Individual Sources
Merit Foundations (supported by the German Federal Government)
- There are 13 merit foundations in Germany supported by the German Federal Government.
- Together they provide thousands of fellowships based on personal merit. All of them require not only academic excellence but also additional merits in social, cultural or political areas, depending on the basic political and/or religious convictions of the individual foundation.
Industry Foundations and Organisations
Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds
PhD Scholarships
- Deadlines: 1st February, 1st June and 1st October
- Europeans are supported in Europe and overseas, non-Europeans receive support in Europe
- Applicants should not have been working on their projects for longer than six months on the closing date for applications
- Outstanding scientific abilities
- The dissertation should decisively advance scientific research
Travel Allowances
- Deadline: None, applications any time
- Scientists wanting to visit research institutions in order to learn clearly defined techniques they require for their scientific work. This sponsorship may also be granted directly before they begin their doctorate
DECHEMA (Gesellschaft für chemische Technik u. Biotechnologie e.V.)
Travel Grants
The scholarships are intended to enable young scientists to participate in relevant events. In addition, the exchange with the community as well as the presentation of current, own research work should be promoted.
Researchers at universities and non-university research institutions are eligible to apply up to eight years after completing their doctorate.
Applications are assessed and approved on a quarterly basis.
The following deadlines apply for submission: 15 March, 15 June, 15 September, 10 December
Various Organisations and Foundations
German Federal Foundation for the Environment (DBU):
Doctoral Scholarships for research projects in the field of environmental protection
- Deadlines: 15 January / 15 June
- Eligible to apply are graduates of higher education institutions with above average examination results up to a maximum age of 28. This applies to projects in all scientific disciplines, insofar as they are of high current relevance and contribute to solving problems in environmental protection and conservation. Particularly welcome are interdisciplinary topics that support sustainable development.
Bayerische Forschungsstiftung:
Fellowships for international doctoral students
International doctoral students only in the context of research projects supported by the Bayersiche Forschungsstiftung may receive a fellowship (1500 €/month, 3 years, plus consumables)
For Your Next Career Step: Funding a Postdoctoral Position
DFG
The DFG funding portfolio includes a wide range of funding instruments for research projects and research infrastructures. A distinction is made between funding for individual researchers and funding for institutions, according to the requirements and objectives of the research to be conducted. Individuals can also be nominated for research prizes.
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship
For postdoctoral/experienced researchers from Brazil supporting a 6–24-month research stay in Germany.
Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship
For postdoctoral/experienced researchers from Germany or foreigners who live in Germany permanently supporting a 6–24-month research stay abroad.
For postdoctoral researchers/researchers from all countries (excluding Germany & Brazil) supporting a 6–24-month research stay in Germany.
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Research Fellowship
For Postdoctoral researchers from Germany supporting a 6–24-month research stay in Japan.
NSTC (Taiwan) Research Fellowships for researchers from Germany
For postdoctoral/experienced researchers from Germany supporting a 3–12-month research stay in Taiwan.
European Union
EMBO
The European Molecular Biology Organisation has many different funding lines for young researchers, e.g. Short- and Long-Term Postdoctoral Fellowships
German Academy of Natural Scientists Leopoldina
Fritz Thyssen Foundation
Roche Diagnostics
Das Roche Postdoctoral Fellowship (RPF) Programm
U.S. National Science Foundation
- the NSF runs many different programs
- most of them for research based in the US, but not exclusively so
