Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2026: €10,000 Funding for International Research Opportunities

If you are planning to take your academic or research journey to the next level, the 2026 Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships offer an excellent opportunity to gain international exposure and funding. Organized by Bayer Foundation, this prestigious fellowship supports talented students in scientific, medical, and interdisciplinary fields to pursue research projects, internships, and global academic collaborations.

The program is designed to strengthen innovation in science and empower future leaders to solve global challenges in health, agriculture, and climate.

Overview of Bayer Foundation Fellowships 2026

The fellowship provides financial support to outstanding students to undertake international placements that complement their current studies. Applicants can work in world-class research environments and build global professional networks.

• Funding up to €10,000
• Duration of up to 6 months
• Open to international applicants
• Placement in Germany or abroad depending on the applicant’s university
• Supports research, internships, and academic training
• Strong focus on global collaboration and interdisciplinary research

The program encourages applications from women, individuals from low- and middle-income countries, and candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Fields and Fellowship Categories

The Bayer Foundation offers multiple fellowship tracks in priority scientific areas:

Drug Discovery Sciences

• Open to Master’s and PhD students
• Focus on pharmacy, data science, biotechnology, and life sciences
• Supports innovation in pharmaceuticals and healthcare

Agricultural Sciences

• Focus on crop science, sustainability, and food security
• Encourages research in climate-smart agriculture

Medical Sciences

• Open to human and veterinary medicine students
• Covers medical engineering, public health, and applied sciences

Climate and Health (New Track)

• Research on climate change and health
• Women’s health and vulnerable populations
• Neglected diseases and respiratory health

These tracks are aligned with global priorities such as sustainability, healthcare, and environmental resilience.

Benefits of the Fellowship

The Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships provide both financial and academic advantages:

• Grant of up to €10,000
• Additional support for exceptional costs
• Extra childcare funding for parents
• Exposure to international research facilities
• Networking with global scientific leaders
• Opportunity to collaborate across disciplines
• Career development and mentorship
• Participation in scientific and innovation communities

The fellowship also helps participants build strong academic portfolios and global career pathways.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Enrolled in a Master’s, PhD, or medical degree program
• Excellent academic performance
• Strong motivation and research interest
• Placement aligned with the applicant’s academic field
• Acceptance letter from a host institution
• English language proficiency
• Scientific and innovative mindset

Students enrolled outside Germany must complete their placement in Germany, while students enrolled in Germany must conduct their fellowship abroad.

Application Timeline

• Application opens: February 2026
• Deadline: April 15, 2026
• Results announcement: July 2026
• Fellowship period: August 2026 to December 2027

Applications must be submitted online with all required documents in English.

Why You Should Apply

This fellowship offers much more than funding. It provides a chance to become part of a global scientific ecosystem, gain international exposure, and work on innovative solutions that impact society.

Key advantages include:

• Global research experience
• International collaboration
• Career advancement
• Industry and academic networking
• Exposure to innovation-driven environments

For students aiming to build a global research career, this program is a strong stepping stone.

Final Thoughts

The Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2026 are among the most competitive and impactful opportunities for students interested in science, medicine, agriculture, and climate research. With strong funding, global exposure, and interdisciplinary collaboration, this program helps future leaders contribute to solving global challenges.