Fully Funded Research Scholarship in Germany 2026

Early Career Rescue Fellowship 2026–28 | Fully Funded Post-doc Research GermanyIn times when academic freedom is increasingly challenged worldwide, the Early Career Rescue Fellowship offers a unique lifeline. Hosted by three German institutes — Zukunftskolleg Konstanz, Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) and Tübingen College of Fellows — this fellowship targets early-career scholars whose work faces genuine political or institutional restrictions, particularly in the U.S. research context. The aim: to provide safe, stable, high-quality research placements in Germany for two years. (uni-konstanz.de)

 Programme Overview

• The fellowship provides 14 fully-funded post-doctoral positions across the three host institutions. (uni-konstanz.de)
• Duration: 24 months (two years) with placement start between July 2026 and November 2028.
• Salary: Up to approximately €6,000 per month (pre-tax, plus normal German social & health contributions) depending on experience.
• The candidate chooses preferred host institution of the three and works with a local host researcher within that institute. (uni-konstanz.de)
• Additional benefits include research infrastructure, mobility allowance, support for families, accommodation assistance, and language courses.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following key conditions:

• Completed doctoral degree plus 1 to 7 years of post-doctoral experience at time of application. (Time for family, medical leave or non-academic professional work may not count.)
• Must not hold a permanent professorship (tenure) at this time.
• Applicants must show that their research cannot be continued or carried out in the USA due to actual political restrictions (e.g., cancelled funding, travel restrictions, cancelled appointments) OR provide a referee letter confirming threat to their research.
• The proposed research must be feasible at the host institute, reflect high quality, open to any discipline represented at the institutions.
• Ethical restrictions apply: projects must adhere to standard research integrity and prohibited categories (e.g., human cloning for reproductive purposes etc.).

Why It Matters

• It provides a safe haven for scholars whose academic continuity is threatened, empowering them to maintain and develop their research careers in a stable environment.
• Offers a world-class research environment with strong interdisciplinary and international networks.
• Fosters academic freedom and resilience of research communities globally.
• Strengthens career prospects: publication opportunities, new collaborations, expanded mobility.

Application Tips

• Clearly describe the nature of the restriction or threat to your research or academic situation in the USA; provide documentation or a referee letter.
• Choose your host institution carefully, showing how your research aligns with their environment and resources.
• Provide a strong research proposal: objectives, methodology, feasibility at host, value to your career and the academic field.
• Prepare required application documents on time: CV, publication list, motivations, proof of PhD and post-doc experience.
• Ensure you are available full-time for the 24-month fellowship.
• Emphasise how the fellowship will enable you to continue your work and contribute to your field within a supportive setting.

The Early Career Rescue Fellowship stands out as a rare, high-impact opportunity for early-career researchers facing constrained academic freedom. With generous funding, excellent host institutions, and a two-year placement, it offers a lifeline and acceleration for scholar’s trajectories. If your research and situation align with the criteria and you are ready to relocate to Germany for two years, this fellowship may be a game-changer.