- 3–12 monthsFellowship duration
- ~€2,000 / month (est.)Monthly stipend
- Up to ~€12,000 (est.) totalFor a full-length stay
- Fully fundedFunding type
- 17 SDGsResearch focus
- Post-doctoral researchersTarget group
At a glance
full
Funding
€12k
Max amount
May 4, 2027
Deadline
Developing countries (open to nationals of eligible developing countries)
Country
University of Bonn
Provider
The University of Bonn SDG Fellowships support researchers from developing countries who want to spend a research stay at the University of Bonn working on questions linked to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fellowships run for between 3 and 12 months and are aimed primarily at post-doctoral scientists who already have a long-term affiliation with a research institution in Africa, Asia, or Latin America. Each fellowship is fully funded for its duration: it provides a monthly stipend, a travel allowance, and health insurance so that fellows can focus on their research and on building partnerships with University of Bonn groups. A typical monthly stipend is in the region of €2,000 (est.), so a full-length stay can total up to roughly €12,000 (est.) over the funded period. Applicants prepare a project description, a CV, and a financing plan, and normally secure a recommendation from a Bonn-based academic host. The scheme is tied to the university's sustainability research priorities. Because stipend rates, the number of awards, and the exact closing date are set each round, confirm the current-cycle figures and deadline on the official University of Bonn page before you apply.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend — A monthly living stipend of about €2,000 (est.) for the duration of the research stay, up to roughly €12,000 (est.) over a full 12-month fellowship.
- Travel allowance — A travel allowance toward international travel to and from the University of Bonn.
- Health insurance — Health insurance cover for the fellow during the research stay in Germany.
- Research environment — Access to University of Bonn research groups, facilities, and supervision in the relevant SDG field.
- Networking and training — Opportunities to collaborate with Bonn researchers and join the university's sustainability research network (value supported by the ~€2,000 / month stipend).
How to apply
Applications are made online to the University of Bonn; a clear SDG-linked project and a Bonn host are central to a strong application.
- Identify the right programme — Review the University of Bonn SDG Fellowship page and confirm which fellowship line best fits your research field and goals.
- Check eligibility — Read the eligibility criteria carefully to confirm your nationality, career stage, and SDG focus qualify before you start.
- Secure a Bonn host — Contact a professor or research group at the University of Bonn who can host your stay and provide a recommendation.
- Prepare your documents — Write a detailed project description, prepare your CV, and draft a financing plan covering travel and research costs.
- Submit before the deadline — Complete the online application form, upload all documents in the required format, and submit before the closing date.
Eligibility
NationalityApplicants must be nationals of developing countries.
Career stageAimed at post-doctoral scientists and researchers.
AffiliationMust have a long-term affiliation with a research institution or be associated with research at the University of Bonn.
ExpertiseMust demonstrate expertise in an area connected to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
LanguageProficiency in English is required; some fellowships may also require German or another language.
A recommendation or host agreement from a University of Bonn academic is normally needed. Check the official list of eligible countries and any field-specific conditions in the current call.
Eligible countries
Developing countries (open to nationals of eligible developing countries)
Deadlines
2026 SDG Fellowship round~3 May 2026 (est.)
Selection
Applications are assessed on the academic quality and feasibility of the proposed project, its relevance to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the applicant's research track record, and the strength of the link to a University of Bonn host group. A limited number of fellowships are awarded each round, so meeting the criteria does not guarantee selection. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to fulfil additional requirements such as visa, medical, or language checks before the stay begins.
Verified sources
- University of Bonn – SDG Fellowshipsuni-bonn.deofficial
About the provider
The University of Bonn is a public research university in Germany and a designated University of Excellence. Through its sustainability research priorities it offers SDG Fellowships that bring researchers from developing countries to Bonn to work on projects linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the University of Bonn SDG Fellowship?
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It is a fully funded research-stay fellowship at the University of Bonn for researchers from developing countries working on topics linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
How long does the fellowship last?
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Fellowships run for between 3 and 12 months, depending on the project and the line you apply to.
Who is eligible?
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Post-doctoral scientists and researchers who are nationals of developing countries, have a long-term research affiliation, and work in an SDG-related area.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
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Yes. It provides a monthly stipend, a travel allowance, and health insurance for the duration of the research stay.
How much is the stipend?
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A typical monthly stipend is around €2,000 (est.), so a 12-month stay can total up to roughly €12,000 (est.); confirm exact rates officially.
Do I need a host at the University of Bonn?
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Yes, normally. A recommendation or host agreement from a Bonn-based academic is required for a competitive application.
Which research areas are covered?
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Any field connected to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, including agriculture, environment, development economics, health, and social sciences.
What language do I need?
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Proficiency in English is required; some fellowships may additionally require German or another language.
What documents are required?
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An application form, a detailed project description, a CV, a financing plan, a host recommendation, and language proof.
Can PhD students apply?
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The fellowship is aimed primarily at post-doctoral researchers; check the current call for any conditions on doctoral-stage applicants.
When is the deadline?
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The round typically closes in early May; confirm the exact 2026 closing date on the official University of Bonn page.
Where do I apply?
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Through the online application form on the University of Bonn SDG Fellowship / Welcome Centre pages.