University of Bonn SDG Scholarship in Germany 2026
Are you a postdoctoral researcher passionate about tackling global challenges? Or are you a tenured professor at the University of Bonn seeking to collaborate with international scholars? The Bonn SDG Fellowship Program offers a prestigious opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This program fosters international collaboration, supports cutting-edge research, and strengthens academic networks across continents.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Bonn SDG Fellowship, including eligibility criteria, funding details, selection criteria, and tips to craft a winning application.
Why the Bonn SDG Fellowship Matters
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) drive global efforts to address pressing issues like poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. Achieving these goals requires innovative solutions and cross-border partnerships, which the Bonn SDG Fellowship aims to support.
This fellowship enables international postdoctoral researchers to collaborate with University of Bonn professors on joint research projects. By fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building, it aims to create lasting impacts in regions facing significant challenges in SDG implementation, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Key Features of the Bonn SDG Fellowship
1. Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, candidates must:
- Be a postdoctoral researcher with foreign citizenship.
- Be invited by a tenured professor at the University of Bonn for a joint research project.
- Have a long-term affiliation (research or teaching) at a university or research institute in Africa, Asia, or Latin America beyond the fellowship period.
- Demonstrate expertise in SDG-related fields such as climate action, sustainable agriculture, health equity, or education.
Please note that we cannot match and establish contact between interested fellows and faculty at the University of Bonn.
Persons and projects already funded
2. Funding Details
The fellowship provides financial support for 3 to 12 months, covering:
- Monthly Scholarship: €3,000 per month.
- Family Allowance: Up to €300 for a spouse and €250 per child.
- Travel Allowance: Varies by country of origin.
- Research Expense Allowance: Up to €500 per month.
3. Special Regional Focus
The University of Bonn prioritizes applicants from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, regions that face significant challenges in implementing the SDGs. The fellowship aligns with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, fostering collaboration and strengthening global networks.
Selection Criteria: What Makes a Winning Proposal?
Applications are evaluated based on two key categories:
1. Academic Quality and Mutual Benefit (50%)
- Research Quality: Does the project address key SDG challenges?
- Relevance to the Region of Origin: How does the research help solve local challenges?
- Academic Contribution to Bonn: Will the fellow engage with the university through lectures or workshops?
- Integration into the Host Institute: Is there a clear collaboration plan with the host professor?
2. Strategic Relevance and Potential for Future Cooperation (50%)
- Existing Collaboration: Has the fellow worked with the University of Bonn before?
- Plans for Long-Term Partnerships: Does the proposal outline a strategy for ongoing cooperation?
- Alignment with Bonn’s Research Profile: How does the research fit within the university’s priorities?
- Dissemination of Findings: How will the research be shared with the academic community?
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Find a Host Professor: Contact a tenured professor at the University of Bonn whose research aligns with your expertise.
- Develop a Research Proposal: Work closely with your host professor to draft a compelling proposal.
- Submit the Application: The professor submits the application along with supporting documents.
- Online form
- Project description (PDF of max. 8 pages), consisting of:
- Abstract of the proposed project (up to 250 words)
- Outline of the research project to be worked on during the fellow’s stay in Bonn; please write your proposal for a multidisciplinary audience
- Reasons for the fellow’s invitation and a description of his or her contribution to research and teaching at the University of Bonn, an outline of the activities through which the fellow will enrich university life at the University of Bonn during his or her stay there
- An overview of the collaboration between the applicant and the fellow so far
- An outline of the integration of the fellow into the host institute (place of work, participation in teaching and research activities)
- An outline of follow-on value: (a) plan for the outcome of the stay, (b) plan for growing the collaboration in the future.
- Fellow’s CV (PDF)
- A financing plan (please use the following Excel file, download here)
4.Evaluation Process:
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- Pre-assessment: Anonymous review by independent experts.
- Final Decision: A university-wide committee selects successful candidates.
Submission Deadline
- For funding between January 2026 – October 2026: March 31, 2025
The Bonn SDG Fellowship is a golden opportunity for researchers committed to sustainable development. By fostering international collaboration, the fellowship strengthens research networks and promotes knowledge-sharing for global impact.
For more details, visit the official Bonn SDG Fellowships page and start preparing your application today!