FRIAS Fellowship Programmes in Germany (Fully Funded)

FRIAS Fellowship Programmes in Germany (Fully Funded)

Looking for a fully funded research program in Europe? The FRIAS Fellowship Programmes in Germany are prestigious, fully funded opportunities designed for both early-career and senior researchers.

Hosted by the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), these programs bring together brilliant scholars from Germany and around the world. During this international fellowship, researchers will have the unique chance to work on their innovative projects within a vibrant community spanning diverse cultural and academic backgrounds.

Available Fellowship Programmes

Three fully funded fellowship programs are offered according to scholars’ study and research experience. These fellowships will take place between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027 in Freiburg, Germany:

• FRIAS Early Career Fellowship Programme: 4 to 10 months.
• FRIAS Senior Fellowship Programme: 3 to 8 months.
• FRIAS Sustainable Governance Fellowship Programme for Researchers from Africa: 6 months.

Benefits of the FRIAS Fellowship Programmes

Fellows will collaborate across different disciplines while having access to the University of Freiburg’s vast resources. Depending on the specific program, scholars will receive the following exceptional support:

• Financial Support: A fellowship contract with the University of Freiburg or alternative compensation.
• Living Allowance: A monthly living allowance is provided to comfortably cover daily expenses.
• Travel Costs: A comprehensive research and mobility allowance covers inbound and outbound travel costs.
• Academic Resources: Full access to office space, the campus library, and exceptional research support for innovative projects.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements vary strictly based on the fellowship program you are applying for.

FRIAS Early Career Fellowship Programme:

• Completed a doctoral degree with a maximum of eight years of post-doctoral experience.
• Have at least 4 peer-reviewed publications since 1 January 2022.
• Minimum six months of research or study experience at a different country’s academic institution from your first country’s academic degree institution.
• Open to researchers from any nationality and any discipline supported at the University of Freiburg.

FRIAS Senior Fellowship Programme:

• Completed a doctoral degree with at least eight years of post-doctoral experience.
• Have at least 10 peer-reviewed publications since 1 January 2020.
• Minimum six months of research or study experience at a different country’s academic institution.
• Open to researchers from any nationality and any discipline.

FRIAS Sustainable Governance Fellowship Programme (Africa):

• Based in an African country, having received a Master’s or PhD in an African country.
• Completed a doctoral degree with at least eight years of post-doctoral experience.
• Have at least 5 peer-reviewed publications since 1 January 2017 (including at least one as a co-author).
• Must be applying within the Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines with a focus on sustainable governance.
• Must provide a letter of cooperation from an academic partner at the University of Freiburg.

Required Documents

To successfully apply, gather the necessary documentation based on your chosen program:

• All Applicants: A detailed Project Proposal, CV in tabular form, Publication List, and a clear copy of your PhD diploma.
• Early Career & Senior Applicants: A letter of support identifying a host laboratory in Freiburg, and an experiment sketch with a timetable (specifically for experimental scientists).
• Sustainable Governance (Africa) Applicants: A Letter of Cooperation by an academic partner at the University of Freiburg.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps for all three fellowship categories:

1. Visit the official FRIAS application portal.
2. Fill out and submit the initial application form.
3. Register your account and continue filling out the additional sections of the digital form.
4. Upload all required annexes and documents as PDF files.
5. Complete the mandatory ethical issues questionnaire.
6. Thoroughly review and submit your final application before the 18 September 2026 deadline.