How I Secured a Fully Funded Master's at Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany Through the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Scholarship

Aisosa Erhahon-Nanna is a multilingual moderator and development policy professional specializing in migration governance, forced displacement, and international cooperation. Born in Nigeria and raised in Germany, she brings a multicultural perspective to her work. She holds a Master’s degree in International Development from Sciences Po Paris and has gained professional experience across German federal institutions and United Nations agencies.

Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Scholarship Details

Aisosa was a recipient of the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung scholarship throughout both her Bachelor’s and Master’s studies. The Heinrich Böll Foundation is one of Germany’s largest scholarship foundations, supporting both international and German students across disciplines. The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate strong academic performance, active political or social engagement, and a commitment to values such as sustainability, democracy, human rights, and ecology.

The financial support includes a base stipend of €300, with additional funding determined by the recipient’s financial situation. Currently, the maximum monthly support can reach up to €1,292.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

In addition to the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung scholarship, Aisosa has also been awarded support from several other programs, including:

• START Stiftung
• Deutschland Stiftung Integration
• Erasmus+
• DAAD short-term internship stipend

Educational Background

Aisosa completed her A-levels with a GPA of 3.3 (equivalent to 1.7 in the German grading system), which helped secure her Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung scholarship. This scholarship supported her throughout her academic journey, from her Bachelor’s degree to her Master’s at Sciences Po Paris, all together 5 years. She maintained strong academic performance during her studies, achieving a GPA of 3.7 in both her Bachelor’s and Master’s programs. She attributes this journey not only to her academic efforts but also to God’s grace and guidance along the way.

How Did You Find Information About Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung? Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? How Did You Prepare for Them?

Finding Information

Aisosa primarily relied on online resources to research universities and scholarship opportunities.

Standardized Tests

She did not take standardized tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or GMAT, as they were not required for this German scholarship program.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung scholarship?

Scholarship Preparation

A key component of her application was her strong record of social and political engagement. During high school, she actively supported children with migration backgrounds in learning German. She also volunteered at a nursing home, served as a class representative, and contributed to her church community by working with children. During her bachelor’s, she served as Student Diversity Officer within the student union, where she advocated for inclusion and represented the interests of students from diverse backgrounds. Her faith played an important role in shaping her commitment to service and community engagement.

Experience as a Scholarship Holder

Aisosa describes her experience with the Heinrich-Böll Foundation as highly enriching. The scholarship provided numerous opportunities for personal and professional development through workshops, seminars, and networking with other scholars.

An important aspect of the program was the requirement to submit an annual academic progress report, which helped her stay focused, set clear goals, and continuously reflect on her academic journey, with a sense of purpose grounded in her values and faith.

Academic Environment

The Heinrich-Böll Foundation is particularly well-suited for students interested in sustainability, environmental issues, and social justice. Its strong value-based approach creates a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Aisosa emphasizes the importance of telling a coherent and authentic story, one that connects academic goals with social commitment. She believes that clearly aligning her personal journey with her ambitions, alongside God’s favor and guidance, played a key role in making her application stand out.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Her advice to prospective applicants is to start early and be proactive. She encourages reaching out to current or former scholarship holders, especially through platforms like LinkedIn, to gain insights and guidance. She also emphasizes the importance of trusting the process, staying grounded, and remaining faithful throughout the journey.