2026 Bonn International Fellowships in Germany for Researchers | How to Apply
The 2026 Bonn International Fellowships application offers an opportunity for early- to mid-career researchers from around the world to engage in collaborative academic exchange in Germany. The fellowship period itself runs through December 31, 2026, meaning this cohort is already underway. Fellows will have the chance to work closely with a host institute or research unit, exchange knowledge, deepen their research, and contribute to the vibrant intellectual community in one of Germany’s top research universities. This program encourages innovative interdisciplinary dialogue, and fellows benefit not only from academic collaboration but also from cultural and scientific networking in Bonn—a city known for its rich academic tradition and international outlook.
You cannot submit this application yourself. Only a faculty member at the University of Bonn can apply on your behalf, as your nominated host, and the University explicitly states it will not connect interested researchers with potential hosts. That means the work that will determine whether you ever receive this fellowship has nothing to do with filling out a form. It has everything to do with building a credible academic relationship with a Bonn researcher before the portal opens. Funded directly by the University of Bonn, the fellowship covers your return travel, a daily allowance of €160 for up to 12 days, and up to €500 in event-related material costs — all for a short research stay of no more than 12 days inside one of Germany’s largest research universities.
About the Bonn International Fellowships
The Bonn International Fellowships are funded directly by the University of Bonn and sit within its broader international research collaboration strategy. The programme is designed for short stays of up to 12 days, with the goal of integrating visiting researchers into Bonn’s academic life through public lectures, seminars, and colloquia, while opening pathways for longer-term collaboration between the visiting scholar and their host institute. Preference in selection goes to scholars from the University of Bonn’s strategic partner universities and countries it has prioritised for international collaboration, though the programme is open to all nationalities.
The University of Bonn itself, founded in 1818 on the Rhine, is one of Germany’s largest research universities with around 36,000 students and a particularly strong standing in mathematics, natural sciences, and the humanities — including seven Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and faculty.
Summary of the Bonn International Fellowships 2026
| Scholarship Name ⇒ | Bonn International Fellowships |
| Host Country ⇒ | Germany |
| Study Level ⇒ | Fellowship |
| Benefits ⇒ | €160 daily allowance for up to 12 days, return travel costs, material expenses for events up to €500 per proposal |
| Funded By ⇒ | University of Bonn |
| Eligible Countries ⇒ | All nationalities — open globally |
| Application Deadline ⇒ | 22 September 2025 (2026 cycle closed – Watch out for the next call) |
Eligibility Requirements for the Bonn International Fellowships
You must meet all of the following to be a viable candidate when the 2027 cycle opens:
- Be a postdoctoral scholar or experienced faculty member currently teaching or researching at a university or research institute outside Germany
- Hold a strong international reputation in your field — the University of Bonn’s selection committee assesses academic standing, not just credentials
- Be available to spend up to 12 days in Bonn between the fellowship period dates (January to December for the active cycle)
- Be nominated and invited by a faculty member at the University of Bonn who will serve as your host — you cannot apply independently
The University of Bonn is explicit that it will not establish contact between interested researchers and potential faculty hosts. If you do not already have a relationship with a Bonn faculty member, building one before the next cycle opens is the work you should be doing right now. Browse research group pages at uni-bonn.de and identify faculty whose work aligns closely with yours. A well-timed conference introduction or a cold email with a specific collaboration proposal are both realistic starting points.
What the Bonn International Fellowships Cover
The University of Bonn funds the following directly:
- A daily allowance of €160 per day for the fellow, covering up to 12 days including the day of arrival and departure
- Return travel expenses to and from Bonn
- Material expenses for events organised by the hosting institute, up to €500 per proposal — this includes catering costs up to €50 per external guest and €40 per university member
- Support for public relations and outreach activities connected to the fellow’s visit
All funding must be fully spent by December 31 of the fellowship year. The financial plan submitted with the application must comply with the University of Bonn’s own financing plan instructions, which are available as an Excel template on the official programme page.
How the Application and Selection Process Works
Understanding this process is essential because it is structurally different from most fellowships:
- The researcher identifies a faculty member at the University of Bonn who agrees to act as their host.
- The host, not the researcher, submits the complete application to the University of Bonn. The fellow cannot submit the application themselves.
- The application package submitted by the host includes: a project description of no more than six pages (plus the fellow’s informal declaration of consent), the fellow’s CV in PDF format, a detailed financing plan, and, where applicable, an overview of any existing collaboration between host and fellow.
- The project description must cover: the planned time period for the visit, reasons for the invitation, including the fellow’s key research contributions and international reputation, a plan for how the fellow will be integrated into Bonn’s academic life, and a description of the expected short- or long-term outcomes.
- The University of Bonn evaluates applications based on the fellow’s academic contribution, the strength of the proposed integration into Bonn’s academic life, and the expected longer-term collaboration outcomes. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.
The application form is available on the official Bonn International Fellowships page. Applications are accepted in English or German.
Application Deadline
The 2026 cycle closed on 22 September 2025 at 5 PM CET.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the Bonn International Fellowship directly?
No. Applications can only be submitted by members of the University of Bonn — specifically the faculty member acting as your host. The University will not put you in contact with potential hosts, so finding one yourself before the cycle opens is a prerequisite, not an optional step.
Is the Bonn International Fellowship fully funded?
Yes. It covers your return travel to Germany, a daily allowance of €160 for up to 12 days, and up to €500 in material costs for events your host organises around your visit.
Can Nigerian or African researchers apply for the Bonn International Fellowship?
Yes. The programme is open to researchers from all nationalities, with no country restrictions. The only requirement is that you hold a position at a university or research institute outside Germany and have an international reputation in your field.
How long is the fellowship stay?
Up to 12 days, including your arrival and departure days. Exact dates are arranged between you and your host institute, within the fellowship year’s calendar.
Is a PhD required to apply for the Bonn International Fellowship?
Yes. The programme targets postdoctoral scholars and experienced faculty. PhD candidates who have not yet completed their degree are not eligible.
When will the 2027 Bonn International Fellowship cycle open?
The University of Bonn has not announced the 2027 call yet. Based on the 2026 cycle timeline, the call is expected to open in mid-2026 with a deadline around September 2026. Check the official programme page regularly from July 2026 onward.
Disclaimer: All fellowship details, deadlines, award values, and eligibility criteria in this post were verified from official sources as of June 2026. Information is subject to change without notice. Always confirm the latest details directly on the official University of Bonn website before submitting your application. ScholarWaka is not affiliated with the University of Bonn or the Bonn International Fellowships programme.
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