Fully Funded Research Opportunities in Germany |University of Bayreuth Starter Grant 2027 and Short Term Grants 2026
The University of Bayreuth Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt” has officially opened applications for two prestigious international research funding opportunities. Researchers from around the world can now apply for the Starter Grant Programme 2027 and the Short Term Grants 2026, both designed to strengthen international academic collaboration and promote world-class research at the University of Bayreuth in Germany. Whether you are planning a long-term collaborative research project or a short academic visit, these grants provide valuable financial support and access to one of Germany’s leading research universities. Application Deadline: 15 September 2026
The University of Bayreuth’s Starter Grant Programme 2027 and Short Term Grants 2026 offer outstanding opportunities for international researchers seeking to build lasting academic collaborations in Germany. With generous funding, access to world-class research facilities, and opportunities for future grants, these programmes are highly competitive and well suited to scholars with ambitious research goals. Prospective applicants should begin identifying a suitable academic host early, carefully follow the official application guidelines, and submit a complete application before 15 September 2026 to maximize their chances of success.
Overview of the Bayreuth Humboldt Centre
The Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt,” commonly known as the Bayreuth Humboldt Centre (BHC), supports outstanding international researchers by encouraging academic cooperation across disciplines, cultures, and institutions.
Its mission is to:
- Promote internationally competitive research
- Strengthen global academic partnerships
- Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration
- Support networking between experienced and early-career researchers
- Foster engagement between academia, society, and public policy
Successful applicants become official grantees of the Bayreuth Humboldt Centre and gain access to the University’s vibrant research environment across its seven faculties.
University of Bayreuth Starter Grant Programme 2027
The Starter Grant Programme is designed for outstanding international researchers who wish to establish or strengthen research collaboration with scholars at the University of Bayreuth.
Starter Grant Funding
Successful applicants receive:
- Grant amount: €10,000
- Funding can be used for all project-related expenses
- Additional €250 monthly family allowance for grantees accompanied by at least one child
Unlike many research grants that restrict spending categories, the Starter Grant allows recipients flexibility in managing project expenses.
Opportunity for a Follow-Up Booster Grant
One of the most attractive features of the Starter Grant Programme is the opportunity to apply for the Booster Grant after successfully completing the funded project.
Researchers may become eligible for:
- Booster Grant value: €20,000
Applicants must demonstrate successful outcomes from their Starter Grant project, such as:
- Joint research publications
- Collaborative workshops
- Academic conferences
- Other measurable research achievements
Applications for the Booster Grant are evaluated based on the impact and success of the Starter Grant project.
Who Can Apply?
The programme welcomes applicants from all academic disciplines, with a specific exception regarding African Studies (explained below). Applicants must:
- Be affiliated with an institution outside Germany
- Hold a completed PhD degree (including official diploma)
- Present an innovative and high-quality research project
- Demonstrate an excellent academic record
- Show strong publication achievements or equivalent research excellence
- Demonstrate potential for long-term collaboration with the University of Bayreuth
Selection is entirely merit-based.
Collaboration with a University of Bayreuth Host
Before submitting an application, every applicant must identify a researcher at the University of Bayreuth who agrees to serve as their academic host. The host is expected to provide:
- Office space
- Laboratory facilities where required
- Research infrastructure
- Academic collaboration throughout the project
Applicants should contact potential hosts independently. The Bayreuth Humboldt Centre does not arrange host placements.
Research Visit Requirements
After acceptance:
- The grant officially begins once the Declaration of Acceptance is signed.
- Funding is transferred during the grantee’s first visit to the University of Bayreuth.
- The first visit must take place within one year after grant acceptance.
- A final project report must be submitted within 15 months.
Researchers are encouraged to begin their visit soon after accepting the award.
University of Bayreuth Short Term Grants 2026
Researchers who only require a brief academic visit can apply for the Short Term Grants Programme. These grants support research stays lasting approximately one to three weeks.
Short Term Grant Benefits
Successful applicants receive reimbursement for:
- International travel expenses
- Accommodation in Bayreuth
Maximum funding: Up to €3,500 The programme is open to researchers from all academic disciplines.
Eligibility for Short Term Grants
Applicants must:
- Be affiliated with an institution outside Germany
- Hold a completed PhD degree
- Present an innovative research proposal
- Demonstrate academic excellence
- Show strong potential for future collaboration with the University of Bayreuth
Like the Starter Grant, applicants must independently secure a local academic host before submitting their application.
Selection Criteria
Applications for both programmes are evaluated through a highly competitive process. Reviewers consider:
- Academic excellence
- Quality of the proposed research
- Innovation
- Publication record
- Long-term networking potential
- Benefits to both the applicant and the University of Bayreuth
Only applications that fully comply with the official guidelines are considered.
Commitment to Diversity
The Bayreuth Humboldt Centre strongly supports diversity and equal opportunities. Applications are particularly encouraged from:
- Female researchers
- Scholars from underrepresented backgrounds
- Researchers who contribute to broadening the University’s academic profile
Important Note for African Studies Applicants
Applicants whose research focuses on African Studies should carefully review the programme’s special regulations. Researchers affiliated with the University’s Cluster of Excellence cannot serve as hosts for African Studies projects because of funding regulations established by the German Research Foundation. Applicants with questions regarding eligibility are encouraged to contact the Bayreuth Humboldt Centre before submitting their application.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Starter Grant 2027 | Short Term Grant 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Funding | €10,000 | Up to €3,500 |
| Research Stay | Flexible | 1–3 weeks |
| Family Allowance | €250/month | Not available |
| Booster Grant Opportunity | Yes (€20,000) | No |
| PhD Required | Yes | Yes |
| Host Required | Yes | Yes |
| Open to All Disciplines | Yes (exceptions apply) | Yes (exceptions apply) |
| Deadline | 15 September 2026 | 15 September 2026 |
Application:
Both funding programmes share the same deadline. Application Deadline 15 September 2026.
- For more information on Starter Grants for the year 2027; the application and selection process (required documents, guidelines on eligibility, hosts, evaluation criteria, timeline and stages of the selection process) see our Application Guidelines for Starter Grants. Please note that the Guidelines are rigorously binding and applications not adhering to them will not be considered. Application Deadline Please submit your complete application via our online form by September 15, 2026.
- For more information on Short Term Grants for the year 2026; the application and selection process (required documents, guidelines on eligibility, evaluation criteria, timeline and stages of the selection process) see our Application Guidelines for Short Term Grants. Please note that the Guidelines are rigorously binding and applications not adhering to them will not be considered. Application Deadline Please submit your complete application via our online form by September 15, 2026. Please note that you will need to register with an email address and a password.
- Homepage Bayreuth Humboldt Centre
Applicants should ensure all required documents are complete because incomplete or non-compliant applications will not be reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the University of Bayreuth Starter Grant fully funded?
The Starter Grant provides €10,000 to cover project implementation costs. Researchers with at least one accompanying child also receive an additional monthly family allowance of €250.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be affiliated with an institution outside Germany, possess a completed PhD, and present an excellent research proposal with strong academic credentials.
Do I need a host at the University of Bayreuth?
Yes. Every applicant must independently identify and secure an academic host before submitting an application.
Is the programme open to every academic discipline?
Yes. Applications from all disciplines are welcome, although specific restrictions apply to African Studies under the University’s Cluster of Excellence regulations.
What is the Short Term Grant?
The Short Term Grant supports research visits of approximately one to three weeks by reimbursing travel and accommodation costs up to €3,500.
Can Starter Grant recipients receive additional funding later?
Yes. Researchers who successfully complete their Starter Grant project may apply for the Booster Grant, which provides up to €20,000 for continued collaboration.
Is there a family allowance?
Yes. Starter Grant recipients travelling with at least one child receive €250 per month in additional support.
When is the application deadline?
Applications for both the Starter Grant Programme 2027 and the Short Term Grants 2026 must be submitted by 15 September 2026.
Is a PhD mandatory?
Yes. Applicants must have completed all PhD requirements, including receiving their official doctoral diploma, before applying.
What makes an application competitive?
Successful applicants usually demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, a strong publication record, an innovative research proposal, and clear potential for long-term collaboration with the University of Bayreuth.
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