Funding and fellowships for postdocs

Instruction on a microscope — © DAAD / Volker Lannert

Do you need financial support for your research stay in Germany? Sponsors and research organisations award prizes and fellowships to outstanding international postdoctoral scholars.

The size of a research grant depends on the respective programme and can vary considerably. There are often supplements for insurance or travel costs and family allowances. Funding organisations usually support scholarship holders by helping them meet the requirements for entering Germany or learning the language and offer membership of an alumni network afterwards.

Research grants are temporary in nature and usually awarded for a period of two to three years.

Where can I find a research grant?

The following information can help you find a suitable grant:

Picture of two researchers working together

List of funding programmes

Here you will find a list of selected funding programmes for international Postdocs and Junior researchers.

Overview of funding organisations

Many research funding organisations – especially the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation – support international postdoctoral scholars with research grants. In our Research funding section you will find an overview of the most important funding organisations in Germany.