DFG

DFG Walter Benjamin Programme

Salary + allowances, up to 2 years (host abroad or in Germany)Up to 2 years

Continuous submission — proposals accepted at any time

Last verified: 18 June 2026

This is the current call of theDFG Walter Benjamin Programmeprogramme. The programme guide coverseligibility, budget, success rate and FAQacross every round.

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.

Details

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)
Career stage	Early-career opportunity
Eligible countries	DE

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).

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.

dfgearly-careerpostdoctoralmobility-grantgermanyrolling-deadlinefellowship

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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.