Volkswagen Foundation Freigeist Fellowships
The Volkswagen Foundation Freigeist Fellowships support outstanding early-career researchers who wish to establish an independent junior research group in Germany. This international program is designed for PhD holders w…
Awarded by Volkswagen Foundation Freigeist.
About this Scholarship
The Volkswagen Foundation Freigeist Fellowships support outstanding early-career researchers who wish to establish an independent junior research group in Germany. This international program is designed for PhD holders whose work pushes the boundaries between established academic disciplines. Fellows receive funding tailored to their project’s needs, enabling them to conduct innovative research over an extended period while fostering collaboration across fields.
The fellowship also emphasizes mobility, requiring applicants to have completed a change of academic environment and a research stay abroad.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold a PhD degree completed no longer than four years before the application deadline. They must be linked to a research institution in Germany and have completed a change of academic environment and a research stay abroad. The fellowship is open to researchers from all disciplines without restriction by nationality or current location.
Additional benefits are available for scholars supporting family responsibilities or working with refugee researchers.
How to Apply
Submit a detailed research proposal and supporting documents through the official Volkswagen Foundation portal. Include evidence of your PhD completion, proof of international research experience, and a letter of commitment from the hosting German institution. The application is reviewed in a two-stage process, with shortlisted candidates invited for an interview.
Refer to the official page for current submission guidelines and required formats.
Scholarship at a Glance
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Volkswagen Foundation Freigeist Fellowships?
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To apply you need to meet these conditions: Applicants must hold a PhD degree completed no longer than four years before the application deadline. They must be linked to a research institution in Germany and have completed a change of academic environment and a research stay abroad. The fellowship is open to researchers from all disciplines without restriction by nationality or current location. Additional benefits are available for scholars supporting family responsibilities or working with refugee researchers.
How do I apply for the Volkswagen Foundation Freigeist Fellowships?
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Apply in 1 steps: Submit a detailed research proposal and supporting documents through the official Volkswagen Foundation portal. Include evidence of your PhD completion, proof of international research experience, and a letter of commitment from the hosting German institution. The application is reviewed in a two-stage process, with shortlisted candidates invited for an interview. Refer to the official page for current submission guidelines and required formats..
Which students can apply for the Volkswagen Foundation Freigeist Fellowships?
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This scholarship is open to phd students and is run by Volkswagen Foundation Freigeist.
Compare with Similar Scholarships
Other scholarships of the same type, and what each one awards.
- Award
- Full Funding (tuition + living)
- Deadline
- 15 Jul 2026
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Deadline
- 1 Mar 2023
- Level
- All
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Deadline
- 15 May 2023
- Level
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| Scholarship | Award | Deadline | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Scholarship | Full Funding (tuition + living) | 15 Jul 2026 | Postgraduate |
| Orange Tulip Scholarship ( India ) – OTS Scholarship Scheme 2026-2027 | — | 1 Mar 2023 | All |
| Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships 2027-2028 | — | — | Postgraduate |
| Japanese Government MEXT Scholarships 2027 (Research Students) | — | 15 May 2023 | All |
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