The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) has opened applications for its 2027/28 Fellowship Programmes, inviting outstanding researchers from around the world to pursue advanced research at the University of Freiburg in Germany. The internationally renowned fellowship schemes provide scholars with dedicated research time, financial support, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration within one of Europe’s leading academic environments.
The programmes are designed to support both early-career and senior researchers across a broad range of academic disciplines, while also offering a specialized fellowship dedicated to researchers based at African institutions working in sustainable governance.
Successful fellows will become part of an international academic community that encourages innovation, knowledge exchange, and collaborative research across disciplines.
About the FRIAS Fellowship Programmes
The FRIAS Fellowship Programmes provide researchers with the opportunity to focus exclusively on their research projects in an intellectually stimulating environment. Fellows gain access to the extensive academic resources of the University of Freiburg while engaging with scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds.
The programmes are open to applicants from Germany and around the world, provided they meet the specific eligibility requirements for each fellowship category.
In addition to dedicated research time, fellows receive financial and institutional support designed to facilitate productive research stays in Freiburg.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive a comprehensive package of support that may include:
- Monthly living allowance
- Additional accommodation funding
- Mobility allowance to cover travel expenses
- Office space during the fellowship period
- Access to University of Freiburg libraries and research facilities
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Tailored institutional support where required
- Membership in an international community of leading researchers
Available Fellowship Programmes
FRIAS is currently accepting applications under three fellowship schemes for the 2027/28 academic year.
FRIAS Early Career Fellowship Programme
The Early Career Fellowship is intended for researchers who are building independent academic careers and wish to develop innovative research projects within an international environment.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have completed a PhD within the last eight years at the time of application
- Have completed at least six months of research or study at an academic institution outside the country where they obtained their first academic degree
- Submit a research proposal that can be supported at the University of Freiburg
Disciplines
Applications are welcomed from all academic disciplines supported by the University of Freiburg.
Funding Duration
- Four to ten months
FRIAS Senior Fellowship Programme
The Senior Fellowship Programme supports established researchers seeking uninterrupted time to pursue ambitious research projects while collaborating with an international scholarly community.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a completed PhD
- Have at least eight years of postdoctoral research experience
- Have completed at least six months of research or study at an academic institution outside the country where they earned their first academic degree
Disciplines
Applications from all disciplines supported by the University of Freiburg are encouraged.
Funding Duration
- Three to eight months
FRIAS Sustainable Governance Fellowship Programme for Researchers from Africa
The Sustainable Governance Fellowship Programme specifically supports experienced researchers based at African institutions whose work contributes to the humanities and social sciences.
The fellowship aims to strengthen academic collaboration between African institutions and the University of Freiburg while advancing research on sustainable governance.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have completed a PhD
- Possess at least eight years of postdoctoral experience
- Have completed at least six months of research or study at an academic institution outside the country where they earned their first academic degree
- Be researchers of any nationality currently based at an African institution
Eligible Disciplines
- Humanities
- Social sciences
Funding Duration
- Six months
Why Researchers Should Consider FRIAS
The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies has established itself as one of Europe’s leading institutes for interdisciplinary research. Fellows benefit from a collaborative academic culture that encourages the exchange of ideas across disciplinary boundaries while providing the resources necessary to undertake high-impact research.
Beyond financial support, fellows become part of an international research network that can foster long-term academic partnerships, joint publications, and future collaborative projects.
Researchers also benefit from access to the University of Freiburg’s extensive academic infrastructure, making the fellowship an attractive opportunity for scholars aiming to advance their research within a globally respected institution.
Application Deadline
Applications for all three FRIAS Fellowship Programmes for the 2027/28 academic year must be submitted by:
18 September 2026 at 13:00
Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the detailed eligibility requirements and prepare their application materials well before the deadline.
Summary
The FRIAS Fellowship Programmes present an outstanding opportunity for researchers worldwide to undertake focused research at one of Germany’s premier universities. With generous financial support, flexible funding periods, and access to a vibrant international research community, the fellowships are well suited to scholars seeking to advance impactful research across disciplines.
Whether applying as an early-career researcher, an established academic, or an Africa-based scholar specializing in sustainable governance, eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the September 2026 deadline.
