DDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
Partially funded
DFG Walter Benjamin Programme (Position in Germany)
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Germany
Scholarship overview
The Walter Benjamin Programme lets researchers in the early phase after their doctorate run their own research project. It has two modules: a fellowship for work abroad and a position for work in Germany. This entry covers the position module, which is the one open to researchers from abroad coming to Germany.
The host institution must be non-profit and must allow findings to be published in a generally accessible form. Applicants generally must change their research institution. Host researchers are expected to support the project and the applicant's career development.
Award Information
- A completed doctorate is required; the DFG does not fund doctoral researchers directly. Applications are possible once the dissertation has been submitted to the examinations office (with proof of submission and a supervisor statement), but funding only starts after the doctorate is completed.
- Early postdoctoral phase, based on the EU recognised researcher (R2) definition; no formal deadline after the doctorate, and parental leave is taken into account.
- Position in Germany: no nationality or prior-employment restrictions. Researchers based abroad can apply but need an employer declaration from a German institution (DFG form 41.027) and support from a host researcher.
- Applicants must generally change institution and cannot have worked as researchers at the chosen host for more than one year.
- No parallel DFG project funding; other funders must be disclosed.
- Refugee researchers in any post-doctoral career phase can apply for a Walter Benjamin position.
- The fellowship module (abroad) requires integration into the German research system and is not open to researchers coming from abroad.
- Funded as a position in the staff category postdoctoral researcher and comparable; remuneration generally 100% for the applicant.
- Project allowance of EUR 250 per month for a position.
- Increased publication allowances of up to EUR 5,000 per year for book publications.
- Funding for up to two years; extensions only in exceptional cases. Funding must be taken up within one year of approval.
- Visits abroad of up to three months are allowed during a position with the employer's agreement.
Proposals can be submitted at any time; there is no fixed deadline. The average decision time is about six months.
How to apply
- Agree the project and host with a German research institution and obtain the employer declaration.
- Prepare the proposal in German or English following the DFG guidelines (form 50.10).
- Submit the proposal electronically through the DFG elan portal.
Official links
Documents you will need
- CV
- Dissertation-related documents: electronic copy, proof of submission and a supervisor statement on prospects, if not yet completed
- Employer declaration (DFG form 41.027) and host researcher statement on career support
- Third-party endorsements should not be attached
