Are you a respected researcher aiming to broaden your academic horizons and collaborate internationally? The University of Bonn, one of Germany’s most prestigious institutions, is inviting applications for its highly respected Bonn International Fellowships 2025. This opportunity is tailored for outstanding scholars from all disciplines who are ready to immerse themselves in a short-term, fully funded academic visit to Germany.
This fellowship is not just another research grant — it is a gateway to meaningful academic exchange, professional networking, and long-term institutional collaboration.
About the Program
The Bonn International Fellowships are part of the University of Bonn’s strategic internationalisation efforts. Each year, the program brings a select group of accomplished international researchers to Bonn for up to 12 days. During their stay, fellows participate in seminars, lectures, public engagements, and collaborative activities with their local academic host.
The aim is twofold:
- To deepen institutional partnerships between the University of Bonn and top universities around the world.
- To facilitate cutting-edge interdisciplinary research through the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and expertise.
Whether you’re an expert in the sciences, humanities, or social sciences, the program values intellectual diversity and global perspectives.
Who Can Apply?
The Bonn International Fellowships are intended for postdoctoral and senior researchers who have already established themselves in their respective fields.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Reside and work outside of Germany
- Possess a strong academic track record with international recognition
- Be formally invited by a faculty member at the University of Bonn
- Not have previously received a Bonn International Fellowship
Note: You cannot apply independently. All applications must be submitted by the academic host at the University of Bonn who is inviting the fellow.
This collaborative format ensures that each visit is meaningful and built upon shared academic goals between the guest fellow and the Bonn host institution.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
Selected fellows receive comprehensive financial support to make the most of their academic visit:
- Daily Allowance: €160 per day for up to 12 days (this includes arrival and departure days)
- Travel Support: Round-trip travel expenses covered, calculated based on your country of residence
- Event Expenses: Up to €500 to support academic or public engagement activities (e.g., PR, outreach events, catering, printing)
Additionally, the university provides logistical support to help with travel, accommodation, and visibility within the academic community in Bonn.
Fellowship visits must take place between January 1 and December 31, 2026, and all allocated funds must be used within this period.
How Does the Program Work?
Once accepted, fellows are expected to:
- Actively engage in the university’s academic life
- Deliver public lectures, participate in academic colloquiums, or conduct seminars
- Explore and develop collaborative projects with researchers from the University of Bonn
- Strengthen ties between their home institutions and Bonn to promote ongoing academic cooperation
The experience is immersive, highly interactive, and designed to create lasting academic relationships — not just one-time visits.
Important Dates
Here’s a quick timeline for the 2025 fellowship application:
- Call for Applications Opened: May 29, 2025
- Application Deadline: September 22, 2025 (by 5:00 PM CET)
- Results Notification: By early December 2025
- Fellowship Visit Period: January 1 – December 31, 2026
How to Apply
As noted earlier, you cannot apply for the fellowship on your own. Instead, your prospective host at the University of Bonn must submit your nomination. This host should be a faculty member with whom you have an existing or developing academic connection.
To get started:
- Contact your academic collaborators at the University of Bonn.
- Discuss potential research or engagement activities.
- Confirm their willingness to nominate you as a fellow.
Once your host initiates the application, they’ll need to follow the submission procedures outlined by the university.
🔗 Official application link:
https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/research-and-teaching/support-for-researchers-and-teachers/research-funding/university-grants/bonn-international-fellowships
