Heilbronn AI Fellowship 2026–2027: €2,800 Monthly Funding in Germany
International researchers specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) can apply for the Heilbronn AI Fellowship, a research funding opportunity supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). The programme attracts talented international researchers to Heilbronn, Germany, offering financial support for research projects at selected universities and research institutions.
The fellowship is designed for international doctoral candidates nearing the completion of their PhDs and postdoctoral researchers who obtained their doctorate within the past five years. Successful applicants can receive €2,800 per month, contributions towards health, accident and personal liability insurance, and a lump sum towards international travel expenses.
Research stays can last between one and 12 months, providing researchers with opportunities to advance their work, collaborate with academic institutions and connect with Germany’s growing artificial intelligence innovation ecosystem.
Applicants should consult the official DAAD scholarship database for the current application deadline and funding availability, as these details are not specified in the supplied announcement.
Heilbronn AI Fellowship: Programme Overview
- Programme: Heilbronn AI Fellowship
- Funding organisation: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Research location: Heilbronn, Germany
- Research field: Artificial intelligence and related disciplines
- Eligible applicants: International PhD candidates in their final year and eligible postdoctoral researchers
- Monthly funding: €2,800
- Research duration: 1–12 months
- Additional benefits: Insurance contributions and international travel allowance
- Application method: Online through the DAAD portal
- Application deadline: Check the official scholarship announcement
About the Heilbronn AI Fellowship
The Heilbronn AI Fellowship aims to attract outstanding international researchers to the expanding AI research and innovation ecosystem in Heilbronn, Germany.
The programme connects researchers with academic institutions, industry partners and innovation networks. Its objectives extend beyond academic research to include technology transfer, practical applications and entrepreneurship.
Fellows can work on research projects at eligible institutions located on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn. This environment brings together universities, research organisations and innovation initiatives, creating opportunities for collaboration between academia and industry.
The programme seeks to strengthen Heilbronn’s position as a European centre for AI research, innovation and entrepreneurship while supporting international scientific cooperation.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
1. Monthly Financial Support
Successful fellows receive a monthly fellowship instalment of €2,800. This financial assistance supports researchers during their approved research stays in Germany.
The funding period can range from one month to a maximum of 12 months, depending on the approved research project and applicable programme conditions.
2. Insurance Contributions
The fellowship includes payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance coverage.
Applicants should review the applicable conditions to understand how these contributions are administered and what insurance arrangements they must maintain during their research stay.
3. International Travel Support
Fellows receive a lump sum towards international travel expenses. The allowance is intended to help cover travel associated with undertaking the approved research stay.
The amount and applicable conditions should be confirmed through the official DAAD programme documentation.
4. Possible Family and Additional Support
Additional benefits may be available under specific circumstances.
Researchers with disabilities or chronic illnesses may request support for additional expenses, which are assessed individually. Fellows undertaking funding periods longer than six months may also qualify for family benefits, subject to the programme’s eligibility conditions.
These additional provisions are not automatic and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for international researchers with strong academic backgrounds in artificial intelligence or related fields.
The supplied announcement identifies two main applicant groups:
International PhD candidates: Applicants should be in the final year of their doctoral studies before their dissertation defence.
Postdoctoral researchers: Applicants must have obtained their PhD or doctorate no more than five years before applying.
Candidates should also be affiliated with a university or non-university research institution and plan to undertake a research project at an eligible host institution in Heilbronn.
Applicants should carefully review the official requirements to confirm their eligibility and determine whether their proposed research and academic background meet the programme’s expectations.
Eligible Host Institutions in Heilbronn
Research projects may be undertaken at the institutions listed in the DAAD announcement, including:
- DHBW Center for Advanced Studies
- DHBW Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University
- Ferdinand-Steinbeis-Institute
- Fraunhofer HNFIZ
- Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences
- Technical University of Munich, Campus Heilbronn
- Max Planck Institute – Heilbronn
- Campus Founders
Applicants should identify an appropriate host institution and establish the necessary research arrangements as part of preparing their application.
The proposed host institution and research project are important elements of the selection process.
How Are Applications Assessed?
The fellowship uses a single-stage selection process based on the submitted application documents. Applications are prepared jointly by the candidate and the host institution and assessed by independent experts appointed by DAAD.
The evaluation considers several factors.
Academic qualifications: Reviewers assess academic performance, the candidate’s educational and doctoral background, and achievements such as publications, conference presentations and lectures.
Research project quality: The proposed project is assessed for originality, relevance, feasibility and its potential for practical application or technology transfer.
Research planning: Applicants must present a consistent research plan and realistic schedule.
Programme suitability: Reviewers consider how well the candidate’s profile and project align with the fellowship’s objectives, including opportunities for professional development and longer-term research cooperation in Germany.
Funding is awarded following a positive expert evaluation. Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection.
How to Apply for the Heilbronn AI Fellowship
Applications are submitted online through the DAAD portal.
Interested researchers should follow these steps:
- Visit the official DAAD Heilbronn AI Fellowship announcement.
- Review the eligibility requirements and application instructions.
- Identify a suitable host institution on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn.
- Develop a research proposal with the host institution.
- Prepare the required academic and supporting documents.
- Submit the complete application through the DAAD portal before the official deadline.
Only one application per applicant can be considered at any given time, according to the supplied announcement. Applicants should ensure that all required documents are submitted by the applicable deadline. If a required document is unavailable, the announcement instructs applicants to explain why and indicate when it will be provided.
Application Deadline
The supplied announcement does not state a specific closing date. Researchers should therefore check the current DAAD scholarship database entry to confirm the application deadline and whether funding remains available.
The programme’s funding is available only until the end of its funding period. Fellowship extensions are generally not available, although special circumstances may be considered individually.
Final Thoughts
The Heilbronn AI Fellowship offers international doctoral candidates and recent postdoctoral researchers an opportunity to pursue AI research in Germany while receiving financial support.
With a monthly stipend of €2,800, insurance contributions, travel assistance and access to a network of academic and industry partners, the programme may appeal to researchers seeking to advance their work in artificial intelligence.
Candidates should review the official eligibility criteria, identify a suitable host institution and confirm the current application deadline before preparing their submissions.
