Funding opportunities for Australian researchers from German Organisations
1) German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD):
DLR-DAAD Fellowships - Current Offers in the fields of Space, Aeronautics, Energy and Transportation Research
DLR – DAAD Research Fellowships’ is a new programme implemented by the ‘Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt’ (DLR) and the ‘German Academic Exchange Service’ (DAAD).
DLR is Germany´s national research center for aeronautics and space. Its extensive research and development work in Aeronautics, Space, Transportation and Energy is integrated into national and international cooperative ventures. As Germany´s space agency, DLR has been given responsibility for the forward planning and the implementation of the German space programme by the German federal government as well as for the international representation of German interests. Approximately 7,400 people are employed in DLR´s 33 institutes and facilities at 16 locations in Germany.
This special programme is intended for highly-qualified foreign doctoral and postdoctoral students as well as senior scientists. DLR-DAAD Fellowships offer outstanding scientists and researchers the opportunity to conduct special research at the institutes of the DLR in Germany.
DLR-DAAD Fellowships are defined and awarded on an individual basis. Each Fellowship announcement will indicate the specific qualification requirements and terms of the visit.
Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (P.R.I.M.E.) • DAAD/DLR
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a new funding programme - co-financed by the Marie Curie Programme of the European Commission - for outstanding postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines and nationalities: „Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience“ (P.R.I.M.E.). The funding consists of salaries instead of scholarships. Funding is provided for 18 months, in which 12 months have to be spent abroad and 6 months (re-integration phase) at a German university. The re-integration phase is mandatory. The German university administrates the salary during the whole funding period. Further information: www.daad.de/prime/en
Re-invitation Programme for Former Scholarship Holders • DAAD
To maintain contact with Germany, former DAAD Research Grant or Study Scholarship holders with funding for more than six months and former DDR (East German) Scholarship holders who studied in Germany for at least one year can apply for a re-invitation. Funding is available for research and working projects at a state or state-recognised (public) university or a non-university research institution. Former scholarship holders working outside the science sector can also apply for funding to cover a working stay at another institution in business or industry, administration, culture or media.
To maintain contact with Germany, former DAAD Research Grant or Study Scholarship holders with funding for more than six months and former DDR (East German) Scholarship holders who studied in Germany for at least one year can apply for a re-invitation. Funding is available for research and working projects at a state or state-recognised (public) university or a non-university research institution. Former scholarship holders working outside the science sector can also apply for funding to cover a working stay at another institution in business or industry, administration, culture or media.
Duration
Depending on the applicant's work schedule, the research and working stay can last between one and three months.
Value
- Depending on the applicant's academic status, the monthly award will amount to 2,000 euros for assistant lecturers, assistant professors and young lecturers, and 2,150 euros for professors, in exceptions, 2,300 euros.
- In addition to these payments, the DAAD generally will pay an appropriate flat-rate travel allowance, unless these costs are covered by the home country or by another funding source.
Research Grants for Doctoral Candidates and Young Academics and Scientists • DAAD
Research grants provide young foreign academics and scientists with an opportunity to carry out a research project or a course of continuing education and training at a German state (public) or state-recognised higher education institution or non-university research institute. The prime goal is the funding of the doctoral dissertation. Specifically, this grant serves the following purposes:
research projects at a German higher education institution for the purpose of gaining a doctorate in the country of origine (this includes the doctoral programmes offered for developing and transformation countries under the "DAAD Sandwich Model" - see Information Leaflet, which is also available on the Internet www.daad.de/extrainfo);
research projects at a German university for the purpose of gaining a doctorate in Germany; for projects of these kinds, we would particularly refer to the structured doctoral study programmes, such as Research Training Groups or Doctoral Research Groups, International Postgraduate Programmes, Graduate Schools, Max Planck Research Schools, etc. Please go to the following website for further information: www.daad.de/ipp;
research projects or continuing education and training, but without aiming for a formal degree/qualification.
Postdocs can also refer to the funding opportunities offered by the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation. Research grants provide young foreign academics and scientists with an opportunity to carry out a research project or a course of continuing education and training at a German state (public) or state-recognised higher education institution or non-university research institute. The prime goal is the funding of the doctoral dissertation. Specifically, this grant serves the following purposes:
- research projects at a German higher education institution for the purpose of gaining a doctorate in the country of origine (this includes the doctoral programmes offered for developing and transformation countries under the "DAAD Sandwich Model" - see Information Leaflet, which is also available on the Internet www.daad.de/extrainfo);
- research projects at a German university for the purpose of gaining a doctorate in Germany; for projects of these kinds, we would particularly refer to the structured doctoral study programmes, such as Research Training Groups or Doctoral Research Groups, International Postgraduate Programmes, Graduate Schools, Max Planck Research Schools, etc. Please go to the following website for further information: www.daad.de/ipp;
- research projects or continuing education and training, but without aiming for a formal degree/qualification.
Postdocs can also refer to the funding opportunities offered by the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation.
Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists • DAAD
These grants and scholarships aim to provide foreign academics and scientists working in higher education or at research institutes with an opportunity to carry out a research project at a state (public) or state-recognised higher education institution or non-university research institute in Germany. These grants and scholarships aim to provide foreign academics and scientists working in higher education or at research institutes with an opportunity to carry out a research project at a state (public) or state-recognised higher education institution or non-university research institute in Germany.
Scholarships for Artists and Architects: Study Scholarships • DAAD
These study scholarships aim to provide foreign applicants from the field of Fine Art, Design, Film, Music, Architecture as well as Performing Arts (Drama, Direction, Dance, Choreography, etc.) with an opportunity to complete a course of extension studies, without gaining a formal degree or qualification, or to complete a postgraduate or Master’s degree course to gain a degree in Germany (Master’s/Diplom), at a German state (public) or state-recognised higher education institution.These study scholarships aim to provide foreign applicants from the field of Fine Art, Design, Film, Music, Architecture as well as Performing Arts (Drama, Direction, Dance, Choreography, etc.) with an opportunity to complete a course of extension studies, without gaining a formal degree or qualification, or to complete a postgraduate or Master’s degree course to gain a degree in Germany (Master’s/Diplom), at a German state (public) or state-recognised higher education institution.
Study Scholarships for Graduates of All Disciplines • DAAD
Study scholarships are awarded to provide foreign graduates of all disciplines with opportunities to complete a postgraduate or Master's degree course at a state (public) or state-recognised German higher education institution and to gain a degree in Germany (Master's/Diplom). Funding can also be approved if only the first or second year of a postgraduate or Master's programme has been completed in Germany, while the degree will be gained at the foreign university.
Study Visits by Groups of Foreign Students • DAAD
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) funds Study Visits / Study Seminars and Practicals in Germany by groups of foreign students headed by a university teacher.
Study Visits for Academics - Artists and Architects • DAAD
The study visits for academics programme aims to enable lecturers from the fields of Fine Art, Design, Film, Music, Architecture as well as Performing Arts (Drama, Direction, Dance, Choreography, etc.) to apply for a supported study visit for the purpose of artistic cooperation with a German host institution. The study visits for academics programme aims to enable lecturers from the fields of Fine Art, Design, Film, Music, Architecture as well as Performing Arts (Drama, Direction, Dance, Choreography, etc.) to apply for a supported study visit for the purpose of artistic cooperation with a German host institution.
University Winter Courses offered in Germany for Foreign Students and Graduates • DAAD
The DAAD offers students and graduates from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Namibia, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Uruguay and Zimbabwe a grant for an approx. six-week "German Regional Studies Winter Course" in January/February each year.
The scholarship programme aims to help students and graduates improve their German proficiency and their cultural knowledge of the country. Therefore, these grants are awarded to attend German language and area studies courses plus special language/terminology courses that are offered by state (public) or state-recognised German higher education institutions and by affiliated language schools.
2) Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Alexander von Humboldt Professorship
Academics of all disciplines from abroad, who are internationally recognised as leaders in their field and who are expected to contribute to enhancing Germany's sustained international competitiveness as a research location in consequence of the award, are eligible to be nominated for an Alexander von Humboldt Professorship.
The Alexander von Humboldt Professorship, which is financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research through the International Research Fund for Germany, enables award winners to carry out long-term and ground-breaking research at universities and research institutions in Germany. The award funds, totalling 5 million EUR for academics in experimental disciplines and 3.5 million EUR for researchers in theoretical disciplines, are made available for a period of five years.
Nominations may be made by German universities; non-university research institutions may also submit nominations jointly with a German university.
Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers
Submit an application if you are a researcher from abroad with above average qualifications, at the beginning of your academic career and only completed your doctorate in the last four years. A Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers allows you to carry out a long-term research project (6-24 months) you have selected yourself in cooperation with an academic host you have selected yourself at a research institution in Germany.
Scientists and scholars of all nationalities and disciplines may apply to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation directly at any time. The Humboldt Foundation grants approximately 600 Humboldt Research Fellowships for postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers annually. Short-term study visits, participation in congresses and training courses cannot be financed.
To apply, please only use the application form which can be downloaded here.
Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers
Submit an application if you are a researcher from abroad with above average qualifications, completed your doctorate less than twelve years ago, already have your own research profile and are working at least at the level of Assistant Professor or Junior Research Group Leader or have a record of several years of independent academic work. A Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers allows you to carry out a long-term research project (6-18 months) you have selected yourself in cooperation with an academic host you have selected yourself at a research institution in Germany. The fellowship is flexible and can be divided up into as many as three stays within three years.
Scientists and scholars of all nationalities and disciplines may apply to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation directly at any time. The Humboldt Foundation grants approximately 600 Humboldt Research Fellowships for postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers annually. Short-term study visits, participation in congresses and training courses cannot be financed.
To apply, please only use the application form which can be downloaded here.
Sofja Kovalevskaja Award
Submit an application if you are a successful top-rank junior researcher from abroad, only completed your doctorate with distinction in the last six years, and have published work in prestigious international journals or publishing houses. The Sofja Kovalevskaja Award allows you to spend five years building up a working group and working on a high-profile, innovative research project of your own choice at a research institution of your own choice in Germany.
Scientists and scholars from all disciplines may apply directly to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. The Humboldt Foundation plans to grant up to eight Sofja Kovalevskaja Awards. The award is valued at up to 1.65 million EUR.
The application submission deadline is September 1, 2014. The selection is scheduled for March 2015.
Anneliese Maier Research Award
Nominations for the research award can be made for researchers from abroad from the fields of the humanities and social sciences whose scientific achievements have been internationally recognised in their research area and from whose research collaboration with specialist colleagues in Germany a sustainable contribution is expected towards the further internationalisation of the humanities and social sciences in Germany.
In addition to researchers who already number among the established leaders in their subject, the award is also aimed at researchers who are not yet so advanced in their scientific careers but who are already internationally established researchers from whom a sustainable shaping of the humanities and social sciences in Germany can be expected through the prospects of long-term collaboration. Particular importance is attached to the nomination of qualified female researchers.
Award winners are expected to spend a period of up to five years cooperating on a long-term research project with the nominator and / or specialist colleagues at a research institution in Germany.
The Humboldt Foundation grants up to eight Anneliese Maier Research Awards annually. An award is valued at 250,000 EUR.
Nominations may be submitted by established academics in Germany. Direct applications are not accepted. The nomination deadline expires on April 30, 2014.
Humboldt Research Award
The award is granted in recognition of a researcher's entire achievements to date to academics whose fundamental discoveries, new theories, or insights have had a significant impact on their own discipline and who are expected to continue producing cutting-edge achievements in the future.
Academics from abroad, regardless of their discipline or nationality, may be nominated for a Humboldt Research Award. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation particularly encourages the nomination of qualified female academics.
Award winners are invited to spend a period of up to one year cooperating on a long-term research project with specialist colleagues at a research institution in Germany. The stay may be divided up into blocks.
The Humboldt Foundation grants up to 100 Humboldt Research Awards annually.
Nominations may be submitted by established academics in Germany. Nominations may also be initiated by award winners of the Humboldt Foundation working abroad, provided that the nomination is made jointly with a colleague working in Germany. Direct applications are not accepted. The award is valued at 60,000 EUR.
Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award
Scientists and scholars, internationally renowned in their field, who completed their doctorates less than 18 years ago and who in future are expected to continue producing cutting-edge achievements which will have a seminal influence on their discipline beyond their immediate field of work, are eligible to be nominated for a Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award.
Award winners are honoured for their outstanding research record and invited to spend a period of up to one year cooperating on a long-term research project with specialist colleagues at a research institution in Germany. The stay may be divided up into blocks.
The Humboldt Foundation grants up to 25 Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Awards annually.
Nominations may be submitted by established academics in Germany. Nominations may also be initiated by award winners of the Humboldt Foundation working abroad, provided that the nomination is made jointly with a colleague working in Germany. Direct applications are not accepted. The award is valued at 45,000 EUR.
Max Planck Research Award
Excellent scientists and scholars of all nationalities who are expected to continue producing outstanding academic achievements in international collaboration - not least with the assistance of this award - are eligible to be nominated for the Max Planck Research Award.
On an annually-alternating basis, the call for nominations addresses areas within the natural and engineering sciences, the life sciences, and the social sciences and humanities.
The Max Planck Research Award 2014 will be conferred in the area of natural and engineering sciences in the subject "Quantum Nano Science".
113 years after the foundation of quantum theory by Max Planck, researchers succeed in controlling materials with ever higher precision to realize exotic quantum states. Thus nano structured materials and devices arise, that by exploiting the most bizarre features of quantum mechanics – take discretisation, superposition, entanglement and many body systems as examples - are designed for special purposes. Such phenomena form the focus of the relatively young experimental field of Quantum Nano Science that has emerged at the interfaces of nano science, quantum optics, photonics, materials technology and quantum information.
The deadline for nominations is 31 January 2014.
Every year, the Humboldt Foundation and the Max Planck Society grant two research awards to one researcher working abroad and one researcher working in Germany.
The Presidents/Vice Chancellors of universities and the heads of research institutions in Germany are eligible to make nominations (c.f. list of eligible nominators). Direct applications are not accepted. As a rule, each award is endowed with 750,000 EUR and may be used over a period of three to a maximum of five years to fund research chosen by the award winner.
Fraunhofer-Bessel Research Award
Scientists and scholars from all non-European countries, who completed their doctorates less than 18 years ago, who are internationally recognised for their achievements in the field of applied research, and who in future are expected to continue producing cutting-edge achievements which will have a seminal influence on their discipline beyond their immediate field of work, are eligible to be nominated for a Fraunhofer-Bessel Research Award.
Award winners are invited to spend a period of up to one year cooperating on a long-term research project with specialist colleagues at one of the Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany. The stay may be divided up into blocks.
The Humboldt Foundation and the Fraunhofer Society for the Advancement of Applied Research jointly grant up to three Fraunhofer-Bessel Research Awards annually.
Nominations may be submitted by the heads of institutes or senior academics at institutes belonging to the Fraunhofer Society. Nominations may also be initiated by award winners of the Humboldt Foundation working abroad, provided that the nomination is made jointly with a colleague working at a Fraunhofer Institute in Germany. Direct applications are not accepted. The award is valued at 45,000 EUR.
3) German Research Foundation
Individual Grants Programme with Australian cooperation partner (Australian partner provides his own funding)
http://www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/programmes/individual/index.html
Researchers who have completed their academic training (as a rule, those who hold a doctorate) are eligible to submit project proposals with a defined thematic focus and project duration.
Research Grants
Research grants offered in the individual grants programme are the central form of the research funding provided by the DFG. A research grant can be used to fund staff, scientific instrumentation, consumables, travel as well as most of the other financial requirements of a research project. The DFG requires the institution at which the project will be carried out to supply the necessary core support and resources.
Scientific Networks
Scientific networks offer young researchers the opportunity to engage in scientific exchange and cooperation on topics of common interest. A network consists of a group of people, who, over a defined period of up to three years, will work on a common research topic to attain a specific outcome. Network members may include young as well as senior researchers from Germany or from abroad. This international programme component serves to strengthen the ties to the international research community.
Research Fellowships
Research Fellowships promote highly qualified young researchers. A fellowship is a personal, non-transferable award and is limited to a maximum of two years.
Emmy Noether Programme
The Emmy Noether Programme supports researchers in achieving independence at an early stage of their scientific careers. Postdocs gain the qualifications required for a university teaching career during a DFG-funded period, usually lasting five years, in which they lead their own Independent Junior Research Group.
Heisenberg Programme
The Heisenberg Programme aims to promote and maintain young outstanding and highly qualified researchers to give them incentives for continuing their careers in science and research.
Reinhart Koselleck Projects
This programme enables outstanding researchers with a proven scientific track record to pursue exceptionally innovative, higher-risk projects.
Clinical Trials
The DFG and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) have agreed to offer a joint programme to fund clinical trials within the framework of two complementary, coordinated funding measures. Both measures will follow the same proposal procedure and be subjected to scientific review according to international standards and quality assurance.
Workshops for Early Career Investigators
Workshops for early career investigators are a strategic funding instrument. These are aimed particularly at established researchers seeking to address a perceived lack of early-career researchers in their field by holding workshops for early career investigators on specific topics.
International research groups (complementary funding for Australian researchers necessary)
Research Training Groups
Research Training Groups are established by universities to promote young researchers. They are funded by the DFG for a period of up to nine years. Their key emphasis is on the qualification of doctoral researchers within the framework of a focused research programme and a structured training concept.
Collaborative Research Centres ) (complementary funding for Australian researchers necessary)
Collaborative Research Centres are long-term university research centres in which scientists and researchers work together within a cross-disciplinary research programme.
4) Other opportunities
Baden-Württemberg Scholarship for Students
The Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM programme aims to promote international exchange between qualified students. The exchange is based on reciprocity. The Baden-Württemberg-STIPENDIUM is awarded by the foundation Baden-Württemberg Stiftung gGmbH. Students at universities, universities of applied sciences, colleges of education, higher education institutions with professional orientation and on-the-job-training, colleges of music and art in Baden-Württemberg and cooperating institutions of higher education abroad are invited to apply. Students and graduates of institutions of higher education in Baden-Württemberg who are completing a study or research visit at a partner institution of higher education abroad. The programme similarly supports students and graduates of institutions of higher education abroad, coming to the institutions of higher education in Baden-Württemberg for the same purpose. The scholarship can only be awarded through your institution of higher education.
Baden-Württemberg State Postgraduate Scholarship Programme
The Federal State of Baden-Württemberg funds highly qualified young researchers and artists. Scholarships ranging from 800 to 1.600.- euros are currently awarded for doctoral programmes and artistic development projects. The funding-rates are defined by the internal statutes of the universities.
To receive a scholarship, applicants must have excellent qualifications. Furthermore, the academic research project must promise an important contribution to research or the continuing development of artistic forms and means of expression.
The standard funding term is 2 years and may be extended by up to one more year. Since the universities in Baden-Württemberg are themselves responsible for the award of the support funding, applicants must also send their applications direct to these.
Bayer Foundations: Kurt Hansen scholarship
Students from abroad studying for a teaching qualification in the natural sciences in the main study stage or Master's course may apply for the Kurt Hansen scholarship from the Bayer Foundation. Candidates are not only required to have good to very good grades in the school leaving certificate giving right of entry to higher education and very successful completion of an intermediate examination or an excellent Bachelor's degree, but also immaterial aspects. This includes personal commitment – socially, politically or culturally, and be prepared to work hard.
Carl Duisberg Scholarships
Bayer is always looking for young qualified people. The group has initiated several sponsorship programmes, including Carl Duisberg Scholarships. These are aimed at human medicine and veterinary medicine students. Support is provided for academic projects or further education at renowned institutions, as well as for clinical traineeships, practical year tertials and study visits within the scope of a thesis. Students and doctoral candidates are therefore eligible for application. Important requirements include good school grades and a successful academic record so far. Broad general knowledge and personal commitment are additional desirable qualities. The sponsorship sum awarded depends on the particular project. It is however high enough to cover the cost of living, travel expenses and any project costs arising during the course of the submitted project.
Target Group
Students of human and veterinary medicine. Support is particularly provided for projects addressing special social aspects of basic medical care as well as projects related to the following subject areas: - Cardiology - Oncology - Inflammation - Gynaecology - Imaging Diagnostics
Department of History of Religion or Department of Universal History
The sponsorship programme of the Institute of European History combines research, education and international networking. The Institute makes it possible for scholarship holders to pursue their own research undisturbed. The scholarship holders are to work on development of the methods and issues related to interdisciplinary research on European history. The IEG sponsors comparative, transnational and transcultural research on the foundations of Europe in the period between the Early Modern Age and Contemporary History, in particular on its cultural, religious and intellectual dimensions. In this context, projects which concern European transfer and communication processes or ideas of Europe and projects dealing with theological, spiritual and church historical issues, are particularly welcome. About 12 scholarship holders who are in the final phase of their thesis or have already commenced further research, are sponsored. It is furthermore important to note that as a non-university research institution, the Institute does not hold courses or examinations and does not award academic degrees.
Target Group
Academics from Germany and abroad still working on or just having completed their thesis, are generally eligible for application. Applicants are required to have at least 1 qualified history or theology degree. For postdoctoral projects, the thesis has to be submitted by the end of the application period. Sponsorship of the final phase of the thesis followed by a postdoctoral phase is not possible!
DKFZ International PhD Programme
German Cancer Research Centre (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) is a foundation under public law. It awards 36 scholarships per year to applicants from all over the world. Applicants are required to have completed their academic studies and aim to complete a doctorate in the field of cancer research and biology. Scholarship holders receive financial support determined by to the particular qualifications over a period of 3 years. Target Group: The PhD programme is aimed at science graduates who would like to work in the fields of cancer research and biology and want to complete their doctorates.
Doctoral Scholarship of the Heinrich Böll Foundation
The Heinrich Böll Foundation is a federally organised, independently operating foundation. It sees its main tasks in political education and in the promotion of democratic decision-making, commitment to social issues and international understanding. About 180 doctoral sponsorships are award by the foundation every year. The foundation attaches great importance to sponsoring foreign students. Students are supported with full sponsorships. Besides the formal requirements, the foundation particularly expects applicants to work according to the principles of the foundation and to be willing to assume political and social responsibility. In return, students are well provided for. Non-material support, such the organisation of a supporting programme and regional fora, is provided in parallel to material support. The sponsorship programme is open to students of all disciplines. Applicants for a doctoral sponsorship are however required to have already gained admission to a doctorate at a state or state-recognised higher education institution in Germany, or as holders of a foreign degree, to have been admitted to a doctorate by a higher education institution in Germany.
Target Group: Doctoral students
Doctoral Scholarship of the German Federal Foundation for the Environment (Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, DBU)
With an endowment of approximately 1.7 billion EUR, the German Federal Foundation for the Environment (Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, DBU) is one of the largest foundations in Europe. Besides sponsoring projects, the DBU also awards scholarships to support young scientists. Entitled to apply are highly qualified young scientists who work on research subjects with a clear relation to current environmental issues and who contribute to solving these issues through their work. 60 doctoral scholarships are awarded every year. Foreign applicants are required to demonstrate, among other things, a good command of German. The scholarship amounts to 940.00 EUR per month, and is paid for a maximum of 3 years. In addition to the grant, a monthly standard allowance of 210.00 EUR is available for material and travel expenses. Further funds may be granted on application. Target Group: Eligible to apply are graduates of higher education institutions with above average examination results who are no older than 28. Sponsorship is offered for research projects in the field of environmental protection. This applies to projects in all scientific disciplines, insofar as they are of highly topical and contribute to solving environmental protection and nature conservation problems. Particularly welcome are interdisciplinary topics that support sustainable development.
Doctoral Scholarship of the Hanns Seidel Foundation
Assumption of responsibility and social commitment. This is what the Hanns Seidel Foundation wants to teach young people. And this is why it also supports young people. In return, the organisation close to the CSU (Christian Social Union) party, expects sponsored individuals to excel in terms of both personal and academic achievements. They are also expected to contribute to shaping the free government under the law within the framework of a democratic basic order. Applicants are expected to have a well developed sense of civic responsibility and political open-mindedness. After completion of all the formalities and approval of sponsorship, an allowance of 1050.00 EUR per month will permit successful applicants to concentrate on their research activities. This programme sponsors approximately 100 foreign students every year. Target Group: Graduates with personalities and aptitudes promising special academic achievement in the course of a doctorate and a significant contribution to research.
Doctoral Scholarship of the Gerda Henkel Foundation
The Gerda Henkel Foundation was established as a foundation under private law in Düsseldorf in 1976. Its sole purpose is the promotion of the sciences, in the sense of "knowledge". It is dedicated to advancement of the historical humanities, predominantly history, archaeology, history of art and historical sub-disciplines. The foundation's activities are not limited to Germany. Its initiatives are internationally oriented. Applicants are required to have completed their degrees with above-average grades and their theses have to promise a well above-average result. Successful applicants will receive full sponsorships for a maximum of 2 years. In 2012, 64 doctoral projects were funded.
Target Group: The scholarship programme aims to sponsor highly qualified young academics. Only applicants who have shown themselves to be extraordinarily talented through their academic achievements and examination results and whose theses promise a well above-average result, will be considered. Important criteria for selecting scholarship holders include the duration and course of applicants’ academic studies, final grades, age and special qualifications. Subjects: History, Archaeology, Prehistory and Early History, History of Art, Historical Islamic Studies, History of Law History of Science.
Doctoral Scholarships of the Federal State of Hesse
The universities of the Federal State of Hesse award sponsorships financed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts, Hesse. The target group includes particularly qualified young academics with a doctoral project. A basic requirement for a successful application for sponsorship is that the doctorate is carried out at a university in Hesse. The universities are responsible for specification of all the formal application requirements and can be contacted for information.
Target Group: Particularly qualified young academics with a doctoral project at a university in Hesse.
Doctoral Sponsorships of The Hans Böckler Foundation of the German Confederation of Trade Unions (Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund, DGB)
The Hans Böckler Foundation of the German Confederation of Trade Unions (Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund, DGB) is one of the largest organizations for the promotion of gifted students in Germany. Along with financial support, non-material support is also offered to doctoral candidates. Lecturers moreover help students with academic study related-matters as well as with entrance to professional life. They provide orientation assistance and offer access to their contacts. The full sponsorship of 1,050.00 EUR per month and a supplement of 100.00 EUR as research cost allowance provide the scholarship holders with financial security for 2 years. The foundation would like to see scholarship holders assuming social responsibilities in society after completing their studies, ideally in an attractive and challenging position. Relevance is given less to applicant's nationality and more to the subject of the doctorate. Admission to a doctorate at a German higher education institution is however a prerequisite in all cases. The topics shift in gainful employment, the social state, non-formal education, sustainability and structural change are key areas of doctoral sponsorship. In the future, the Hans Böckler Foundation will primarily support doctoral programmes which also carry out research.
Target Group: Support is granted to very scientifically talented doctoral candidates with a commitment to trade unions or sociopolitical affairs. Doctorates in all subject areas are supported - also within the scope of doctoral colleges, young researcher groups or postgraduate centres.
Doctoral Sponsorships The Klaus Murmann Fellowship Programme (Studienförderwerk Klaus Murmann)
The Klaus Murmann Fellowship Programme (Studienförderwerk Klaus Murmann) has set itself the aim of seeking out and sponsoring young people who show excellent potential for development. They can become the managers of tomorrow. A central concern is the promotion of entrepreneurial thought and action with social responsibility. The doctoral sponsorship is aimed at doctoral candidates studying any subject area and coming from any country. Applicants are required to pass a selection interview and an assessment procedure. Successful applicants will be awarded a scholarship, the amount of which is dependent on the student’s financial situation. In addition to the scholarship, a standard research cost allowance, which is irrespective of income, and under certain circumstances a family allowance may be granted. Between 20 and 50 new scholarship holders are accepted for sponsorship each year.
Target Group: Eligible for sponsorship are young academics of German or other nationality, who are able to provide evidence of a completed course of academic study and who have been accepted for a doctorate at a state or state-recognised institution of higher education in Germany.
Dr. Günther Findel Foundation / Rolf and Ursula Schneider Foundation
The Dr. Günther Findel Foundation for the Promotion of Sciences and the Rolf and Ursula Schneider Foundation for the Promotion of Historical Sciences jointly award scholarships to young doctoral candidates who require access to the collections of the Herzog August Library for their research projects. The foundations are based in Wolfenbüttel, where scholarship holders are also accommodated in the library’s guest house. They also receive a sponsorship of 700.00 EUR per month over a period of 3 to 6 months. The programme is aimed at doctoral candidates active in all historically oriented disciplines. It explicitly also addresses foreign students.
Target Group: Young doctoral candidates from Germany and abroad who have proven their aptitude for academic work are eligible to apply for a sponsorship if the subject of their thesis requires intensive use of the collections of the Herzog August Library.
Excellence Scholarships in Hamburg
Foreign students and graduates with outstanding academic and artistic achievements are given the opportunity of being accepted to the Hamburg Merit Scholarship Programme. Applications are handled directly by the respective institutions of higher education. These also set all the relevant requirements. Interested students should therefore contact the relevant office at the institution of higher education in good time.
Target Group: Foreign students and graduates with outstanding academic or artistic achievements who are studying at one of the state institutions of higher education in Hamburg.
Foreign Language Assistants from Abroad in Germany
The Educational Exchange Service (Pädagogischer Austauschdienst, PAD) of the Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs arranges placements at German schools for students of German Language and Literature from Europe and overseas. Foreign language assistants for the English, French, Italian, Spanish and Russian languages are particularly sought. Approximately 1,100 foreign language assistants come to Germany in this way each year for a period of 8 or 9 months. They are placed at grammar schools, secondary schools, comprehensive schools, vocational schools, and sometimes also primary schools. Their role is to support subject teachers in teaching modern foreign languages. During this period they receive 800.00 EUR per month plus liability insurance. Participants from the USA are also refunded their travel expenses.
Target Group: Eligible for participation are students from Australia, Belgium (French community), France, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy, Canada (anglophone), Canada (Québec), New Zealand, Russian Federation, Switzerland (francophone), Spain, USA and the People's Republic of China.
Foreign Study Sponsorship
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation sees itself as the foundation for liberal politics in Germany. It is closely connected to the FDP (Free Democratic Party). The foundation has been sponsoring students at German universities since 1973, and also at universities of applied sciences since 1990. Besides excellent academic achievements it also expects commitment to political and social issues and positive personal qualities such as reliability, motivation and decisiveness from its sponsored students. The objective of sponsoring foreign students is that they return to their home countries after their examinations and use the knowledge they have gained to the advantage of the country. Approximately 50 foreign students are sponsored every year.
Target Group:
To be highly gifted: not only above-average subject-specific abilities, but also other specialised interests are considered.
Personal qualities: these include reliability, motivation, decisiveness and a willingness to assume responsibility and actively contribute with one's abilities to the further development of society.
Liberal commitment to social and political issues: activities in student self-administration, in university committees, in a liberal political party, in a political student organisation or in social institutions and associations are desirable.
Gerda Henkel Foundation: Special programme: Islam, the modern national state and transnational movements
The special programme "Islam, modern national state and transnational movements" of the Gerda Henkel Foundation is aimed at researchers who investigate the emergence of political movements in the Islamic world at a national and/or transnational level with a view to current developments. Funding is awarded to concrete research projects of limited duration, research scholarships and printing costs for projects previously funded by the foundation. About 10 new projects and scholarships are accepted for sponsorship each year.
Target Group: Applications for sponsorship of a research project can generally be made by universities, other research facilities or comparable institutions and by one or several academic(s) (who have obtained their PhD/postdoctoral qualification). Research grants can be applied for directly by academics who have obtained their PhD/postdoctoral qualification. They serve to assist with carrying out an individual research project.
