German Research Foundation DFG Research Fellowship
The Walter Benjamin Programme enables researchers in the postdoctoral training phase to independently conduct their own research project at a location of their choice in Germany or abroad.
Quick Facts
Status
Applications OpenFunding
Fully FundedDeadline
Proposals may be submitted at any time.
Country
GermanyAll Germany guidesEvery Germany scholarship in one place→About the German Research Foundation DFG Research Fellowship
The German Research Foundation DFG Walter Benjamin Programme enables researchers in the postdoctoral training phase to independently conduct their own research project at a location of their choice. The project can be carried out at a research institution in Germany or abroad, with the host institution providing support for the project.
By securing funding for their own research project, particularly qualified postdoctoral researchers pave the way for the next stages of their increasingly independent research career and exercise autonomy. The programme promotes early research careers with the aim of fostering mobility and thematic development.
Funding abroad is provided as a fellowship, whereas in Germany, it is provided as a position under the staff category postdoctoral researcher and comparable, or as a temporary substitute position usually under the staff category medical research assistant. Combining both is also possible.
The funding duration is as a rule up to two years. Proposals may be submitted at any time through the elan portal.
Eligible Levels
Eligible Fields
Why Choose This Scholarship?
Conduct independent research at a location of choice in Germany or abroad
Advance early research career and exercise autonomy
Choose between a fellowship abroad or a position in Germany
Flexible submission timeline with proposals accepted at any time
What the Scholarship Covers
Eligibility Requirements
6 requirements
Documents Checklist
3 documents required
How to Apply - Step by Step
Clarify with the host institution whether fellowship funding can be administered in accordance with DFG regulations
Prepare the research proposal according to DFG guidelines
Submit the proposal electronically via the elan portal
Application Timeline
Any time
Proposal Submission
Proposals may be submitted at any time through the elan portal
Insider Tips & Pro Tips
Clarify administrative compatibility with your chosen host institution before submitting
Check specific residency and prior research duration rules if applying for a fellowship abroad
Use the DFG Award Calculator to estimate expected funding amounts
Review specific FAQ sections for your academic discipline prior to proposal preparation
Submit all documents through the elan portal
Important Links & Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions - click any to expand
Postdoctoral researchers at an early career phase are eligible to apply.
As a rule, the funding duration is up to two years.
Proposals may be submitted at any time.
Ready to Apply?
Head to the official portal and start your application today.
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