Heilbronn AI Fellowships 2026/2027 in Germany: €2,800 Monthly Funding for International Postdoctoral Researchers
The Heilbronn AI Fellowship, supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), offers an exciting research opportunity for outstanding international researchers specialising in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related fields. The programme aims to attract talented postdoctoral researchers to Germany’s growing artificial intelligence ecosystem in Heilbronn.
Successful applicants will receive a monthly fellowship of €2,800, health, accident and personal liability insurance support, and a contribution towards international travel expenses. Research stays can last between one and 12 months, providing international researchers with an opportunity to advance their academic work while collaborating with leading universities, research institutions and industry partners.
The fellowship is designed to strengthen international research cooperation and promote innovation, technology transfer and the practical application of artificial intelligence.
1. About the Heilbronn AI Fellowship
The Heilbronn AI Fellowship attracts outstanding international postdoctoral researchers to Heilbronn, Germany, a rapidly developing centre for artificial intelligence research and innovation.
The programme supports cutting-edge AI research at institutions located on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn and within the wider regional innovation network.
Fellows benefit from an environment that combines academic excellence, industry collaboration, advanced digital infrastructure and entrepreneurial opportunities. In addition to conducting research, participants are encouraged to explore opportunities for technology transfer, practical AI applications and collaboration with startups.
The initiative aims to position Heilbronn as a leading European hub for artificial intelligence research and entrepreneurship.
2. Eligibility Requirements
The fellowship is open to international PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers who meet the programme’s academic requirements.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be international PhD candidates in the final year before their dissertation defence or postdoctoral researchers.
- Have obtained their doctoral degree no more than five years before applying.
- Demonstrate a strong academic background in Artificial Intelligence or a related discipline.
- Be affiliated with a university or non-university research institution.
- Have a proposed research project to undertake at an eligible host institution in Heilbronn.
Applicants should demonstrate the academic ability and research experience necessary to undertake an independent research project.
3. Participating Universities and Research Institutions
Research stays can be undertaken at eligible universities and research organisations located on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn.
Participating institutions include:
- 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 (TUM) Campus Heilbronn.
- Max Planck Institute Heilbronn.
- Campus Founders.
Applicants should identify a suitable host institution and establish contact to develop their proposed research project.
4. Fellowship Duration
The Heilbronn AI Fellowship supports research stays lasting between 1 and 12 months.
The fellowship cannot normally be extended. However, special circumstances may be considered individually.
Funding is available until the end of the programme’s funding period. Applicants should therefore consult the official DAAD announcement for the applicable funding availability and conditions.
5. Financial Benefits
Successful applicants receive financial support to cover expenses associated with their research stay in Germany.
The fellowship provides:
- Monthly stipend: €2,800.
- Health insurance: Payments towards health insurance coverage.
- Accident insurance: Support towards accident insurance.
- Personal liability insurance: Payments towards insurance coverage.
- International travel: A lump-sum contribution towards international travel costs.
Additional benefits may be available in certain circumstances.
Fellows with disabilities or chronic illnesses may apply for additional support towards related expenses. Applicants undertaking funding periods exceeding six months may also qualify for family benefits, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
All additional support requests are assessed individually.
6. Selection Criteria
Applications undergo a single-stage selection process based on submitted application documents.
Applications are jointly prepared by the researcher and the proposed host institution and evaluated by independent experts appointed by DAAD.
The selection process considers two main areas:
Academic qualifications
- Academic performance and overall academic record.
- Progress and quality of doctoral studies.
- Research achievements following graduation.
- Publications, conference presentations and academic contributions.
Quality of the research proposal
- Originality, relevance and topicality of the proposed research.
- Quality of the research preparation.
- Suitability of the selected host institution.
- Feasibility of the research plan and proposed timeline.
- Potential for professional development and future research collaboration.
- Opportunities for practical application and technology transfer.
Equal opportunities considerations are also taken into account during the selection process.
7. How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the DAAD application portal.
Interested researchers should:
- Review the official Heilbronn AI Fellowship announcement and eligibility requirements.
- Identify an eligible host institution in Heilbronn.
- Contact the relevant institution to discuss the proposed research project.
- Prepare the research proposal and supporting academic documents in collaboration with the host institution.
- Complete the online application through the DAAD portal.
- Submit all required documents before the applicable application deadline.
Applications are only considered valid when all required documents have been submitted. Where a required document is temporarily unavailable, applicants must explain the reason and indicate when it will be provided.
Only one application per applicant can be considered at a time.
8. Why Apply for the Heilbronn AI Fellowship?
The Heilbronn AI Fellowship offers more than financial assistance. It provides international researchers with access to a growing research and innovation ecosystem in Germany.
Participants can strengthen their research profiles, develop international academic partnerships, engage with industry and explore opportunities to translate AI research into practical solutions.
For early-career researchers seeking international exposure and opportunities to contribute to the future of artificial intelligence, this fellowship offers a valuable research experience.
9. Official Application and Further Information
Interested applicants should consult the official DAAD scholarship announcement for complete application requirements, supporting documents, funding conditions and submission instructions.
Applicants are encouraged to check the official announcement for the current application deadline and availability of funding before preparing their applications.
