Top ten fellowships in Germany for ambitious English speakers

1. Robert Bosch Foundation Fellowship Program

Let's start with a big one. This prestigious German-American intercultural exchange program aims to give up-and-coming American leaders experience within Germany and Europe. Applicants with professional backgrounds in policy, planning, business, journalism, law and culture embark on a program combining language training, seminars and a work placement at a German public or private institution. Bosch fellows also travel throughout Germany and Europe for seminars exchanging ideas on pressing topics of the day.

Eligibility: US citizens only.

Application deadline: November 1st.

2. German Academic Exchange Service, DAAD

So you want to study in Germany? Whatever your subject, this academic exchange portal should be your first stop. DAAD boasts a network of 365 accredited German universities and a huge database of scholarships. Funding is available for students of all disciplines at all levels, from undergraduate to PhD. And with a global network of chapters all over the world, chances are there’s something here for everyone.

Eligibility: see individual scholarship

Deadline: rolling applications

3. Fulbright Scholarship

Are you American and looking to study, teach, or research in Germany? Try for a Fulbright. The Germany program is one of the longest established exchange programs for US citizens and is aimed at students, teachers, professors and journalists who want to spend a year in Germany. But if you’re considering it, you might want to get in fast, as US President Donald Trump proposed a 71% cut to the program’s funding in 2018.

Eligibility: US citizens only

Deadline: rolling applications

4. German Chancellor Fellowship

Fancy yourself as the next Angela Merkel? This fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the German Foreign Office is for aspiring leaders from around the world. It’s open to graduates from a number of countries working across a range of disciplines, from politics and economics, to media, administration and culture. Develop and pitch your own project with a host mentor within Germany and receive living and travel costs to help realize it.

Eligibility: Young graduates from Brazil, China, India, Russia, and the USA.

Deadline: September 15

Alexander von Humboldt statue in front of Humboldt University.

5. Bayer International Fellowship Program

At last! One for the scientists out there. German pharmaceutical Bayer offers tailored scholarships for foreign students and early career professionals wanting to research or complete a project in Germany. Disciplines covered include Life Sciences, Medicine, Agro Sciences, Biology and Chemistry Education, Healthcare, Technology, and Business.

Eligibility: Students and recent graduates only

Deadline: July 18th

6 .Heinrich Boll Stiftung Foundation Scholarship

The Heinrich Böll Foundation is the academic offshoot of the German Green party. It offers financial help and semester or year-long scholarships to foreign and domestic students who can prove their engagement in its key focus topics – democracy, ecology, solidarity and non-violence – and take an active role in politics or society.

Eligibility: German speakers only

Deadlines: March 1st and September 1st

7. The American Council on Germany

Already established in your field? This might be one for you. The American Council on Germany’s fellowships allow American journalists, scholars, and other mid-career professionals to spend time exploring how Germans do things differently. Programs cover a range of topics from climate change and urbanization to history, society and politics.

Eligibility: US citizens only

Deadline: rolling applications

8. Smart Connection Challenge

Young? Love music? Into tech? Then Berlin is the place for you. And German communications giant Deutsche Telekom wants to get you there. Spend four weeks connecting with young people from all over the world exploring ways of engaging millennial audiences through technology and music. Participants will develop products, services or campaigns for the music and lifestyle program “Telekom Electronic Beats (TEB)”. Applications for this year have just closed, but don't worry: if this sounds like your thing you'll be super early for next year's program.

Eligibility: Applicants must be aged 18-35

Deadline: Spring 2019

9.The Émigré Memorial German Internship Program–German State Parliaments

Into politics? Thinking about a career in local government? This Germany-based fellowship is your way in. Spend some time gaining work experience at a German state parliament, brushing up your German and learning about the country. 

Eligibility: US or Canadian students or graduates with German aged 18-30.

Deadline: Rolling applications, program runs three times a year.

10. Einstein Fellowship

And finally, if you're feeling particularly brainy, why not try for this fellowship from the Einstein Forum and the Daimler and Benz Foundation. Aimed at "outstanding young thinkers who wish to pursue a project in a different field from that of their previous research," this program includes accommodation in the grounds of Einstein's summerhouse outside Berlin, a grant of €10,000 and travel expenses. But all that doesn't come for free. At the end of your 6 month stay, you'll be expected to present your project in a public lecture. Once again, applications are already closed this year, but that just gives all you geniuses more time to work on that proposal for 2020.

Eligibility: Graduates under 35 with a degree in humanities, natural or social sciences.

Deadline: Spring 2019 for 2020.

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