Call for Applications: FRIAS Fellowship Programmes 2026/27

The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) is now accepting applications for its prestigious Fellowship Programmes for the academic year 2026/27. These fellowships are designed to support researchers from all disciplines in advancing independent research projects in an interdisciplinary and international academic environment at the University of Freiburg, Germany.

Fellowship Categories

FRIAS offers three distinct fellowship opportunities:

1. Early Career Fellowships

• Duration: 4 to 10 months

• For: Researchers with a PhD awarded within the last 8 years

• Requirements:

  • At least six months of research or study in a country other than where the applicant earned their first academic degree

  • Four peer-reviewed publications since January 1, 2021

• Deadline: 12 September 2025, 13:00 (CET)

2. Senior Fellowships

• Duration: 3 to 8 months

• For: Researchers with a PhD and at least 8 years of postdoctoral experience

• Requirements:

  • At least six months of international research/study experience

  • Ten peer-reviewed publications since January 1, 2019

• Deadline: 12 September 2025, 13:00 (CET)

3. Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowships for Researchers from Africa

• Duration: 6 months

• For: Senior researchers based in African institutions

• Requirements:

  • Minimum of 8 years postdoctoral experience

  • At least six months of international research/study experience

  • Five peer-reviewed publications since January 1, 2016

  • Master’s or PhD degree obtained in an African country

  • Focus on Humanities and Social Sciences, specifically sustainable governance

  • A letter of cooperation from a professor at the University of Freiburg

• Deadline: 12 September 2025, 13:00 (CET)

Fellowship Benefits

• Monthly stipend or contract-based remuneration

• Research cost contribution

• Mobility allowance and travel expenses (if applicable)

• Full access to University of Freiburg resources and libraries

• Office space and academic community engagement

• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

• Online application form

• Project proposal (max. 3000 words)

• Curriculum Vitae (template provided)

• Publication list (8–15 publications depending on the programme)

• Copy of PhD diploma

• Additional documents for experimental scientists (e.g., experiment sketches)

• Letter of support or cooperation (where applicable)

• Contact details of two referees

Application portal closes on 12 September 2025 at 13:00 (CET).

About FRIAS

FRIAS is the University of Freiburg’s international research college. It fosters academic excellence and interdisciplinary research through fellowships that bring together scholars from across the globe in a stimulating academic environment. Fellows are expected to be present full-time at FRIAS and actively engage with the institute’s academic life.

Contact Information

• General Inquiries: fellowships@frias.uni-freiburg.de

• Sustainable Governance Fellowship: susgovafrica.fellowships@frias.uni-freiburg.de

For detailed eligibility, requirements, and submission instructions, please visit the official FRIAS Fellowship Programmes page.

For more opportunities, visit opportunitiesforyouth.org.