The Philipp Schwartz Initiative of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards 24-month research fellowships to researchers at risk. The research stay can be extended by up to 12 additional months if necessary as part of a co-financed extension. Fellows receive approximately EUR 2,870 per month and can apply for additional allowances for their partner and/or children if required. There are usually two selection rounds per year.

Important: Central coordination and application via the International Office. Please contact Ms Judith Nebe.

The German Research Foundation (DFG) supports researchers at risk as part of the Walter Benjamin Programme. Eligible researchers who are successful in their application will be funded for a postdoctoral position (Walter Benjamin position) for a maximum period of two years. In addition, lump sums for material and travel expenses as well as publication costs can be applied for. Applications can be submitted at any time without deadlines.

In addition, supplementary proposals can be submitted to the DFG in order to integrate at-risk researchers into DFG-funded projects. These proposals can be submitted informally at any time.

The Scholar Rescue Fund of the International Institute of Education awards research grants of up to USD 25,000 for researchers at risk. The scholarship period is up to 12 months and can be extended for a further year if necessary. The prerequisite for funding is co-financing of at least USD 25,000 from the host organisation. Applications can be submitted at any time. The scholarships are awarded quarterly.

The Hilde Domin Programme is currently suspended. We will inform you here as soon as the programme is resumed.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) supports At-risk students and PhDs as part of the Hilde Domin Programme. If their application is successful, PhD candidates receive a monthly grant of EUR 1,300 for up to 48 months. Additional benefits can also be applied for. Depending on their degree, students can receive funding for up to 48 months (Bachelor plus Studienkolleg) or up to 24 months (Master).

Important: Central coordination and application via the International Office. Please contact Ms Judith Nebe (PhD) or Ms Ariane Elshof (undergraduate studies).

Further DAAD scholarship programmes for international students and researchers can be found in the scholarship database.

This scholarship programme is a pilot project. No further calls for applications are planned at this time.

The SAFE project (Supporting At-risk scholars with Fellowships in Europe) was launched in September 2024 as part of a collaboration between the DAAD, Campus France, UNIMED and the PAUSE programme of the Collège de France. At-risk scholars can apply for funding to continue their research activities at a European university for up to 24 months.  

No further tendering is currently planned.

The MSCA4Ukraine programme is aimed at At-risk postdocs and PhD candidates from the Ukraine and enables them to continue their research activities at an academic or non-academic institution in an EU member state or a Horizon Europe-associated country. The scholarships can be applied for for a period of up to 24 months.

Further funding opportunities for researchers at risk are listed on the website of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.