University of Bayreuth Research Grants 2027 in Germany | Up to €10,000 | Deadline: September 15, 2026
Published: August 10, 2026
University: University of Bayreuth
Program: Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt”
Location: Bayreuth, Germany
Funding: Up to €10,000
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
Eligibility: International Researchers
Academic Level: Researchers with a completed PhD
About the University of Bayreuth Research Grants
The University of Bayreuth Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt” is inviting applications from international researchers for its 2027 Starter Grant Programme and 2026 Short Term Grants Programme.
These funding opportunities are designed to promote excellent international research, strengthen academic collaboration, and establish long-term research connections between international researchers and academics at the University of Bayreuth.
The programmes are open to researchers from all academic disciplines, subject to the specific programme guidelines. Applicants are expected to develop a research project in cooperation with a suitable academic host at the University of Bayreuth.
University of Bayreuth Research Grants – Quick Overview
1. Starter Grant Programme 2027
The Starter Grant Programme 2027 supports excellent researchers working at research institutions outside Germany who want to establish or strengthen research collaboration with researchers at the University of Bayreuth.
The grant is intended to support a collaborative research project and help build long-term academic relationships between the applicant and the University of Bayreuth.
Financial Benefits
Successful Starter Grant applicants can receive:
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€10,000 to cover costs related to the collaborative research project.
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An additional €250 monthly family allowance for eligible grantees accompanied by at least one child.
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The opportunity to conduct research at the University of Bayreuth.
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The possibility of applying for a Booster Grant of €20,000 after successfully completing the Starter Grant and meeting the relevant success criteria.
The €10,000 Starter Grant is intended to cover project-related costs, and applicants are required to submit a budget plan as part of their application. The research stay must begin within one year of the official acceptance of the grant.
Starter Grant Eligibility
The programme is aimed at researchers who:
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Work at a research institution outside Germany.
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Have a completed PhD.
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Have an appropriate research profile and academic experience.
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Identify one or more suitable researchers at the University of Bayreuth as academic hosts.
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Develop a strong collaborative research project with the University of Bayreuth.
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Are able to undertake the research stay within the required period.
The selection is competitive and based strongly on the academic excellence of the applicant and the quality of the proposed collaborative research project.
2. Short Term Grants Programme 2026
The Short Term Grants Programme 2026 provides financial support for international researchers who want to undertake a short research visit at the University of Bayreuth.
The research visit normally lasts approximately one to three weeks and should be conducted in cooperation with a local academic host at the University of Bayreuth.
Financial Benefits
The Short Term Grant provides reimbursement of eligible costs, up to a maximum of €3,500, including:
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Travel expenses between the researcher's home institution and Bayreuth;
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Accommodation costs in Bayreuth;
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Visa fees, where applicable;
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Daily allowance;
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Other eligible expenses related to the research stay.
Short Term Grant Eligibility
Applicants should generally:
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Be international researchers from outside Germany.
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Have a completed PhD.
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Have a clear research purpose for the proposed visit.
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Identify a suitable researcher at the University of Bayreuth as a local academic host.
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Present a strong research project that can benefit from cooperation with the University of Bayreuth.
The programme is open to researchers from different academic disciplines. Selection considers the academic excellence of the applicant, the quality of the proposed collaborative project, and its potential to create further academic networking with the University of Bayreuth.
Who Can Apply?
These grants are primarily designed for international researchers with completed PhDs.
Potential applicants may include:
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Postdoctoral researchers;
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University researchers;
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Academic scholars;
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Research fellows;
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Scientists working at institutions outside Germany;
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Researchers seeking international academic collaboration.
Applicants should note that these grants are not conventional scholarships for undergraduate or master's students.
Research Areas
The programmes are open to all academic disciplines, according to the current call.
Potential research areas may include:
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Natural Sciences
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Engineering
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Computer Science
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Environmental Studies
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Social Sciences
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Humanities
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Economics
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Law
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Education
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International Studies
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Interdisciplinary Research
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Other academic fields
Applicants should carefully review the official programme guidelines for any discipline-specific requirements.
How to Apply
Applicants should begin by identifying a suitable academic host at the University of Bayreuth whose research interests match their proposed project.
The general application process includes:
Step 1: Review the Official Call
Carefully read the programme information and application guidelines.
Step 2: Identify an Academic Host
Find a researcher at the University of Bayreuth whose research interests align with your proposed project.
Step 3: Develop the Research Project
Discuss your research idea with the potential host and develop a strong collaborative research proposal.
Step 4: Prepare the Application
Prepare the required research proposal, academic information, budget and supporting documents according to the relevant programme guidelines.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Complete and submit the application through the official online application system before the deadline.
Applicants should make sure that all required documents and host information are provided correctly because the programme guidelines are binding.
Why Apply?
The University of Bayreuth Research Grants can provide international researchers with an opportunity to:
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Conduct research in Germany;
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Work with researchers at a German university;
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Build international academic networks;
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Develop long-term research collaborations;
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Strengthen their academic profile;
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Access the University of Bayreuth research environment;
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Develop collaborative publications and research projects;
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Explore future academic partnerships;
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Potentially progress from a Starter Grant to a €20,000 Booster Grant.
Can African Researchers Apply?
Yes. The current call is open to researchers from abroad and covers all academic disciplines. The University of Bayreuth also provides specific information regarding African Studies within its current call.
However, applicants must still meet the programme's academic requirements and have an appropriate research collaboration with a University of Bayreuth host.
Can Rwandan Researchers Apply?
Yes, potentially. 🇷🇼
Rwandan researchers can apply if they meet the programme requirements.
In particular, applicants should be international researchers working at a research institution outside Germany, have a completed PhD, and establish a suitable research collaboration with a researcher at the University of Bayreuth.
Therefore, this opportunity can be relevant to qualified Rwandan researchers and academics, but having a PhD and meeting the host/collaboration requirements is essential.
Important Dates
📌 Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
📌 Starter Grant: 2027 programme
📌 Short Term Grant: 2026 programme
📌 Short Research Visit: Usually 1–3 weeks for the Short Term Grant
Both current calls list September 15, 2026 as the application deadline.
Important Note
These opportunities should not be confused with regular university scholarships.
The Starter Grant and Short Term Grant are research funding programmes for international researchers who want to collaborate with academics at the University of Bayreuth.
A suitable academic host at the University of Bayreuth is an important part of the application, so interested researchers should start contacting potential hosts well before the deadline.
Conclusion
The University of Bayreuth Research Grants 2027 offer international researchers an opportunity to conduct collaborative research in Germany and develop valuable academic connections with researchers at the University of Bayreuth.
The Starter Grant provides €10,000, while the Short Term Grant provides up to €3,500 for eligible costs associated with a short research visit.
For qualified researchers from Rwanda and other countries who already hold a PhD and have a strong research proposal, this can be a valuable opportunity to establish an international research collaboration in Germany.
Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
Official programme: University of Bayreuth Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt”
