Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
DFG Walter Benjamin Programme
Postdoctoral fellowship for international mobility — conduct your project in Germany or abroad.
About the DFG Walter Benjamin Programme
The DFG Walter Benjamin Programme is Germany's postdoctoral mobility fellowship. It funds researchers in the early postdoctoral phase to conduct a self-directed research project either in Germany or abroad for up to 2 years. The fellowship covers the researcher's salary at postdoc level (~€50K–60K per year including benefits), plus a modest research allowance. It replaces the older "DFG Research Fellowship" scheme. Eligibility: a PhD plus up to ~4 years of postdoctoral research experience (with extensions for interruptions). Walter Benjamin is particularly attractive for German researchers going abroad (most UK/US labs will not pay postdoc salaries from their own funds) and for international postdocs wanting to spend time in Germany before applying for more senior funding. The scheme explicitly values international research experience as career development.
Key facts
- Type
- Postdoctoral mobility fellowship
- Duration
- Up to 2 years
- Host country
- Germany or abroad
- Career stage
- 0–4 years post-PhD
- Success rate
- ~25–35%
Who is eligible?
- •PhD + up to ~4 years postdoctoral experience (extensions possible)
- •Project can be based in Germany or abroad
- •Self-directed research — the postdoc is the PI of their own project
- •Open to researchers of any nationality
Frequently asked questions
+How does Walter Benjamin differ from MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships?
MSCA is EU-wide with stricter mobility rules and a higher stipend (~€5,080/mo). Walter Benjamin is DFG (German) specific, pays at German postdoc salary scales, and has more flexible destinations but doesn't cover an inward European mobility requirement. Many postdocs apply for both.
+Can I do Walter Benjamin in the US?
Yes. The scheme funds research abroad including outside Europe. North America, Japan, Australia, and other destinations are all eligible. The key requirement is scientific fit with your career plan, not geography.
+Does my German host institution pay any of my salary during the fellowship?
No — DFG covers the full postdoc salary during the fellowship. If you're based abroad, you are paid through your German admin/funding linkage, not through the foreign host.
+Can Walter Benjamin be extended?
The fellowship itself is capped at 24 months. However, many researchers transition directly to other DFG instruments (Emmy Noether, Research Grants) to continue their research line after Walter Benjamin ends.
Looking for proposal-writing advice?
Read the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) writing guide →Related programmes
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
DFG Emmy Noether Programme
Up to 6 years of funding for early-career researchers to establish an independent junior research group in Germany.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship
Monthly stipend of €5,080+ for 12–36 months of international mobility for postdoctoral researchers.
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