The Heilbronn AI Fellowships 2026 in Germany offer international PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers an excellent opportunity to conduct advanced research in Artificial Intelligence and related fields. The fellowship, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), aims to attract outstanding international researchers to Heilbronn’s rapidly growing AI research community.
Selected fellows can receive a €2,800 monthly fellowship, support for health, accident, and personal liability insurance, and a lump-sum payment for international travel costs. Research stays at eligible universities and research facilities on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn can last from 1 to 12 months.
The programme combines academic research with industry collaboration, cutting-edge digital infrastructure, technology transfer, entrepreneurship, and practical AI innovation, providing opportunities to develop AI-based solutions with real-world applications.
Heilbronn AI Fellowships 2026 – Quick Facts
- Host Country: Germany
- Programme: Heilbronn AI Fellowship
- Funded By: DAAD
- Research Location: Bildungscampus Heilbronn
- Research Level: PhD Candidates and Postdoctoral Researchers
- Eligible Applicants: International researchers
- Research Duration: 1 to 12 months
- Fellowship Amount: €2,800 per month
- Deadline: Rolling applications; no fixed deadline
About the Heilbronn AI Fellowship
Talented international researchers in Artificial Intelligence and related fields are invited to Heilbronn through the Heilbronn AI Fellowship.
Fellows have access to an ecosystem combining academic research, industry, innovation, digital infrastructure, and entrepreneurship while exploring technology transfer and practical AI applications with real-world impact.
Degree Level
The fellowship is open to:
- International PhD candidates in their final year before dissertation defense
- International postdoctoral researchers
- Researchers who completed their PhD within the past five years
Applicants should have a strong academic background in AI or a related field.
Eligible Host Institutions
Research can be conducted at eligible institutions on Bildungscampus Heilbronn, including:
- DHBW Center for Advanced Studies
- DHBW Heilbronn
- Ferdinand-Steinbeis-Institute
- Fraunhofer HNFIZ
- Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences (HHN)
- Technical University of Munich (TUM) Campus Heilbronn
Applicants should develop their research project in collaboration with the prospective host institution.
Available Subjects
The main research field is Artificial Intelligence, including related areas such as:
- AI-driven technologies
- Digital innovation
- Technology transfer
- Real-world AI applications
- Entrepreneurship and innovation
Eligibility Criteria — Heilbronn AI Fellowships 2026, Germany
Applicants should generally:
- Be an international PhD candidate or postdoctoral researcher.
- Be in the final year before dissertation defense if applying as a PhD candidate.
- Have completed their PhD within the past five years if applying as a postdoctoral researcher.
- Have a strong academic background in Artificial Intelligence or a related field.
- Be affiliated with a university or research institution.
- Plan to conduct research at an eligible host institution at Bildungscampus Heilbronn.
- Develop the research project together with the prospective host institution.
- Submit all required documents through the DAAD application system.
Benefits — Heilbronn AI Fellowships 2026, Germany
The Heilbronn AI Fellowship offers financial support and additional benefits to selected researchers.
Monthly Fellowship
- €2,800 per month
Insurance Support
- Health insurance
- Accident insurance
- Personal liability insurance
Travel Allowance
- Lump-sum support for international travel expenses
Additional Benefits
- Extra financial support may be available in certain circumstances.
- Fellows with disabilities or chronic illnesses may receive support for related additional costs, assessed individually.
- Researchers funded for more than six months may qualify for family benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.
- Additional benefits are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the documents required for their DAAD application and research project. These may include:
- Completed DAAD application form
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Research proposal or detailed research project description
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- PhD certificate or proof of doctoral status, where applicable
- Proof of affiliation with a university or research institution
- Letter of invitation or confirmation from the prospective host institution
- Research plan and proposed schedule
- Recommendation/reference letter, where required
- Proof of language proficiency, if applicable
- Passport or identification document
- Any additional documents requested by DAAD or the selected host institution
Note: The exact document requirements should be checked in the current DAAD programme announcement before submission.
Application Process
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Review the academic, doctoral, research, and nationality requirements for the Heilbronn AI Fellowship.
Step 2: Find a Suitable Host Institution
Identify an eligible research institution at Bildungscampus Heilbronn that matches your research interests.
Step 3: Develop Your Research Project
Discuss your proposed research with the prospective host institution and develop the project together.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Prepare your CV, research proposal, academic documents, host confirmation, and other required materials.
Step 5: Apply Through the DAAD Portal
Complete the online application and upload all required documents through the appropriate DAAD application system.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Review your application carefully and submit it once all required information and documents are complete.
Step 7: Wait for the Selection Decision
Applications are assessed according to the programme’s selection criteria. DAAD lists the Heilbronn AI Fellowships as accepting applications on a rolling basis.
Application Deadline
No fixed deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Applicants are advised to apply at least four months before their planned fellowship start date, as stated in the programme information.
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the Heilbronn AI Fellowships 2026?
The Heilbronn AI Fellowships are DAAD-supported research fellowships for international PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers working in Artificial Intelligence and related fields.
2. Who can apply for the Heilbronn AI Fellowship?
International PhD candidates in their final year before dissertation defense and eligible postdoctoral researchers can apply, subject to the programme requirements.
3. How much is the Heilbronn AI Fellowship?
Selected fellows can receive €2,800 per month, along with eligible insurance and travel support.
4. How long is the research fellowship?
The research stay can last from 1 to 12 months, depending on the approved research project and fellowship conditions.
5. Is there a fixed deadline?
No. DAAD lists the programme as accepting applications on a rolling basis.
6. What research field is supported?
The main field is Artificial Intelligence, including AI-driven technologies, digital innovation, technology transfer, practical AI applications, and entrepreneurship.
7. Where will the research be conducted?
Research is conducted at an eligible university or research institution associated with Bildungscampus Heilbronn.
8. Do I need to contact a host institution?
Yes. Applicants are expected to develop their research project together with the prospective host institution.
9. Is the fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides substantial financial support, including a €2,800 monthly payment, insurance support, and a travel allowance. Additional benefits may also be available depending on individual circumstances.
10. Where can I apply?
Applicants should use the official DAAD scholarship information and application route for the Heilbronn AI Fellowship.
