The University of Bayreuth Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt” (Bayreuth Humboldt Centre) has opened applications for its Starter Grants 2027 and Short Term Grants 2026, providing international researchers with outstanding opportunities to collaborate with leading academics in Germany.

Open to applicants from all academic disciplines (subject to specific regulations for African Studies), these competitive programmes are designed to strengthen international research collaboration, promote academic excellence, and build long-term partnerships with researchers at the University of Bayreuth.

Applications for both funding programmes must be submitted by 15 September 2026.

About the Bayreuth Humboldt Centre

The Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt” supports outstanding international research while strengthening the University of Bayreuth’s global academic partnerships.

Through its funding programmes, the Centre encourages collaboration between researchers across disciplines, institutions, and countries while fostering innovative research that addresses global challenges.

Successful applicants become part of the University’s vibrant international research community and benefit from its multidisciplinary research environment across seven academic faculties.

Starter Grants 2027

The Starter Grant Programme is intended to help outstanding researchers establish long-term international research collaborations with scholars at the University of Bayreuth.

Funding Value

Successful applicants receive:

€10,000 research grant

The awarded funding may be used to support all costs related to implementing the approved research project.

Researchers accompanied by at least one child are also eligible for:

Additional family allowance of €250 per month

Opportunity for Follow-Up Funding

Researchers who successfully complete their Starter Grant project may become eligible to apply for a:

Booster Grant

Funding available:

€20,000

Applicants must demonstrate successful outcomes from the Starter Grant project, such as:

Joint publications
Joint workshops
Collaborative conferences
Other measurable research outputs

Applications for the Booster Grant are evaluated separately.

Programme Objectives

The Starter Grant Programme aims to promote:

International research collaboration
Academic excellence
Interdisciplinary cooperation
Global networking
Knowledge exchange
Long-term partnerships
Research with societal impact

The programme also encourages stronger connections between academia, public policy, and society.

Research Collaboration at Bayreuth

Applicants are required to conduct their project in collaboration with a local academic host at the University of Bayreuth.

Before applying, candidates must independently identify and contact a researcher at the University whose expertise aligns with their proposed project.

The Bayreuth Humboldt Centre does not arrange academic hosts on behalf of applicants.

The host will provide:

Office or laboratory space
Access to research infrastructure
Academic collaboration throughout the project

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Be affiliated with an institution outside Germany.
Hold a completed PhD (including official diploma).
Propose an innovative, high-quality research project.
Demonstrate academic excellence through research achievements.
Show strong potential for future collaboration with the University of Bayreuth.

Selection is based on academic merit and the quality of the proposed collaborative research.

The Centre strongly encourages applications from:

Women researchers
Scholars who contribute to greater diversity within the University’s research profile

Grant Timeline

The grant officially begins once the successful applicant signs the Declaration of Acceptance.

Funding is transferred when the grantee makes their first research visit to Bayreuth.

Applicants should plan to begin their visit within one year of receiving the award.

A final report must be submitted 15 months after accepting the grant.

Short Term Grants 2026

The Short Term Grant Programme supports shorter international research visits to the University of Bayreuth.

Duration

Research visits generally last:

1 to 3 weeks

Funding Available

Successful applicants receive reimbursement of eligible expenses up to:

€3,500

Funding covers:

International travel between the home institution and Bayreuth
Accommodation during the research stay

The grant is available across all research disciplines, subject to programme regulations.

Programme Purpose

The Short Term Grant Programme promotes:

Academic exchange
International networking
Collaborative research
Interdisciplinary cooperation
Stronger international partnerships

Applicants are encouraged to engage with the University’s research networks during their stay.

Local Host Requirement

As with the Starter Grant, applicants must identify a researcher at the University of Bayreuth willing to act as their academic host.

Hosts provide:

Research collaboration
Office or laboratory facilities
Access to university infrastructure

Applicants are responsible for establishing this collaboration before submitting their application.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

Be affiliated with an institution abroad.
Hold a completed PhD.
Propose an excellent collaborative research project.
Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
Show potential for sustained collaboration with the University.

Applications are evaluated solely on academic merit and research quality.

Commitment to Diversity

The Bayreuth Humboldt Centre values diversity and actively encourages applications from:

Women researchers
Scholars from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds
Researchers who contribute to expanding the University’s international research profile

Special Note for African Studies

Applicants working in African Studies should carefully review the programme’s specific eligibility conditions.

According to programme regulations, members of the University’s Cluster of Excellence cannot act as hosts when the proposed project focuses on African Studies.

Applicants uncertain about their eligibility are encouraged to seek clarification before applying.

Application Requirements

Applicants should carefully consult the official application guidelines before submitting their applications.

Although requirements differ slightly between programmes, applicants generally need to prepare documentation covering:

Research proposal
Academic CV
Supporting documentation
Information about the University of Bayreuth host
Other documents specified in the official guidelines

Applications that do not fully comply with the published guidelines may not be considered.

Application Deadline

Both funding programmes share the same closing date.

Application Deadline: 15 September 2026

Applications must be submitted through the University’s online application system.

Why Apply?

The Bayreuth Humboldt Centre provides an excellent platform for researchers seeking to establish meaningful international collaborations with one of Germany’s respected research universities.

Benefits include:

International academic networking
Collaboration with leading researchers
Access to University of Bayreuth facilities
Funding to support collaborative research
Opportunities for long-term partnerships
Eligibility for additional follow-up funding through the Booster Grant Programme

For early-career and established researchers alike, these grants can strengthen research portfolios while creating opportunities for future international collaborations.

Final Thoughts

The University of Bayreuth Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt” continues to support outstanding international researchers through its Starter Grants 2027 and Short Term Grants 2026.

Whether applicants are seeking funding for a major collaborative research project or a short research visit, these programmes offer valuable opportunities to build international partnerships, advance innovative research, and engage with one of Germany’s dynamic academic communities.

Researchers interested in applying should identify a suitable academic host, review the official application guidelines carefully, and submit a complete application before 15 September 2026.

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University of Bayreuth Starter Grants 2027 and Short Term Grants 2026: Applications Open for International Researchers