International researchers with a completed PhD can apply for funding opportunities at the University of Bayreuth Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt” in Germany. The Centre is currently offering Starter Grants for 2027 and Short Term Grants for 2026, supporting international research collaboration and academic exchange across disciplines.
The Starter Grant provides €10,000 for research projects at the University of Bayreuth, while the Short Term Grant provides up to €3,500 for international research stays lasting approximately one to three weeks.
Both programmes have an application deadline of September 15, 2026.
Grants Overview
1. Starter Grant Programme 2027
The Starter Grant Programme 2027 supports international researchers who want to conduct their own research project at the University of Bayreuth in collaboration with a local researcher.
The programme is open to all disciplines, with specific provisions applying to research focused on African Studies.
Funding Benefits
Successful Starter Grant recipients receive:
- €10,000 for project-related costs
- An additional €250 monthly family allowance for grantees accompanied by at least one child
- Access to the University of Bayreuth’s research environment
- Office and laboratory facilities provided by the local host
- Opportunities for international academic networking and collaboration
Successful recipients may later apply for a €20,000 Booster Grant, provided they can demonstrate that the Starter Grant was successfully completed. Evidence may include joint publications, workshops, conferences, or other outcomes resulting from the initial funding.
Who Can Apply for the Starter Grant?
The programme is intended for researchers affiliated with institutions outside Germany who have challenging and innovative research projects of high academic quality.
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD
- Have fully completed the PhD procedure, including receipt of the PhD diploma
- Present a high-quality research project
- Demonstrate academic excellence through their research record and publications
- Show potential for continued networking with the University of Bayreuth beyond the proposed local collaboration
The Centre particularly encourages applications from female scholars and researchers who can contribute to greater diversity within the University’s research profile.
Important: Find a University of Bayreuth Host Before Applying
One of the most important requirements is that applicants must identify a researcher at the University of Bayreuth who will serve as their local host before submitting the application.
The Bayreuth Humboldt Centre does not search for hosts on behalf of applicants.
The proposed research should benefit both the applicant and the local host. Hosts are expected to provide appropriate office or laboratory space and access to relevant infrastructure.
Applicants are therefore encouraged to begin identifying and contacting potential hosts early in the application process.
2. Short Term Grants Programme 2026
The Short Term Grants Programme 2026 supports international researchers who wish to undertake a short research stay at the University of Bayreuth.
The grants are intended for stays of approximately one to three weeks.
Funding Benefits
The programme provides reimbursement for:
- Travel expenses between the researcher’s home institution and Bayreuth
- Accommodation costs in Bayreuth
- Up to €3,500 in total eligible costs
The programme is open to researchers regardless of their research discipline, subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Who Can Apply for the Short Term Grant?
Applicants must:
- Be affiliated with an institution outside Germany
- Hold a PhD
- Have fully completed their PhD procedure, including the PhD diploma
- Propose a challenging and innovative research project
- Demonstrate academic excellence
- Establish a research collaboration with a host researcher at the University of Bayreuth
Researchers must identify their Bayreuth host before submitting the application.
The research project should benefit both the visiting researcher and the host and contribute to longer-term academic networking with the University of Bayreuth.
Research Areas
The University of Bayreuth has research strengths across a broad range of disciplines. Potential areas of collaboration include fields such as:
- African Studies
- Ecology
- Polymer Science
- Digital Humanities
- Law
- Economics
- Cultural Studies
- Other interdisciplinary research areas
Applicants are encouraged to explore the University’s research networks and identify researchers whose expertise aligns with their proposed project.
Why Apply?
The Bayreuth Humboldt Centre is designed to promote international research collaboration and academic exchange across disciplines, cultures, countries, and career stages.
Successful applicants become part of an international research community at the University of Bayreuth and can benefit from the University’s research environment, facilities, academic networks, and opportunities for collaboration.
For researchers looking to establish or strengthen international academic partnerships, these grants can provide an opportunity to develop research projects while working directly with scholars in Germany.
Application Deadline
The deadline for both the Starter Grant Programme 2027 and the Short Term Grants Programme 2026 is September 15, 2026.
Applicants should prepare their applications early, particularly because securing a suitable host researcher at the University of Bayreuth is a mandatory part of the application process.
How to Apply
Applicants should review the relevant application guidelines carefully and submit a complete application through the appropriate online application form:
Starter Grant Programme 2027: Apply through the University of Bayreuth’s online application system.
Short Term Grants Programme 2026: Apply through the University’s online application system.
Applicants should ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements and follow the application guidelines precisely, as applications that do not comply with the requirements will not be considered.
Conclusion
The University of Bayreuth Humboldt Centre Grants offer international researchers an opportunity to develop research projects in collaboration with scholars in Germany while becoming part of a global academic research community.
With €10,000 available through the Starter Grant and up to €3,500 through the Short Term Grant, researchers with completed PhDs should consider these programmes if their research interests align with the University’s expertise.
Discover more fellowship opportunities like this on the OFY Webpage.
