Are you an established researcher or postdoctoral scholar looking for dedicated time to develop an innovative research project in Germany? The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) at the University of Freiburg offers residential research fellowships for researchers at different career stages.
Quick Eligibility: FRIAS Fellowship
- Opportunity Type: Funded Residential Research Fellowship
- Education Level: PhD / Postdoctoral Researchers / Senior Researchers
- Eligible Fields: All disciplines supported by the University of Freiburg for the Early Career and Senior tracks
- Nationality: Worldwide
- Early Career Fellowship: Completed PhD + maximum 8 years of postdoctoral experience
- Senior Fellowship: Completed PhD + minimum 8 years of postdoctoral experience
- Sustainable Governance Fellowship: Researchers of any nationality based at an African institution
- Sustainable Governance Fields: Humanities & Social Sciences
- Age Limit: Not specified
- Research Experience: Required
- Application Fee: $0
- Location: Freiburg, Germany
- Application Deadline: September 18, 2026 at 13:00 CET
- Application Method: Online application through FRIAS
Fellowship Tracks
Early Career Fellowship
For researchers who:
- Hold a completed PhD
- Have a maximum of 8 years of postdoctoral experience
- Have at least 6 months of research or study experience at an academic institution in a country different from where they obtained their first academic degree
- Have at least 4 peer-reviewed publications since January 1, 2022
Duration: 4–10 months.
Senior Fellowship
For established researchers who:
- Hold a completed PhD
- Have at least 8 years of postdoctoral experience
- Have at least 10 peer-reviewed publications since January 1, 2020
- Have at least 6 months of research or study experience abroad relative to the country of their first academic degree
Duration: 3–8 months.
Sustainable Governance Fellowship — Researchers from Africa
This is a separate track for researchers who:
- Hold a completed PhD
- Have at least 8 years of postdoctoral experience
- Are based in an African country/institution
- Work in the Humanities or Social Sciences
- Have the required international research/study experience
- Meet the programme’s publication requirements
Duration: 6 months.
What Does FRIAS Provide?
FRIAS provides fellows with financial and research support, including:
- Monthly living/financial support
- Travel costs for inbound and outbound journeys
- Research cost contribution
- Office/workspace at FRIAS
- Access to University of Freiburg resources
- International interdisciplinary research network
- Support with practical matters such as accommodation, childcare and visa-related arrangements.
Important: The exact financial arrangement depends on the fellowship track and the fellow’s circumstances. FRIAS states that selected applicants may receive a University of Freiburg fellowship/employment contract or another form of compensation.
Is It Residential?
Yes. Full-time presence at FRIAS is mandatory.
The fellowship is designed for researchers to work on their own projects while participating in FRIAS’s interdisciplinary academic community. Fieldwork outside Freiburg cannot be funded during the fellowship period.
However, applicants should still account for personal expenses associated with relocating to Germany.
Official Information
FRIAS Fellowship Programmes — University of Freiburg
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