If you are a master’s, PhD, or medical student looking for funding to support research or an international placement, the 2026 fellowships from the Bayer Foundation are now open. This programme is designed to support early-career scientists and students working in fields like medicine, agriculture, drug discovery, and climate and health. The funding is flexible, meaning you can use it for research projects, internships, or academic collaborations that strengthen your studies.
The application window for the 2026 cycle runs from February 18 to April 15, 2026, and applications must be submitted through the digital portal on the official fellowship page.
The programme offers up to €10,000 in funding, typically for placements lasting up to six months, though some categories such as STEM education projects may extend to twelve months.
This fellowship is structured around international academic exchange. If you are studying in Germany, you must complete your fellowship in another country. If you are studying outside Germany, your placement must take place at a German research institution. The goal is to promote cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Once accepted, you use the funding to support a self-organized research or training project. That means you choose a host institution, secure acceptance, and then carry out your work during the fellowship period. A formal acceptance letter from your host institution is required as part of the application, along with recommendation letters.
You may use the fellowship for a wide range of academic activities. Many fellows conduct laboratory research, join international research teams, complete internships, attend specialized summer schools, or develop collaborative projects with partner universities. The programme particularly supports fields such as drug discovery sciences, agricultural science, medical research, and climate-health topics.
Because the funding is flexible, your day-to-day work depends on your project. You might be conducting experiments in a host lab, analyzing data for a collaborative research project, working on medical research with clinicians, or studying the impact of climate change on health outcomes. The fellowship is meant to enhance your academic training while building international experience.
The application process is straightforward but requires preparation. You must identify a host institution, define your research or training plan, and gather documents such as recommendation letters and proof of enrollment. Applications are submitted in English, and you can only apply once per call.
If you are looking for short-term funding to support an international research experience, this is one of the more flexible fellowships available. It allows you to design your own project, choose your host institution, and gain international exposure while continuing your studies.
Before applying, you may also want to explore similar opportunities listed in your related guide: 7 Fully Funded Fellowships Open Now.
