YBB – Are you an ambitious researcher looking for an international research opportunity in Europe? The FRIAS Fellowship Programmes 2026 offer fully funded opportunities for early-career researchers, senior scholars, and researchers from Africa.
Organized by the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), the fellowship brings together researchers from Germany and around the world. During their stay in Freiburg, fellows can develop innovative research projects while engaging with scholars from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.
Moreover, fellows will have access to the research resources of the University of Freiburg. They can also collaborate across disciplines, use office facilities, and access the campus library. Therefore, the program provides an excellent environment for researchers who want to expand their academic networks and advance their work.
For the 2026–2027 fellowship cycle, FRIAS offers three different programs. These include the FRIAS Early Career Fellowship Programme, FRIAS Senior Fellowship Programme, and FRIAS Sustainable Governance Fellowship Programme for Researchers from Africa.
All three programs will take place between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027, although the fellowship duration varies depending on the selected program.
FRIAS Fellowship Programmes at a Glance
The three fellowship options are designed for researchers at different career stages.
The FRIAS Early Career Fellowship Programme offers fellowships lasting between 4 and 10 months. Meanwhile, the FRIAS Senior Fellowship Programme lasts between 3 and 8 months.
On the other hand, the FRIAS Sustainable Governance Fellowship Programme for Researchers from Africa provides a 6-month fellowship. This program specifically supports researchers based in Africa who work in the Humanities and Social Sciences with a focus on sustainable governance.
Because each fellowship has different eligibility criteria, applicants should carefully review the requirements before applying.
Benefits of the FRIAS Fellowship Programmes
The FRIAS Fellowship Programmes provide researchers with financial and academic support throughout their stay in Germany.
Depending on the program and individual circumstances, selected fellows may receive a fellowship contract with the University of Freiburg or alternative compensation.
In addition, fellows can benefit from:
- Research and travel allowances.
- Support for inbound and outbound travel costs.
- Access to office space.
- Access to the University of Freiburg campus library.
- Research infrastructure and academic resources.
- Opportunities to collaborate with researchers from different disciplines.
- An international academic and cultural research environment.
- Opportunities to develop innovative research projects.
Furthermore, fellows can engage with the broader academic community in Freiburg. As a result, the fellowship can help researchers establish valuable connections and explore potential international collaborations.
FRIAS Early Career Fellowship Programme
The Early Career Fellowship is designed for researchers who are at an earlier stage of their academic careers.
To qualify, applicants should:
- Have completed a doctoral degree.
- Have a maximum of eight years of postdoctoral experience.
- Have at least four peer-reviewed publications since 1 January 2022.
- Have at least six months of research or study experience at an academic institution in a different country from the institution where they obtained their first academic degree.
- Present a challenging and innovative research project.
- Work in a discipline that can be supported at the University of Freiburg.
- Be from any nationality.
The program welcomes researchers from different academic disciplines. However, applicants should ensure that their proposed research aligns with the available academic support at the University of Freiburg.
FRIAS Senior Fellowship Programme
The Senior Fellowship is intended for experienced researchers with an established academic track record.
Applicants should:
- Have completed a doctoral degree.
- Have at least eight years of postdoctoral experience.
- Have at least 10 peer-reviewed publications since 1 January 2020.
- Have at least six months of research or study experience at an academic institution in a different country from the institution where they obtained their first academic degree.
- Propose a challenging and innovative research project of high academic quality.
- Work in a discipline that can be supported at the University of Freiburg.
- Be from any nationality.
Therefore, this fellowship is particularly suitable for established scholars who want to dedicate time to an ambitious research project in an international academic environment.
FRIAS Sustainable Governance Fellowship for Researchers from Africa
This fellowship is specifically designed for researchers based in Africa who are working on research related to sustainable governance.
Applicants must:
- Have completed a doctoral degree.
- Have at least eight years of postdoctoral experience.
- Have at least five peer-reviewed publications since 1 January 2017, including at least one publication with or as a co-author.
- Be based in an African country.
- Have at least six months of research or study experience at an academic institution in a different country from the institution where they obtained their first academic degree.
- Have received a Master’s or PhD degree from an institution in an African country.
- Present a challenging and innovative research project of high academic quality.
- Propose research within the Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Focus their research on sustainable governance.
- Provide a letter of cooperation from an academic partner at the University of Freiburg.
This program offers an opportunity for African researchers to strengthen international academic collaboration while contributing to important discussions surrounding sustainable governance.
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How to Apply for the FRIAS Fellowship Programmes
The application process follows a similar structure for all three fellowship programs.
Applicants should first complete and submit the initial application form. Afterward, they need to register and complete the additional sections of the application.
Next, applicants should upload all required annexes and complete the ethical issues questionnaire. Finally, they must review the application carefully and submit it before the deadline.
Because the requirements differ between programs, applicants should select the fellowship that best matches their academic experience and research profile.
Documents Required for the FRIAS Early Career Fellowship
Applicants for the Early Career Fellowship should prepare:
- Project proposal.
- CV in tabular form.
- Publication list.
- Copy of PhD diploma.
- Letter of support identifying a host laboratory in Freiburg.
- Experiment sketch and timetable.
Documents Required for the FRIAS Senior Fellowship
Applicants for the Senior Fellowship should prepare:
- Project proposal.
- CV in tabular form.
- Publication list.
- Copy of PhD diploma.
- Letter of support identifying a host laboratory in Freiburg.
- Experiment sketch and timetable.
Documents Required for the Sustainable Governance Fellowship
Applicants for the Sustainable Governance Fellowship for Researchers from Africa should prepare:
- Project proposal.
- CV in tabular form.
- Publication list.
- Copy of PhD diploma.
- Letter of cooperation from an academic partner at the University of Freiburg.
Applicants should ensure that all documents meet the program’s requirements. Incomplete applications may not be considered during the selection process.
Why Consider the FRIAS Fellowship?
The FRIAS Fellowship Programmes offer more than financial support. Instead, they provide researchers with the time, resources, and academic environment needed to advance meaningful research.
Moreover, fellows can work alongside researchers from different disciplines and backgrounds. This interdisciplinary environment can encourage new perspectives and strengthen research collaborations.
For early-career researchers, the program can provide valuable international exposure. Meanwhile, senior scholars can use the fellowship to develop ambitious projects and expand their academic networks.
For African researchers focusing on sustainable governance, the dedicated fellowship also creates an opportunity to connect research with international academic collaboration.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for all three FRIAS Fellowship Programmes is 18 September 2026.
Since the application process requires several supporting documents, applicants should begin preparing their materials early. In particular, researchers should allow enough time to develop a strong project proposal and secure the required support or cooperation letter.
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Apply for the FRIAS Fellowship Programmes 2026
If you are an early-career researcher, senior scholar, or an eligible researcher from Africa, the FRIAS Fellowship Programmes could be an excellent opportunity to advance your research in Germany.
The program offers financial support, research resources, international collaboration, and access to the academic environment of the University of Freiburg. Therefore, researchers who meet the eligibility criteria should consider preparing their applications before the deadline.
Official Fellowship Information and Application: FRIAS Fellowship Programmes 2026
Conclusion
The FRIAS Fellowship Programmes 2026 provide fully funded research opportunities for scholars at different career stages. With three fellowship tracks available, researchers can choose a program that matches their experience and academic interests.
Additionally, fellows can benefit from research and travel allowances, academic resources, office facilities, and an international research community at the University of Freiburg. Most importantly, the fellowship offers a valuable platform to develop innovative research and build long-term academic collaborations.
If you meet the requirements, start preparing your application now and submit it before the 18 September 2026 deadline.
