# DFG Walter Benjamin Programme

**Funder:** DFG
**Budget:** Salary + allowances, up to 2 years (host abroad or in Germany)
**Duration:** Up to 2 years
**Consortium:** No — individual fellowship/position + host
**Application:** Single-stage (rolling)
**Frequency:** Continuous (no fixed deadline)
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/programmes/individual/walter-benjamin
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

DFG Walter Benjamin funds early postdocs integrated into the German research system. The Fellowship module sends the researcher to a host ABROAD; the Position module funds them in Germany. Origin = DE, outgoing-mobility option (the German equivalent of NWO Rubicon).

## Summary

The DFG Walter Benjamin Programme funds early postdoctoral researchers integrated into the German research system to move abroad or establish positions in Germany, with salary and allowances up to €150,000 over two years. Two modules are available: the Fellowship track sends postdocs to a host institution outside Germany, while the Position track funds them in Germany. Proposals are accepted at any time on a rolling basis, making this a flexible option for early-career researchers seeking international mobility or domestic establishment.

## Who should apply

- Early postdoctoral researchers based in German research institutions
- Applicants seeking outgoing mobility to a host abroad (Fellowship module) or establishing a position in Germany (Position module)
- Researchers in any discipline eligible within the German research system

## Key dates

- Continuous submission, propose at any time, no fixed deadline
- Single-stage rolling evaluation
- Up to two-year award duration

## Tips for applicants

- Rolling submission means you can apply as soon as your proposal is ready; there is no advantage to waiting for a seasonal deadline.
- Clarify in your cover letter which module you are applying for (Fellowship for outgoing mobility, or Position for domestic establishment), as evaluation criteria differ.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the DFG Walter Benjamin Programme pay?

Up to €150,000 in salary and allowances over the award period, the amount varying by individual circumstances and track.

### What is the difference between the Fellowship and Position modules?

The Fellowship module sends postdocs to a host abroad; the Position module funds them at a German institution. Both support early-career establishment.

### Can I apply to the DFG Walter Benjamin Programme at any time?

Yes, it uses continuous rolling submission, proposals are accepted and reviewed at any time rather than on fixed deadline dates.

### How long is the DFG Walter Benjamin award?

Up to two years.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-walter-benjamin-programme-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.