How to apply for a bursary from Heinrich Hertz Foundation:

research project

Only research projects will be sponsored. Under the terms of the statutes no bursaries will be awarded for academic studies, internships, participation in congresses, meetings etc.

must be a researcher working in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)

As a rule, a professor at an institution of higher education in NRW. Applications cannot be filed by the candidates themselves.

German researchers working in NRW who wish to do a research project abroad.

Eligible candidates:
University lecturers, young academic researchers, other researchers, postgraduates provided they are in the final stage of their preparations for the doctor's degree and need to do a research project abroad to earn their degree (bursary will be awarded for a maximum of six months), and highly qualified students who are in the final stage of their studies for the completion of which a research project abroad is required or very important (bursary will be awarded for a maximum of six months).
There is no minimum or maximum age limit to qualify for a bursary.

Researchers from abroad who wish to do a research project in NRW.

Bursaries are awarded for a maximum period of twelve months, which may be extended for no more than another twelve months in substantiated exceptional cases.

Bursary allocations will be made for a maximum of one year – even where a longer project period has been planned. The project should be designed so that – even if the bursary cannot be extended – a part of the project can be expected to be completed within the first twelve months. The extension of the bursary for another twelve months is subject to a very positive evaluation of the results of the first year and the prospects for the second year. As a rule, no bursaries will be granted for short-term projects (of up to approx. 6 weeks).

Home country

Before the start of the research project sponsored by the Heinrich Hertz Foundation, the candidate must be engaged in research in his/her home country.

The bursary covers either travelling or subsistence expenses

No additional payments will be made for health insurance contributions and costs of material. In accordance with the statutes, payments can only be made towards the bursary holder's research project activities. The bursary is a tax-free net payment.
Currently, the maximum bursary amount is € 1,500 per month. The amount requested must be justified by the applicant and must be commensurate with the candidate's economic situation (with ongoing salary/ remuneration, maintenance payments, candidate's personal resources etc being taken into account). If the project lasts at least 6 months, a family allowance may be paid depending on the circumstances of the individual case.

Basic knowledge of the language of the country where the project is to be carried out.

Researchers from abroad must furnish proof of basic knowledge of German. In exceptional cases, if they stay in Germany only for a short time (up to 3 months), they may be exempt from that obligation provided that knowledge of German is not required for the proposed project. German candidates must furnish proof of adequate command of the language of the host country.

Return of the candidate to his/her home country upon completion of the project.