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Heilbronn AI Fellowship 2026 in Germany | Fully Funded

Germany

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Application opens on the official site (www2.daad.de). Scholarship Union does not collect applications.

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Heilbronn AI Fellowship Summary
Country
Germany
Study Level
PhD, Postdoctoral
Duration
12 months
Benefit
Fully Funded
Deadline
Open

Heilbronn AI Fellowship gives international PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to conduct Artificial Intelligence research on Bildungscampus Heilbronn. Heilbronn AI Fellowship supports research stays at eligible host institutions and provides a monthly instalment plus insurance and travel support.

The programme is offered in cooperation with the DAAD German Academic Exchange Service and the Dieter Schwarz Foundation and places fellows within Heilbronn’s academic and industry AI ecosystem to encourage research, technology transfer and collaboration.

Heilbronn AI Fellowship Benefits

  • €2,800 monthly fellowship instalment
  • Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance
  • A lump sum towards international travel costs
  • Support for additional costs arising from a disability or chronic illness, subject to individual assessment.
  • Family benefits for fellows whose funding period exceeds six months, subject to eligibility.
  • Other support related to special circumstances, assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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Heilbronn AI Fellowship Eligibility Criteria

  • International PhD candidates in the final year before their dissertation defense.
  • International postdoctoral researchers who obtained their doctorate no more than five years ago.
  • Researchers with a strong academic background in Artificial Intelligence or a related field.
  • Applicants affiliated with a university or non-university research institution.
  • Applicants planning to undertake a research project at an eligible host institution on Bildungscampus Heilbronn.

How to Apply for Heilbronn AI Fellowship

  • Step 1: Identify an Eligible Host Institution
  • Step 2: Develop Your Research Project
  • Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
  • Step 4: Submit the Application Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Heilbronn AI Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, selection, application steps, and other important programme details.

Who is eligible to apply for the Heilbronn AI Fellowship?

The fellowship is open to international PhD candidates in the final year before their dissertation defence and international postdoctoral researchers who obtained their doctorate no more than five years ago. Applicants should have a strong academic background in AI or related fields and be affiliated with a university or research institution.

What funding does the fellowship provide?

The fellowship provides a €2,800 monthly instalment, payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance, and a lump sum towards international travel costs. Additional support may be available for disability-related costs or family benefits for stays exceeding six months.

How long can I be funded under this fellowship?

Funding is available for research stays lasting between 1 and 12 months. The fellowship cannot normally be extended, although special circumstances may be considered individually during the programme’s funding period.

Where will the research stay take place?

Research stays must be undertaken at eligible universities and research institutions located on Bildungscampus Heilbronn. Eligible hosts listed include DHBW Center for Advanced Studies, DHBW Heilbronn, Ferdinand-Steinbeis-Institute, Fraunhofer HNFIZ, Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences, and TUM Campus Heilbronn.

How are applications submitted and evaluated?

Applications are submitted online through the DAAD portal and must be jointly prepared by the applicant and the proposed host institution. A single-stage evaluation by independent experts appointed by the DAAD assesses applications based on the submitted documents.

Are there specific selection criteria for the fellowship?

Yes. Selection considers academic qualification (grades, publications, academic achievements), the quality of the research project (originality, relevance, feasibility, suitability of host), potential for technology transfer and longer-term cooperation, and equal-opportunity aspects provided in the application.

Is there a fixed application deadline?

No. The Heilbronn AI Fellowship operates on a rolling application basis and there is no fixed application deadline. Applicants should review the official programme information and submit applications according to the DAAD portal requirements.

Can I apply without securing a host institution first?

Applicants should establish contact with an eligible host institution on Bildungscampus Heilbronn and develop their research project in cooperation with the proposed host. The application is jointly prepared by the applicant and the host institution.

How many applications can an individual submit?

Only one application per applicant can be considered at any given time. Simultaneous applications cannot be processed, so applicants should ensure their submission is complete and aligned with the host institution before applying.

What types of research does the programme fund?

The programme funds research stays in Artificial Intelligence and related fields that contribute to scientific knowledge and encourage connections between research and real-world applications, including academic research, industry collaboration, technology transfer, innovation and entrepreneurship.


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Sheikh Mahdia Ahmed Lima is a content developer and writer with 2+ years of experience creating research-driven, student-focused educational content. She has authored 1,155+ articles for Scholarship Union, specializing in scholarships, study abroad opportunities, and academic guidance. Her background in research coordination enables deep literature reviews, rigorous fact-checking, and clear structuring of complex topics. She helps students worldwide discover verified opportunities and make informed academic decisions.

Joined Jul 21, 2025
Published
Updated Aug 30, 2026
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