University of Bayreuth Humboldt Centre Starter Grants

The University of Bayreuth Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt” offers Starter Grants (open to all disciplines) to promote excellent research at the University of Bayreuth and advance the internationalisation of research and networking. Grantees receive an awarded sum to cover all costs of project realisation, and may be eligible to apply for a follow-up “Booster Grant” with an award sum of 20,000 € if Starter Grant success can be documented.

Applicants are targeted at individuals affiliated with institutions abroad with research projects of top academic quality. Applicants are invited to carry out their own research projects in Germany in cooperation with a local host at the University of Bayreuth. The programme aims at direct contact between researchers and supports networking with the University of Bayreuth beyond the local host, through the Centre and its seven faculties.

Grants are awarded through a highly competitive, strictly merit-based selection process. Selection criteria include academic excellence of both the applicant and the cooperative project, reflected for example in high-ranking publications, and the potential for networking with the University of Bayreuth beyond the local host.

The Starter Grant commences when the applicant signs the Declaration of Acceptance, and the grant money is transferred with the first visit of the Grantee to the University of Bayreuth. This visit (duration is flexible) must be within the year after the official acceptance of the Grant. Fifteen months after the Grant has been accepted, a report must be submitted.

• Applicants must be individuals affiliated with institutions abroad.
• Applicants must have a PhD.
• The PhD procedure must be fully completed, including a PhD diploma.
• Applicants must have an academically excellent cooperative project with a local host at the University of Bayreuth.
• Applications are open to all disciplines, with specific rulings for African Studies at the bottom of the page.
• For African Studies: members of the Cluster of Excellence cannot act as host if the research focus of the application is on African Studies.

• Award sum: 10,000 € to cover all costs of project realisation.
• Additional monthly family allowance: 250 € for grantees accompanied by at least one child.
• Follow-up option: Booster Grant (requires proof of successfully completed Starter Grant success), award sum 20,000 €.

1. Submit your complete application via the online form.
2. Ensure the submission is made by September 15, 2026.