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 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.

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.

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.