The DAAD Heilbronn AI Fellowships 2027 in Germany offer an opportunity for international PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers to conduct artificial intelligence research at leading research institutions in Heilbronn. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the programme supports international researchers working in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related fields.
Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of €2,800, health, accident and personal liability insurance support, and a travel allowance. The fellowship supports research stays lasting between 1 and 12 months at eligible institutions located on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn.
The programme aims to attract international research talent to Germany’s growing AI ecosystem. It also provides opportunities to collaborate with academic institutions, industry partners, and innovation organisations. Interested applicants should prepare a research proposal in collaboration with an eligible host institution before submitting their application through the DAAD online portal.
WhatsApp ChannelDAAD Heilbronn AI Fellowships 2027 Details
- Host Country: Germany
- Funding Organisation: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Fellowship Location: Heilbronn, Germany
- Study Field: Artificial Intelligence and related disciplines
- Degree Level: PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers
- Funding Duration: 1 to 12 months
- Application Deadline: Rolling applications. Apply at least four months before the intended fellowship start date.
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About the DAAD Heilbronn AI Fellowship
The Heilbronn AI Fellowship is designed to attract outstanding international researchers to Germany for advanced research in Artificial Intelligence. The programme connects fellows with research institutions and innovation partners based on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn.
Participants can work on research projects involving AI development, scientific innovation, technology transfer, and practical applications. The programme also provides access to an ecosystem that combines academic research, industry collaboration, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
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Fellowship Benefits
Selected researchers will receive the following financial support:
- Monthly fellowship payment of €2,800.
- Contributions towards health, accident and personal liability insurance.
- A lump-sum travel allowance for international travel.
- Potential additional support for disability-related or chronic illness expenses.
- Possible family benefits for eligible fellows undertaking research stays exceeding six months.
Additional benefits are assessed individually according to the programme’s funding conditions.
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Eligible Research Institutions in Heilbronn
Applicants must plan to conduct their research at an eligible institution located on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn. Participating institutions include:
- DHBW Center for Advanced Studies
- DHBW Heilbronn
- Ferdinand-Steinbeis-Institute
- Fraunhofer HNFIZ
- Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences
- Technical University of Munich (TUM), Campus Heilbronn
- Max Planck Institute Heilbronn
- Campus Founders
The selected host institution must support the applicant’s proposed research project.
Eligibility Criteria
The DAAD Heilbronn AI Fellowships are open to international researchers who meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must be international PhD candidates or postdoctoral researchers.
- Postdoctoral researchers should have obtained their doctorate no more than five years before the application deadline.
- PhD candidates must be in the final year before their dissertation defense.
- Applicants must have resided outside Germany throughout the 15 months before submitting their application.
- Candidates should have a strong academic background in Artificial Intelligence or a related field.
- Applicants must be affiliated with a university or non-university research institution.
- The proposed research project must be conducted at an eligible host institution on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn.
- Very good English language skills are essential. An official English language certificate is not required.
Applicants must also demonstrate that their language skills are sufficient to complete the proposed research project. The German host institution must confirm this in its invitation letter.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents for submission through the DAAD online portal:
- Completed online application form.
- Full curriculum vitae in tabular format (maximum three pages).
- List of publications (maximum ten pages), if applicable.
- Letter of motivation (one to two pages).
- Research proposal jointly developed with the German host institution (two to three pages).
- Schedule of planned research activities.
- One recent academic reference.
- Invitation letter and confirmation from the academic host in Germany.
- Declaration from the German scientific supervisor covering safety-related and ethical aspects of the research project.
- Other relevant supporting documents, where applicable.
All application documents must be submitted in English. Applicants can upload scanned, non-certified copies of certificates and supporting documents. DAAD may request certified copies when necessary.
Selection Process
The main selection criteria include:
- Academic qualifications and research achievements.
- Quality, originality, and relevance of the proposed research.
- Feasibility of the research plan and schedule.
- Suitability of the applicant’s academic profile.
- Potential for professional development and long-term research cooperation.
Only applicants receiving a positive evaluation from the appointed experts are considered for funding.
How to Apply for the Heilbronn AI Fellowships 2027
The application process takes place online through the DAAD portal. Applicants should follow these steps:
- Identify a suitable research project and eligible host institution on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn.
- Contact the relevant host institution to discuss the proposed research.
- Register on the DAAD online application portal.
- Complete the recommendation form and send it to an academic referee.
- Prepare the research proposal, motivation letter, CV, and other required documents.
- Obtain the invitation letter and confirmation from the German academic host.
- Upload all application documents as PDFs.
- Complete and submit the online application.
Applicants who need assistance contacting a participating host institution can email Heilbronn-AI@daad.de with a brief explanation of their research interests, qualifications, and objectives. DAAD may help facilitate contact with an appropriate institution.
