Walter Benjamin Programme: DFG Funding for Postdoctoral Researchers to Conduct Independent Research in Germany or Abroad

The Walter Benjamin Programme of the German Research Foundation, also known as the DFG, offers an important funding opportunity for postdoctoral researchers at an early stage of their academic careers who want to independently conduct their own research projects.

Designed to support the transition toward an increasingly independent research career, the programme enables particularly qualified postdoctoral researchers to pursue a self-directed research project at a research institution of their choice. The project may be carried out either in Germany or abroad, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the funding module selected.

The Walter Benjamin Programme places a strong emphasis on research independence, academic mobility and thematic development. By securing funding for their own project, researchers can take an important step toward establishing themselves as independent scholars while developing their research expertise, professional networks and academic careers.

A key feature of the programme is that it generally requires applicants to change their research institution, reflecting the DFG’s objective of encouraging mobility during the early stages of an academic research career.

The funding structure differs depending on whether the project is conducted in Germany or abroad. Researchers undertaking their projects abroad may receive funding in the form of a fellowship, while projects based in Germany can be funded through a postdoctoral research position or, in some cases, a temporary substitute position.

In addition to the primary funding arrangement, the programme can also provide allowances for direct project costs, travel expenses, publication costs and, where applicable, increased publication costs.

For early-career postdoctoral researchers seeking to establish an independent research profile, gain experience at a new institution, conduct research internationally or strengthen their academic trajectory, the Walter Benjamin Programme represents a significant funding pathway.

About the Walter Benjamin Programme

The Walter Benjamin Programme is a DFG funding programme specifically designed to support researchers during the postdoctoral training and early career phase.

The programme enables eligible researchers to independently conduct their own research project at a location of their choice. The chosen project may be based at a research institution in Germany or at an institution abroad, provided that the relevant eligibility and programme conditions are met.

The host institution plays an important role in supporting the research project. However, applicants should carefully clarify the administrative arrangements before submitting their proposal.

An important point for prospective applicants is that fellowship funding is paid exclusively to the funding recipient and is not paid into an account held by the host institution. Before submitting a proposal, applicants are therefore advised to discuss with their intended host institution whether fellowship funding can be administered in accordance with the relevant DFG regulations.

This step can be particularly important for researchers planning to undertake their project at an institution outside Germany, where administrative arrangements may differ.

Purpose of the Walter Benjamin Programme

The central objective of the Walter Benjamin Programme is to help particularly qualified postdoctoral researchers take the next steps toward a more independent academic and research career.

By obtaining funding for their own research project, researchers are given the opportunity to:

• Develop and pursue an independent research agenda
• Exercise greater autonomy in shaping their research
• Strengthen their academic profile
• Develop expertise in a particular research area
• Gain experience at a new research institution
• Expand their academic and professional networks
• Support their transition toward the next stages of an independent research career
• Develop their research interests and thematic specialization
• Benefit from national or international research mobility

The programme recognizes that the postdoctoral phase can be a crucial period in a researcher’s career. At this stage, researchers are increasingly expected to demonstrate independence, develop original research questions and establish themselves within their academic or professional field.

The Walter Benjamin Programme is intended to support this process by providing researchers with the opportunity to secure funding for a project of their own.

A Strong Focus on Academic Independence

One of the defining features of the programme is its focus on independence.

Rather than simply joining an existing research project as a team member, successful applicants receive support to pursue their own research project.

This can provide postdoctoral researchers with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to:

• Develop an original research proposal
• Define relevant research questions
• Plan and manage an independent project
• Conduct research at a host institution
• Produce and publish research findings
• Build an individual academic profile

The programme is therefore particularly relevant for researchers who are moving beyond the doctoral stage and seeking to strengthen their credentials for future academic, research or other professional opportunities.

Research Location: Germany or Abroad

A major feature of the Walter Benjamin Programme is the flexibility to conduct the research project either in Germany or abroad.

Applicants can select a suitable research institution based on the requirements of their proposed project and their academic or professional development.

However, the funding structure and eligibility conditions can differ depending on where the project will be conducted.

Conducting the Project in Germany

Researchers carrying out their project in Germany may receive funding through a position under the staff category:

Postdoctoral researcher and comparable

In certain cases, a temporary substitute position may also be funded, usually under the staff category:

Medical research assistant

The host institution and host researchers are expected to provide appropriate support for the implementation of the project and the researcher’s career development.

This means that the programme is not solely focused on financing the individual researcher. The institutional environment and support provided to the researcher are also relevant to the successful implementation of the project.

Conducting the Project Abroad

For projects conducted abroad, funding is provided in the form of a fellowship.

Researchers considering an international research stay should carefully review the special eligibility provisions that apply to Walter Benjamin fellowships abroad.

These provisions include requirements related to the applicant’s integration into Germany’s academic research system, previous research activity, educational background and the amount of time already spent abroad for research purposes.

Special Eligibility Provisions for Walter Benjamin Fellowships Abroad

Funding for research abroad is subject to specific conditions.

The programme states that funding abroad can be provided when researchers are integrated into Germany’s academic research system.

This integration may be demonstrated in different ways depending on the applicant’s current location and academic background.

Researchers Based in Germany Before Applying

Researchers may be considered integrated into Germany’s academic research system if, immediately before submitting their proposal, they have worked as a researcher in Germany for a continuous period of at least three years during their doctoral and/or postdoctoral phase.

This requirement is particularly important for applicants who want to use the Walter Benjamin Programme to move from a German research environment to a host institution abroad.

Researchers Already Based Abroad

Researchers who are already based outside Germany may also be eligible for funding abroad under certain circumstances.

According to the programme conditions, funding can be provided if the researcher:

• Has completed the majority of their schooling and higher education in Germany; and
• Has not spent more than three years abroad for research purposes as of the time of proposal submission after completing their doctorate in Germany or abroad.

These provisions mean that researchers currently living or working outside Germany should carefully assess their educational and research history before applying.

Previous Time at the Proposed Host Institution

Another important requirement concerns the applicant’s previous employment or research activity at the institution chosen as the host for the Walter Benjamin fellowship.

At the time of proposal submission, applicants must not have worked for longer than one year at the selected host institution.

This condition is consistent with the programme’s broader objective of promoting research mobility and encouraging researchers to change their institutional environment.

Research Mobility as a Key Objective

The Walter Benjamin Programme specifically aims to promote mobility during the early stages of a research career.

For this reason, the programme generally requires the applicant to change their research institution.

Academic mobility can provide researchers with opportunities to:

• Work in a new institutional environment
• Establish new collaborations
• Access different research resources
• Develop international or national research networks
• Learn new methodologies
• Gain exposure to new academic perspectives
• Expand the scope of their research
• Build a more independent professional profile

Researchers should therefore consider the mobility requirement carefully when identifying a host institution and developing their research proposal.

Restrictions on the Type of Host Institution

The proposed research project may not be based at an entity that:

• Is for-profit; or
• Does not permit the publication of research findings in a generally accessible form

This requirement reflects the academic and research-oriented purpose of the programme.

Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed host institution provides an appropriate environment for independent research and allows research findings to be made publicly accessible.

Type and Extent of Funding

The exact type and extent of funding available through the Walter Benjamin Programme depends on the funding module selected and whether the project is carried out in Germany or abroad.

Funding for Research Abroad

For projects conducted abroad, funding is provided as a fellowship.

The fellowship includes a monthly basic amount and may also include additional allowances where applicable.

These may include:

• Foreign allowances
• Cost-of-living allowance
• Travel allowance
• Benefits for fellowship recipients with children

The availability and amount of funding depend on the relevant programme provisions and the applicant’s individual circumstances.

The DFG also provides an Award Calculator that researchers can use to estimate the level of funding they may receive.

Funding for Research in Germany

For projects based in Germany, funding is generally provided through a position under the staff category of:

Postdoctoral researcher and comparable

In certain circumstances, a temporary substitute position may also be available, usually under the category of medical research assistant.

Combining Funding Modules

The programme also allows the possibility of combining funding arrangements.

This can provide flexibility for researchers whose proposed project includes different phases or research locations.

Applicants should carefully consider which module or combination of modules is most appropriate for their proposed research project and career development.

Additional Funding and Project Costs

Regardless of the funding module selected, the programme provides for allowances relating to important research and project expenses.

These can include:

• Direct project costs
• Travel expenses
• Publication costs
• Increased publication costs where applicable, including literature-related costs

These additional forms of support can be important because research projects often involve expenses beyond the basic funding provided to support the researcher.

Applicants should therefore carefully examine the forms, guidelines and programme documentation when preparing their proposal and research budget.

Support for Researchers With Children

Where applicable, the fellowship can also provide benefits for fellowship recipients with children.

This is one of the additional components included within the fellowship structure, alongside the monthly basic amount and possible allowances for foreign living costs and travel.

Applicants with children should review the applicable DFG funding regulations and programme guidance to understand which benefits may apply to their individual circumstances.

Funding Duration

The Walter Benjamin Programme provides funding for a period of up to two years as a rule.

This duration can give postdoctoral researchers a substantial period in which to:

• Develop their research project
• Conduct research
• Build new collaborations
• Develop methodological expertise
• Work within a new research environment
• Produce academic outputs
• Strengthen their independent academic profile
• Prepare for the next stage of their research career

The two-year funding period can therefore offer researchers a structured period of support during a critical phase of career development.

Important Requirements Before Submitting a Proposal

Prospective applicants should not wait until their proposal is fully prepared before communicating with the intended host institution.

The programme specifically advises applicants to clarify whether the fellowship funding can be administered by the host institution in accordance with DFG regulations.

Applicants should therefore consider discussing the following with their proposed host institution:

1. Whether the institution is willing to host the proposed research project
2. Whether the institution can provide the necessary support for the project
3. Whether the fellowship funding arrangements can be administered in accordance with DFG regulations
4. Whether the proposed research environment is suitable for the project
5. Whether the institution permits research findings to be published in a generally accessible form
6. Whether the applicant satisfies the programme’s mobility and previous-employment requirements

These discussions can help applicants avoid administrative difficulties after investing substantial time in preparing a proposal.

Special Note for Researchers Planning a Fellowship in France

The programme provides a specific note for applicants planning a postdoctoral fellowship at a research institution in France.

According to the information provided, French legislation allows postdoctoral fellowships at research institutions in France for a maximum period of 12 months.

However, enquiries with the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation have indicated that fellowships may be granted for a period of up to 24 months if the postdoctoral researcher moves to another institution in France after 12 months.

Researchers planning a stay in France under the Walter Benjamin Programme should take this requirement into account while developing their proposal.

Where applicable, both host institutions must already have been confirmed at the time the proposal is submitted.

This means applicants considering a two-year research period in France may need to:

• Plan for a change of host institution after the first 12 months
• Identify both institutions in advance
• Confirm the willingness of both institutions to host the researcher
• Ensure that the research plan is structured appropriately
• Have both institutions confirmed at the time of proposal submission where required

Researchers considering this option should pay particular attention to the administrative and planning implications before submitting their proposal.

Who Is Eligible for the Walter Benjamin Programme?

The programme is specifically aimed at postdoctoral researchers at an early career stage.

Applicants should therefore be in the postdoctoral phase of their research career and seeking to develop greater independence through their own research project.

The programme is intended for particularly qualified researchers who are ready to take the next steps toward an increasingly autonomous academic or research career.

Depending on the location of the proposed research project, additional eligibility requirements may apply.

Applicants planning research abroad must pay particular attention to the requirements concerning:

• Integration into Germany’s academic research system
• Previous research activity in Germany
• Educational history
• Time spent abroad for research purposes
• Previous work at the proposed host institution

How to Prepare a Strong Walter Benjamin Programme Proposal

Preparing a proposal for an independent research funding programme requires careful planning.

Although the programme information emphasizes the applicant’s own research project, independence and mobility, applicants should ensure that their proposal clearly demonstrates the significance and feasibility of the proposed work.

A strong preparation process may involve the following steps.

1. Define an Independent Research Project

Applicants should clearly establish the research question, objectives and expected direction of their proposed project.

Because the programme supports the applicant’s own research project, it is important that the proposal reflects an independent and clearly defined research agenda.

2. Select an Appropriate Host Institution

The host institution should provide an appropriate environment for carrying out the research.

Applicants should consider factors such as:

• Research expertise
• Available facilities and resources
• Potential academic collaborations
• Institutional support
• Compatibility with the proposed research
• Publication requirements
• Administrative arrangements

3. Check the Mobility Requirement

Because the programme generally requires applicants to change their research institution, researchers should carefully examine whether their proposed host institution meets this requirement.

Applicants for fellowships abroad should also ensure that they have not worked at the selected host institution for longer than one year at the time of proposal submission.

4. Review Eligibility for Research Abroad

Applicants planning to conduct their project outside Germany should carefully review the additional eligibility requirements.

Their academic and research history may be particularly important in determining whether they are considered integrated into Germany’s academic research system.

5. Discuss Administrative Arrangements With the Host Institution

Before submitting the proposal, applicants should clarify whether the host institution can administer fellowship funding in accordance with DFG regulations.

This is an important practical step because the fellowship is paid directly to the funding recipient rather than into an institutional account.

6. Plan the Funding Structure

Applicants should consider whether their project will be based:

• Entirely in Germany
• Entirely abroad
• Through a combination of funding modules or locations

The selected structure should support both the research project and the applicant’s career development.

7. Consider Project-Related Expenses

Applicants should review the potential costs associated with:

• Research activities
• Travel
• Publications
• Literature and increased publication costs where applicable

The programme provides allowances for several of these areas, subject to the relevant funding rules.

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Forms, Guidelines and Proposal Documentation

The DFG provides forms, templates and additional guidelines for the Walter Benjamin Programme.

Prospective applicants should carefully review the official programme documentation before preparing and submitting a proposal.

The available materials can help researchers understand:

• Programme requirements
• Funding conditions
• Proposal preparation
• Relevant forms
• Supporting documentation
• Administrative procedures

Applicants should ensure that they are using the relevant and current documentation for their application.

Proposal Deadline: Is There a Fixed Deadline?

Based on the information provided, a section titled “Proposal Deadlines” is listed for the Walter Benjamin Programme, but no specific application or proposal deadline date is stated in the supplied information.

Therefore, applicants should not assume a particular deadline from this programme description alone.

Prospective applicants should check the relevant official DFG proposal deadline information and current programme guidance before planning their submission.

This is particularly important because funding opportunities and proposal procedures may have specific submission requirements or schedules.

Additional Information and Support

The programme information also provides access to additional resources related to research careers and the Walter Benjamin Programme.

These include:

• Forms and guidelines
• Frequently asked questions
• Further programme information
• A downloadable Walter Benjamin Programme flyer
• Information on how the DFG supports research careers
• Information talks on DFG funding opportunities for research careers
• A discussion platform for fellows abroad
• Information relating to refugee researchers
• Videos explaining the programme and the researchers supported through DFG funding

The available videos include material explaining:

• Who can apply for funding
• Funding conditions
• The process of preparing a proposal
• Experiences and perspectives of DFG-funded researchers
• The research being conducted by funded researchers

These resources may be particularly useful for first-time applicants who want to better understand the expectations associated with independent research funding.

Why the Walter Benjamin Programme Can Be Important for Early-Career Researchers

The transition from doctoral research to an independent research career can be one of the most significant stages in an academic career.

During this period, researchers may need to demonstrate that they can:

• Develop their own research agenda
• Secure competitive funding
• Build professional networks
• Work independently
• Establish expertise in a specialized area
• Adapt to new research environments
• Develop an increasingly autonomous academic profile

The Walter Benjamin Programme is designed to support researchers during this transition.

Its focus on independent research funding, institutional mobility and career development can make it particularly relevant for postdoctoral researchers seeking to establish the foundations for future academic or research opportunities.

The possibility of conducting research in Germany or abroad also provides researchers with flexibility in identifying an environment that best supports their project.

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Key Features of the Walter Benjamin Programme at a Glance

The main features of the programme include:

• Funding for early-career postdoctoral researchers
• Support for an independently developed research project
• Research opportunities in Germany or abroad
• A strong emphasis on academic independence
• A general requirement to change the research institution
• Funding for up to two years as a rule
• Fellowship funding for research projects conducted abroad
• Postdoctoral research positions for projects conducted in Germany
• Possible combination of funding modules
• Monthly basic fellowship funding
• Possible foreign allowances
• Possible cost-of-living allowance
• Travel allowance
• Benefits for eligible fellowship recipients with children
• Allowances for direct project costs
• Support for travel expenses
• Support for publication costs
• Possible increased publication costs
• Special eligibility provisions for research projects abroad
• Specific guidance for researchers planning a fellowship in France
• Host institution support for the research project and career development

Conclusion

The DFG Walter Benjamin Programme provides a significant opportunity for early-career postdoctoral researchers who want to take greater control of their research trajectory and conduct an independent research project in Germany or abroad.

By supporting researchers during the postdoctoral phase, the programme aims to help them develop the autonomy, mobility and thematic expertise needed for the next stages of an increasingly independent research career.

The programme’s flexible structure allows projects to be conducted at research institutions in Germany or internationally, although applicants must carefully consider the different funding arrangements and eligibility requirements that apply to each option.

Researchers planning a project abroad should pay particular attention to the additional conditions relating to their connection with Germany’s academic research system, the amount of time previously spent abroad and the period already spent at the proposed host institution.

Funding is generally available for up to two years and may include a combination of a monthly basic amount, relevant allowances, travel support, publication costs and other project-related expenses, depending on the selected funding module and individual circumstances.

Applicants should begin preparing early by developing a strong independent research project, identifying a suitable host institution, confirming the relevant administrative arrangements and carefully reviewing the DFG’s current forms and guidelines.

For postdoctoral researchers seeking to strengthen their academic independence, gain experience at a new institution, develop their own research profile and prepare for the next stage of their research career, the Walter Benjamin Programme can provide an important pathway toward greater academic and professional autonomy.

Before submitting a proposal, applicants should verify the current proposal submission requirements and deadlines through the relevant official DFG programme information, as no specific deadline date is provided in the information supplied here.

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