The DAAD Heilbronn AI Fellowship offers a premier research opportunity for international artificial intelligence scholars seeking to advance their careers within Germany’s rapidly expanding tech ecosystem. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this prestigious fellowship connects post-doctoral researchers and advanced PhD candidates with world-class academic institutions, industry collaborators, and cutting-edge digital infrastructure on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn.
For South African and international researchers aiming to drive real-world AI innovation, technology transfer, and entrepreneurial development, this programme provides full financial backing, insurance coverage, and travel stipends for research stays in Germany.
Quick Overview: DAAD Heilbronn AI Fellowship 2026/2027
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Funding Body | German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) |
| Target Audience | International PhD Candidates (final year) & Postdoctoral Researchers |
| Research Location | Bildungscampus Heilbronn, Germany |
| Duration of Funding | 1 to 12 months (Non-renewable) |
| Monthly Fellowship Stipend | €2,800 per month (approx. R55,000+) |
| Additional Benefits | Health/Liability Insurance, International Travel Allowance, Family Support |
| Application Deadline | Ongoing / Rolling Applications (Submit at least 4 months prior) |
What the Fellowship Covers
The DAAD Heilbronn AI Fellowship provides an all-inclusive financial and operational package to ensure international researchers are fully supported during their stay in Germany:
- Monthly Fellowship Stipend: A fixed grant of €2,800 per month to cover living expenses.
- Insurance Coverage: Direct contributions toward health, accident, and personal liability insurance cover in Germany.
- Travel Allowance: A lump-sum payment allocated toward international travel costs to and from Germany.
- Special Allowances (Case-by-Case):
- Additional financial support for researchers with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
- Family allowances for research stays exceeding 6 months, subject to individual eligibility.
Eligible Host Institutions on Bildungscampus Heilbronn
Fellows must conduct their joint research project at one of participating institutions or universities located on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM) Campus Heilbronn
- Max Planck Institute – Heilbronn
- Fraunhofer HNFIZ
- Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences (HHN)
- DHBW Heilbronn (Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University)
- DHBW Center for Advanced Studies
- Ferdinand-Steinbeis-Institute
- Campus Founders
Eligibility & Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet strict academic, residence, and language criteria to qualify for fellowship:
Candidate Requirements:
- Must be an international applicant residing outside Germany for the entire 15 months prior to submitting the application.
- Must be a postdoctoral researcher who obtained a PhD/doctorate no more than 5 years ago, OR a PhD candidate currently in their final year before dissertation defense.
- Must have a strong, documented academic track record in Artificial Intelligence or a directly related field.
- Must be formally affiliated with a recognized university or non-university research institution.
Language Proficiency Rules:
- No official language certificate is required.
- Applicants must demonstrate very good English or German language skills sufficient to complete their proposed research project.
- Mandatory Confirmation: The host institution’s invitation letter in Germany must explicitly confirm that the applicant’s language capabilities meet project requirements.
Required Documents
All application documents must be submitted in English via online DAAD portal. Certificates and transcripts can be uploaded in uncertified form, though DAAD reserves the right to request certified copies later.
- Online Application Form: Completed directly via the DAAD Portal.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Comprehensive tabular CV (maximum 3 pages).
- List of Publications: Complete academic publication list (maximum 10 pages), if applicable.
- Letter of Motivation: A 1 to 2-page letter detailing what you hope to gain personally and professionally from the research stay in Germany.
- Joint Research Proposal: A 2 to 3-page proposal co-developed by the applicant and the host supervisor in Heilbronn, outlining the project’s scope, originality, and real-world transfer potential.
- Research Schedule: A detailed, realistic timeline of planned research work.
- Host Invitation Letter: Official letter from the academic host in Germany confirming workplace provision, project support, and language proficiency verification.
- Host Supervisor Safety & Ethics Declaration: Formal statement from the supervisor addressing ethical and safety-relevant aspects of the research.
- Recent Academic Reference: Official recommendation form generated through the DAAD portal and completed by a university professor.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Applications are processed strictly online through the DAAD Portal. Follow these steps to ensure a complete submission:
Step 1: Secure an Academic Host in Heilbronn
Before applying, establish contact with a researcher at an eligible host institution. If you need assistance finding a host, submit the DAAD Institution Contact Form or email heilbronn-ai@daad.de to facilitate contact.
Step 2: Register on DAAD Portal
Create an account on the official DAAD application portal.
Visit Official Website for more details
Important Technical Rule: The DAAD portal must be accessed using a desktop computer, as mobile devices have limited functionality.
Step 3: Generate and Request Recommendation Form
In the portal, navigate to „Request recommendation form” to generate a writable PDF. Send this form to your academic professor, retrieve completed document, and upload it to the portal.
Step 4: Co-Develop Research Documentation
Work directly with your German host to draft the 2–3 page research proposal, the schedule, the host invitation letter, and the safety/ethics declaration.
Step 5: Upload Files and Submit
Convert all documents to PDF format and upload them to their respective portal slots. Submit your application at least 4 months before your intended start date.
Official Enquiries & Contacts
For questions regarding the fellowship structure or portal technical issues, contact the DAAD office:
- Programme Contact: Laura Mendez Prencke (DAAD Referat S15 – Research and Studies)
- Email Enquiries: Heilbronn-AI@daad.de
- Telephone: +49-228 882 5248
- Portal Technical Support: portal@daad.de | +49 (0) 228 882-8888
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the application deadline for the DAAD Heilbronn AI Fellowship?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed annual closing date. However, because applications undergo a single-stage evaluation by independent experts, you must submit your application at least 4 months before your planned research stay in Germany.
2. Can I apply if I obtained my PhD more than 5 years ago?
No. Applicants must have completed their PhD/doctorate no more than 5 years prior to submitting their application. Advanced PhD candidates who are in their final year before dissertation defense are also eligible.
3. Can the fellowship be extended beyond 12 months?
No. The fellowship duration ranges strictly between 1 and 12 months and cannot be extended. Special circumstances may only be reviewed on an exceptional, case-by-case basis.
4. Is an official IELTS or TOEFL language certificate mandatory?
No. An official language test score is not required. However, your host institution in Heilbronn must explicitly confirm in their formal invitation letter that your English or German language skills are fully adequate to conduct the proposed research.
