The Bonn SDG Fellowships 2026 offer an exceptional opportunity for international postdoctoral researchers to collaborate with faculty at the University of Bonn, Germany on research projects related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This program provides scholars, preferably from Africa, Latin America, and South/East Asia, with the chance to conduct research and teach at one of Germany’s leading institutions for a period of 3 to 12 months.
The fellowship for international students aims to foster global academic collaboration and support research that directly contributes to sustainable development. Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend of €3,000, travel allowances, and research funding to support their academic work. The application deadline is March 31, 2025, and applications must be submitted by a University of Bonn professor in collaboration with the invited fellow.
If you are a postdoctoral researcher passionate about sustainable development, this fellowship could be the perfect opportunity to expand your research, engage in international academic collaboration, and contribute to impactful global initiatives.
Quick Overview of Bonn SDG Fellowships 2026
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institution: University of Bonn
- Fellowship Duration: 3 to 12 months
- Funding Provided: Fully funded
- Scholarship Value:
- Monthly stipend: €3,000
- Travel allowance (varies by country)
- Research allowance: up to €500 per month
- Family support: €300 for spouse and €250 per child
- Eligible Regions: Africa, Latin America, South & East Asia
- Deadline: March 31, 2025
- Eligibility: International postdoctoral researchers invited by a University of Bonn professor
Perks of the SDGs Fellowship Program in Germany 2026
- Funding support for research, travel, and living expenses.
- Collaboration with top researchers at the University of Bonn.
- Opportunity to contribute to SDG-focused research in partnership with an esteemed institution.
- Global networking opportunities with academics and researchers.
- Integration into teaching and research activities at the University of Bonn.
- Potential for long-term academic collaboration beyond the fellowship.
Benefits of the Research Fellowship Program for International Students
- Conduct high-impact research on Sustainable Development Goals.
- Engage with leading researchers in Germany.
- Enhance teaching and research skills.
- Opportunity to present findings at seminars, lectures, and conferences.
Exclusions of the University of Bonn Fellowships
- Not open to undergraduate or graduate students.
- Only postdoctoral researchers with foreign citizenship are eligible.
- Candidates must be invited by a full-time professor at the University of Bonn.
- Insurance benefits are not included in the fellowship.
- The fellowship does not cover housing costs.
Eligibility Criteria for Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme 2026
To be eligible for this fellowship, candidates must:
- Be an international postdoctoral researcher (with foreign citizenship).
- Have an affiliation with a university or research institute in Africa, Latin America, or South/East Asia.
- Demonstrate expertise in a research area related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Have a professor from the University of Bonn willing to host them for research collaboration.
- Engage in research and teaching during their stay in Germany.
- Be committed to long-term academic collaboration beyond the fellowship period.
Important Dates for SDG Research Funding in Germany 2026
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2025
- Fellowship Duration: January 2026 – October 2026
- Selection Process:
- Conducted anonymously by independent experts at the University of Bonn.
- A selection committee from all university faculties will review shortlisted candidates.
How to Apply for the Sustainable Development Research Fellowship 2026
The application must be submitted by a full-time professor at the University of Bonn in collaboration with the invited fellow. Follow these steps:
- Identify a faculty member at the University of Bonn willing to host your research project.
- Collaborate on a research proposal that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Prepare the required documents (detailed below).
- the application must be submitted by a professor at the University of Bonn
- Apply online through the University of Bonn portal before March 31, 2025.
- Await selection results—successful applicants will be notified.
🔗 Apply Now: Application Form for Bonn SDG Fellowships
Required Documents for International Research Fellowship 2026
- Online Application Form
- Research Project Description (PDF, max 8 pages), including:
- Abstract (250 words)
- Outline of research project
- Reasons for the Fellowship Invitation
- Collaboration history between the applicant and the University of Bonn
- Plans for post-fellowship collaboration
- Fellow’s CV (PDF)
- Financing Plan (Excel template provided by the University of Bonn)
🔗 Download Financing Plan Template: Click Here
Selection Criteria for Bonn SDG Fellowships
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Academic Quality and Mutual Benefit (50%)
- Strength and impact of the proposed research.
- Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Relevance to the fellow’s region and home institution.
- Planned academic contributions (lectures, seminars, etc.) at the University of Bonn.
- Strategic Relevance and Future Collaboration Potential (50%)
- Strength of existing academic partnerships.
- Potential for long-term research collaboration.
- Alignment with Bonn’s research focus areas.
- Plans for disseminating research findings globally.
In case of a tie, Academic Quality and Mutual Benefit will be prioritized.
For more details, visit the University of Bonn’s official website.
