FRIAS Fellowship Programmes 2027/28 in Germany: Fully Funded Research Fellowships for Early-Career and Senior Researchers Worldwide

The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) at the University of Freiburg, Germany, has officially announced applications for its prestigious FRIAS Fellowship Programmes 2027/28, offering exceptional research opportunities for outstanding scholars from around the world.

The institute is inviting applications under three highly competitive fellowship schemes:

• FRIAS Early Career Fellowship Programme 2027/28
• FRIAS Senior Fellowship Programme 2027/28
• FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme for Researchers from Africa 2027/28

These internationally recognized fellowships provide scholars with dedicated research time, generous financial support, access to one of Germany’s leading universities, and the opportunity to collaborate within an interdisciplinary international research community.

Researchers from virtually every academic discipline are encouraged to apply, making the programme one of Europe’s premier opportunities for advanced research.

About the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS)

The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) serves as the international research college of the University of Freiburg, one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious universities.

Founded in 1457, the University of Freiburg has developed an outstanding global reputation for academic excellence.

Today the university features:

• Eleven faculties
• Around 240 academic degree programmes
• 453 full professorships
• 28 junior professorships
• Internationally recognized research centers
• Excellent interdisciplinary collaborations

FRIAS builds upon this strong academic foundation by creating an environment where researchers can dedicate themselves entirely to research without the usual distractions of teaching and administrative duties.

The institute hosts researchers from Germany and across the globe, creating a vibrant intellectual community where innovative ideas flourish through interdisciplinary exchange.

About the FRIAS Fellowship Programmes

The fellowship programmes are specifically designed to provide scholars with uninterrupted time to pursue ambitious research projects while benefiting from extensive academic resources.

FRIAS welcomes researchers from all disciplines and academic backgrounds, fostering collaboration across fields and encouraging innovative research approaches.

Throughout the fellowship, participants become part of an international academic community and gain access to:

• University of Freiburg research facilities
• Extensive library collections
• Office space
• Research support
• International networking opportunities
• Interdisciplinary seminars
• Collaborative research initiatives

Depending on the fellowship programme, fellows receive financial support that may include:

• Monthly living allowance
• Fellowship contract or equivalent financial compensation
• Accommodation support
• Mobility allowance
• Research cost contribution
• Travel expenses for inbound and outbound journeys
• Tailored support depending on research needs

Fellowship Programmes Available

1. FRIAS Early Career Fellowship Programme 2027/28

This fellowship is designed for promising early-career researchers who have recently completed their doctoral studies and wish to further develop their independent research careers.

Fellowship Duration

Selected fellows may undertake research for:

4–10 months

between

1 September 2027 and 31 August 2028

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a completed PhD.
• Have no more than eight years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Have published at least four peer-reviewed publications since 1 January 2022.
• Have completed at least six months of research or study abroad.
• Submit an outstanding research proposal.

What Early Career Fellows Receive

Successful fellows benefit from:

• Fellowship contract or equivalent compensation
• Research cost contribution
• Travel support
• Access to University of Freiburg resources
• International academic networking
• Office facilities
• Library access

  APPLICATION MANUAL                                          APPLY NOW

2. FRIAS Senior Fellowship Programme 2027/28

The Senior Fellowship Programme supports established researchers with extensive academic experience who are pursuing high-impact research projects.

Fellowship Duration

Selected fellows will spend:

3–8 months

at FRIAS during the fellowship period:

1 September 2027 – 31 August 2028

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a completed doctoral degree.
• Have at least eight years of postdoctoral experience.
• Have ten peer-reviewed publications published since January 2020.
• Demonstrate international research experience.
• Present a highly competitive research proposal.

Benefits

Senior Fellows receive:

• Fellowship contract or financial compensation
• Research cost contribution
• Travel funding
• Office space
• University research facilities
• Library access
• Interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities

APPLICATION MANUAL                                            APPLY NOW

3. Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme for Researchers from Africa

This specialized fellowship focuses exclusively on researchers working in Humanities and Social Sciences whose research addresses Sustainable Governance.

The fellowship supports researchers based in African institutions while strengthening academic collaboration between Africa and the University of Freiburg.

Fellowship Duration

6 months

within:

1 September 2027 – 31 August 2028

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a PhD.
• Have a minimum of eight years of postdoctoral experience.
• Be based at an African institution.
• Hold a Master’s or PhD earned in Africa.
• Have at least five peer-reviewed publications since January 2017.
• Secure a Letter of Cooperation from a Professor at the University of Freiburg.

Only research projects within:

• Humanities
• Social Sciences

with a thematic focus on Sustainable Governance will be considered.

Research Environment

FRIAS provides fellows with an exceptional academic environment where they can devote themselves entirely to research.

A unique feature of the programme is its emphasis on interdisciplinary dialogue.

Researchers regularly participate in:

• Academic seminars
• Workshops
• Research presentations
• Interdisciplinary discussions
• International collaborations

To maximize these interactions, full-time presence at FRIAS is mandatory throughout the fellowship period.

Applicants should note that fieldwork conducted outside Freiburg cannot be funded during the fellowship.

Application Requirements

Applicants will complete an online application form containing:

• Candidate information
• Project abstract
• Layman’s abstract
• Ethical issues table
• Motivation statement

Applicants must also upload supporting documents.

Required Documents

These include:

• Project proposal (maximum 3,000 words)
• Curriculum Vitae (using the mandatory template)
• Publication list
• Copy of PhD diploma

APPLICATION MANUAL                                           APPLY NOW

Additional requirements include:

Early Career Fellowship

• Contact details for two academic evaluators
• Letter of support (experimental scientists only)
• Experiment sketch and timetable (experimental scientists only)

Senior Fellowship

• Letter of support (experimental scientists only)
• Experiment sketch and timetable (experimental scientists only)

Sustainable Governance Fellowship

• Letter of Cooperation from a Professor at the University of Freiburg

Applicants are encouraged to consult the official Application Manual for detailed instructions and formatting requirements.

Selection Process

FRIAS fellowships are awarded through a highly competitive, merit-based selection process.

Selection focuses on:

• Scientific excellence
• Originality
• Innovation
• Academic quality
• Feasibility
• Potential research impact

The expected success rate is approximately:

• 5% for Early Career and Senior Fellowships.
• 10% for the Sustainable Governance Fellowship.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for all three fellowship programmes is:

18 September 2026 at 13:00 CET

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

For More Information

Interested applicants can learn more about each fellowship programme, review the application manuals, and submit their applications through the official Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies website.

For enquiries, applicants may contact:

General Fellowships
Email: fellowships@frias.uni-freiburg.de

Sustainable Governance Fellowship
Email: susgovafrica.fellowships@frias.uni-freiburg.de

Conclusion

The FRIAS Fellowship Programmes 2027/28 offer an outstanding opportunity for early-career and senior researchers to advance innovative research within one of Germany’s most prestigious academic environments. Whether you are an emerging scholar seeking dedicated time to develop your research career, an established academic pursuing groundbreaking work, or an African researcher focusing on sustainable governance, these fellowships provide generous funding, access to world-class research facilities, and invaluable opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Researchers with exceptional academic records and ambitious research proposals are encouraged to submit their applications before the 18 September 2026 deadline and take advantage of this highly competitive international fellowship opportunity.

Discover more global Fellowship opportunities on OFY HERE