Study and Research at a German University

Program Description

The program facilitates access to research and studies for two academic semesters at a German university or any other pertinent non-university institution, such as research labs or archives. The 10-month grant period usually starts mid-September. Depending on the candidate's academic level, full-time study or independent research under the supervision of a German advisor is possible. A formal matriculation with a German university is in any case usually required and arranged with the support of Fulbright Germany.

Several grants are reserved for candidates in the performing arts. Information on the special application procedures for these grants can be obtained from the Institute of International Education.

Grant Benefits

Benefits for the full maintenance grant:

• Monthly stipend of currently Euro 934 to Euro 1.200, depending on the candidate's academic background
• An incidental allowance of Euro 250 per semester
• Health insurance
• International travel (according to the guidelines set by Fulbright Germany)
• Current German visa regulations require a valid passport for American grantees traveling to Germany; Fulbright Germany assists its grantees in applying for a residence permit after arrival
• Orientation and mid-year meetings
• Support through Fulbright Germany
• Admission to the network of scholarship holders and alumni:ae of Fulbright Germany
• Fulbright Germany offers participation in pre-academic language courses (approximately four weeks in duration) in Germany to those grantees whose German language ability is not sufficient at the beginning of the grant to pursue their projects

• Spouse allowance of Euro 276 per month will be available to married grantees

Benefits for the travel-only grant:

• This grant category is for candidates with funding from other resources, for instance through the Germanistic Society of America/IIE awards or through direct fellowships from German host institutions.
• The benefits provided by Fulbright Germany are restricted to international travel, orientation and mid-year meetings, and administrative support.

Eligibility

• U.S. students who will have completed at least a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Sciences degree by the time of arrival in Germany.
• A solid academic background and a well-focused project plus adequate German language proficiency where necessary are essential.
• Applicants with a U.S.-German dual citizenship are not eligible.

Equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion, and educational equity are among the fundamental principles of Fulbright Germany. Applications are open to all individuals regardless of gender, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, age, social status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Fulbright Germany encourages applicants from traditionally underrepresented student groups to apply for all of its scholarships, programs, and other activities.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• A high level of academic achievement
• A meaningful letter of invitation by German host institution
• Active contribution to academic and cultural exchange between Germany and the U.S. through the diversity of interests and involvement

Application Procedure & Deadlines

Applicants still affiliated with a university should consult the Fulbright Program Advisor at their institution for application information and deadline. At-large applicants no longer at a university should contact the Institute of International Education directly.

Applicants should contact their advisor or the IIE in the spring preceding the year in which they wish to study in Germany. (For example, those intending to begin studying in September 2022 should contact an advisor in the spring of 2021.)

The application deadline for the Fulbright Study and Research Program 2023-2024 is October 11, 2022. The IIE Online application system closes at 5:00 P.M. EST and applications have to be fully submitted by then. Further information on the IIE timeline is available here.

Grants depend on funds available. There are several stages of the selection process; all applications will be reviewed by special selection committees and the final decision lies with Fulbright Germany.

For Applicants in the performing fields: Fulbright Germany's applicantions in these fields will be reviewed by the DAAD selection committes, therefore pllease refer to these additional admission conditions and audition requirements.

Contact

American Programs
Fulbright Germany
Lützowufer 26
10787 Berlin
Germany
E-mail contact