The RLF is a political educational organisation closely affiliated with DIE LINKE (The Left Party) which awards scholarships to foreigners who come to Germany for their dissertation or in order to conduct research as part of their dissertation. The sponsorship is based upon the Foundation's political values: social justice and solidarity in particular.

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

• acceptance at a public or publicly accredited institution of higher education in Germany or abroad
• supervision by a university lecturer in Germany

If the dissertation is being written at a German university (proof of acceptance required), the maximum duration of the scholarship is 3 years. An extension of up to 6 months can be applied for.
The length of a research stay in Germany as part of a dissertation being completed at a foreign institution (proof of acceptance required) depends on the specifics of the research stay; it can last no longer than 3 years.

Doctoral candidates receive a grant of 1,400 EUR each month plus a mobility allowance of 100 EUR and a further lump sum of 20 EUR.

Further information on the application procedure can be found here.

1 October of each year