Are you a researcher looking for an opportunity to spend several months developing your research in Germany? The FRIAS Fellowship 2027 offers researchers the opportunity to work on their own research projects at the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), part of the University of Freiburg.
For the 2027/28 academic year, FRIAS is accepting applications for Early Career and Senior Fellowships. Researchers from any nationality and discipline can apply, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
The fellowship provides time and space for researchers to focus on their projects while becoming part of an international and interdisciplinary academic community in Freiburg, Germany.
Fellowship at a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | FRIAS Fellowship Programme 2027/28 |
| Host Institution | Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies |
| University | University of Freiburg |
| Country | Germany |
| Location | Freiburg |
| Degree Requirement | Completed PhD |
| Early Career Duration | 4–10 months |
| Senior Fellowship Duration | 3–8 months |
| Eligible Nationalities | All nationalities |
| Eligible Disciplines | All disciplines supported by the University of Freiburg |
| Application Deadline | 18 September 2026, 13:00 CET |
| Fellowship Period | 1 September 2027 – 31 August 2028 |
The official FRIAS call confirms that the Early Career Fellowship lasts between 4 and 10 months during the 2027/28 academic year.
What Does the FRIAS Fellowship Offer?
The fellowship gives researchers dedicated time to work on their own research projects at FRIAS.
Depending on the fellow’s circumstances, selected applicants receive either a fellowship contract with the University of Freiburg or alternative compensation. FRIAS also provides research cost contributions and travel costs for inbound and outbound journeys where applicable.
Other benefits include:
- Research cost contribution
- Travel support
- Access to University of Freiburg resources
- Modern office facilities
- International academic networking
- Interdisciplinary exchange with other fellows
- Support with accommodation
- Assistance with childcare arrangements
- Support related to visa arrangements
FRIAS describes its fellow community as an international network of scholars from different disciplines, giving researchers opportunities to exchange ideas and develop collaborations.
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FRIAS Fellowship Programmes
For the 2027/28 cycle, FRIAS has several fellowship opportunities.
Early Career Fellowship
The Early Career Fellowship is designed for promising researchers who have completed their PhD and have a maximum of eight years of postdoctoral experience.
The fellowship lasts 4–10 months between September 2027 and August 2028.
Senior Fellowship
The Senior Fellowship is intended for established researchers.
For the 2027/28 cycle, applicants must have a completed PhD and at least eight years of postdoctoral experience. Senior Fellowships last between 3 and 8 months.
Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship for Researchers from Africa
FRIAS is also offering a special Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship for researchers based at African institutions.
This programme lasts six months, and applicants must have a completed PhD and at least eight years of postdoctoral experience. The application deadline is also 18 September 2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Early Career Fellowship
For the 2027/28 Early Career Fellowship, applicants must:
- Hold a completed PhD.
- Have a maximum of eight years of postdoctoral experience.
- Have at least four peer-reviewed publications since 1 January 2022.
- Have at least six months of research or study experience abroad at an academic institution in a country different from the country where they obtained their first academic degree.
- Propose a high-quality and innovative research project.
- Be able to conduct the proposed research at the University of Freiburg.
- Meet the application requirements and submit all documents before the deadline.
There is no nationality restriction for the Early Career Fellowship, and applications are welcome from all disciplines that can be supported at the University of Freiburg.
Research Areas
FRIAS welcomes applications from a broad range of disciplines. The key requirement is that the proposed project can be supported by the University of Freiburg.
Potential research areas may include:
- Computer Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Engineering
- Natural Sciences
- Medicine
- Economics
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Environmental Studies
- History
- Philosophy
- Cultural Studies
- Political Science
Applicants should review the University of Freiburg’s research strengths and identify how their proposed project fits within the university’s academic environment.
Required Documents
Applicants for the Early Career Fellowship need to prepare several documents and provide information through the online application system.
The official call requires:
- Research project proposal
- Academic CV
- Publication list
- Copy of PhD diploma
- Information about the research project
- Motivation statement
- Layman’s abstract
- Ethical issues information
- Contact details for two evaluators
The project proposal can be up to 3,000 words, while the publication list can contain up to eight publications. At least four of those publications must have been published after 1 January 2022 and be peer-reviewed.
Experimental scientists must also identify a suitable host laboratory at the University of Freiburg and provide the required supporting documentation.
How to Apply for the FRIAS Fellowship 2027
The application process is completed online through the FRIAS application system.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet the PhD, postdoctoral experience, publication, and mobility requirements.
Step 2: Develop Your Research Project
Prepare a clear research proposal explaining your objectives, methodology, originality, expected contribution, and why FRIAS and the University of Freiburg are suitable for the project.
Step 3: Identify a Host Environment
Your project should be compatible with the research infrastructure and expertise available at the University of Freiburg.
Experimental researchers must identify a suitable host laboratory before submitting the application.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your CV, publication list, PhD certificate, proposal, motivation information, and other required materials.
Step 5: Submit the Online Application
Complete the application form and upload the required documents before the deadline.
Late or incomplete applications should not be submitted because they may not be considered.
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Application Deadline
The application deadline for the FRIAS Fellowship 2027/28 is:
18 September 2026 at 13:00 CET.
The fellowship period begins on 1 September 2027 and runs through 31 August 2028.
Selection Process
The FRIAS fellowship selection is highly competitive and based on academic merit.
Applications are assessed based on factors such as:
- Academic achievements
- Quality of publications
- Research proposal
- Originality of the proposed research
- Relevance and feasibility
- Fit with the University of Freiburg
- Potential contribution to the FRIAS academic community
Application Tips
A strong research proposal is one of the most important parts of your application.
Consider these tips:
- Clearly explain your research problem.
- Highlight what makes your project innovative.
- Explain why the University of Freiburg is the right environment.
- Connect your project with relevant research at Freiburg.
- Keep your proposal focused and easy to understand.
- Present your strongest publications.
- Ask your evaluators well in advance.
- Carefully follow the official formatting and document requirements.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
Most importantly, don’t treat the application like a general scholarship application. FRIAS is looking for strong research projects and researchers with excellent academic potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the FRIAS Fellowship fully funded?
FRIAS provides financial support through a fellowship contract or alternative compensation depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Fellows also receive research cost contributions and travel support where applicable. Therefore, it is better to describe it as a funded research fellowship rather than simply calling it a conventional “fully funded scholarship.”
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. The 2027/28 Early Career Fellowship is open to researchers of any nationality.
Do I need a PhD?
Yes. A completed doctoral degree is required for the 2027/28 Early Career and Senior Fellowship programmes.
What is the deadline for the FRIAS Fellowship 2027?
The deadline is 18 September 2026 at 13:00 CET for the 2027/28 Early Career and Senior Fellowship calls.
Can researchers from any academic field apply?
Yes, applications are welcome from all disciplines that can be supported by the University of Freiburg.
Conclusion
The FRIAS Fellowship 2027 in Germany is a prestigious opportunity for researchers who want dedicated time to develop an innovative research project within the international academic environment of the University of Freiburg.
The 2027/28 Early Career Fellowship is open to researchers from all nationalities and disciplines, but applicants need a completed PhD, relevant postdoctoral experience, publications, and international research or study experience.
If you meet the requirements, start preparing your research proposal and supporting documents now. The application deadline is 18 September 2026 at 13:00 CET, so there is limited time to prepare a competitive application.
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