The Max Planck Institute in Freiburg Germany is offering short-term Research Fellowships for Doctoral students, Postdoctoral researchers, and Senior Fellows from international institutions. This prestigious program provides a unique opportunity to engage in high-level research, collaborate with leading experts, and immerse in a dynamic academic environment. Fellowships typically last 2–4 months, with monthly stipends of up to €3,000, depending on career stage.

The research fellowship is open to doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and Senior Fellows from foreign institutions or non-MPI-affiliated German research institutions. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, submit a detailed research proposal aligned with the Institute’s research areas, and provide supporting documents such as a CV, degree certificates, and proof of health insurance.

The Max Planck Institute (MPI) refers to a network of research institutes under the Max Planck Society, a prestigious German organization founded in 1948. Named after physicist Max Planck, the society supports over 80 institutes across Germany and abroad, focusing on cutting-edge research in natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Each institute specializes in a specific field, such as physics, biology, or neuroscience, conducting fundamental research with a strong emphasis on innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Application Deadline: 31 October 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: Max Planck Institute
• Department: Varies by research topic
• Course Level: Doctoral, Postdoctoral, and Senior Research
• Award: Monthly stipend (€1,365 for Doctoral, €2,500 for Postdocs, €3,000 for Professors/experienced researchers)
• Access Mode: Online
• Number of Awards: NA
• Nationality: Open to international applicants
• The award can be taken in: Germany

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: All foreign countries (non-German or non-MPI-affiliated German institutions)
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: Fellowships are open to various academic disciplines depending on the ongoing research at the Max Planck Institute. Applicants are advised to explore the Institute’s website to confirm field compatibility.
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Doctoral students must be enrolled at a foreign or non-MPI-affiliated German research institution.
• Postdoctoral researchers must be affiliated with a foreign research institution.
• Senior applicants (Professors or experienced researchers) must be from foreign research institutions.
• Submission of required documents including:
• CV
• List of publications
• 1–3 academic publications (in German or English)
• Research project description (5–10 pages; 10 pages for Doctoral students)
• Degree certificates
• Proof of health insurance
• Doctoral students are not necessarily expected to submit publications but must include a detailed research plan.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through the fellowship webpage:
https://csl.mpg.de/en/fellowships

Benefits

Monthly stipend based on career stage:

• Doctoral students: up to €1,365
• Postdoctoral researchers: up to €2,500
• Professors/experienced researchers: up to €3,000
• Note: Travel expenses are generally not reimbursed.