. Can the reports be sent to the RLS separately or should they be part of the application?

    A. Reports must generally be part of the application. Please make it clear to your lecturer that consideration of a separately submitted report is not possible for work organization reasons.

  • Q. Do I have to submit all documents in German?

    A. You are welcome to submit the report or certificates in English. Documents in other languages ​​must also be submitted and translated.

  • Q. Can I work alongside my doctorate?

    A. Secondary employment is compatible with the Rosa-Luxemburg-Stiftung’s doctoral funding if the time required does not exceed 1/8 of the regular weekly working time (5 hours) or, in the case of research and teaching, 1/4 of the regular weekly working time – 10 hours only.

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Saket Kohli

An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

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