FRIAS Fellowship Programmes 2026-27 in Germany | Fully Funded

The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) offers fully funded fellowship programs in Germany for early-career and senior researchers. These fellowships provide an exceptional opportunity for scholars worldwide to advance their research projects within a vibrant international and interdisciplinary community, leveraging the University of Freiburg's extensive resources and supportive academic environment.

Quick Overview

• Host Country: Germany

• Host Institution: Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS)

• Program Location: Freiburg, Germany

• Eligible Nationalities: All nationalities (specific criteria for African researchers in one program).

• Coverage: Fully Funded (monthly living allowance, research and travel allowance, office space, library access, research support).

• Degree Level: Post-doctoral

• Deadline: 09-18-2026

• Program Duration: Early Career Fellowships (4-10 months), Senior Fellowships (3-8 months), Sustainable Governance Fellowship (6 months).

Financial Benefits

• Monthly living allowance provided.

• Research and travel allowance covering inbound and outbound travel costs.

• Access to dedicated office space and University of Freiburg library resources.

• Comprehensive research support for innovative projects.

• Fellowship contract with the University of Freiburg or equivalent compensation.

Eligibility Criteria

For FRIAS Early Career Fellowship Programme:

• Completed doctoral degree with a maximum of eight years of post-doctoral experience.

• Minimum of four peer-reviewed publications since January 1, 2022.

• At least six months of prior research/study experience at an academic institution outside the country of your first academic degree.

• Propose a challenging and innovative research project.

• Open to all disciplines supported by the University of Freiburg and all nationalities.

For FRIAS Senior Fellowship Programme:

• Completed doctoral degree with at least eight years of post-doctoral experience.

• Minimum of ten peer-reviewed publications since January 1, 2020.

• At least six months of prior research/study experience at an academic institution outside the country of your first academic degree.

• Propose a challenging and innovative research project of top academic quality.

• Open to all disciplines supported by the University of Freiburg and all nationalities.

For FRIAS Sustainable Governance Fellowship Programme for Researchers from Africa:

• Completed doctoral degree with at least eight years of post-doctoral experience.

• Minimum of five peer-reviewed publications since January 1, 2017, including at least one co-authored.

• Must be based in an African country.

• At least six months of prior research/study experience at an academic institution outside the country of your first academic degree, AND received a Master's/PhD in an African country.

• Propose a challenging and innovative research project of top academic quality.

• Applications only in Humanities and Social Sciences with a focus on sustainable governance.

• Provide a letter of cooperation from an academic partner at the University of Freiburg.

Required Documents

For FRIAS Early Career and Senior Fellowship Programmes:

• Detailed project proposal.

• Tabular Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• Comprehensive publication list.

• Copy of PhD diploma.

• Letter of support identifying a host laboratory in Freiburg.

• Experiment sketch and timetable (if applicable).

For FRIAS Sustainable Governance Fellowship Programme for Researchers from Africa:

• Detailed project proposal.

• Tabular Curriculum Vitae (CV).

• Comprehensive publication list.

• Copy of PhD diploma.

• Letter of Cooperation by an academic partner at the University of Freiburg.

How to Apply

• Complete and submit the initial online application form.

• Register and fill out all additional sections of the form.

• Upload all required annexes and supporting documents.

• Complete the ethical issues questionnaire.

• Submit your final application before the specified deadline.