MAX PLANCK INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF SOCIETIES (MPIFG)
Max Planck Institute Visiting Fellowship
living only · phd
- ~€1,365 to €3,000 / month (est.)Stipend by career stage
- 2 to 4 months (up to 6 for PhD)Fellowship duration
- All nationalitiesOpen internationally
- Humanities and social sciencesEligible fields
- 3 career stages fundedDoctoral, postdoc, senior
- ~31 October 2026 (est.)Application deadline
At a glance
living only
Funding
€18k
Max amount
Oct 31, 2026
Deadline
All countries
Country
Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG)
Provider
The Max Planck Institute Visiting Fellowship supports short-term research stays in Freiburg, Germany, for scholars working in the humanities and social sciences. The Max Planck Society was founded in 1948 and runs more than 80 institutes across Germany, so applicants apply to a specific institute rather than a single central scheme. For the 2026 cycle the fellowship funds stays of 2 to 4 months for general fellows and up to 6 months for doctoral students. Monthly support is tiered by career stage: about €1,365 (est.) per month for doctoral students, up to about €2,500 (est.) for postdoctoral researchers, and up to about €3,000 (est.) for professors and senior academics, with higher amounts possible in special cases. Travel costs are not reimbursed and health insurance must be arranged independently, so budget for those separately. Applicants submit a CV, a list of publications, and a detailed research proposal of 5 to 10 pages, and the deadline falls around 31 October 2026. Because stipend rates, durations, and the closing date are reset each cycle, confirm the exact current-cycle figures on the official Max Planck Institute page before you apply.
What's covered
- Doctoral stipend — Up to about €1,365 (est.) per month for doctoral students for the duration of the stay.
- Postdoctoral stipend — Up to about €2,500 (est.) per month for postdoctoral researchers.
- Senior researcher stipend — Up to about €3,000 (est.) per month for professors and senior academics; higher amounts may be granted in special cases.
- Research environment — Workspace and access to the institute's libraries, seminars, and academic community in Freiburg for the fellowship period.
- Academic participation — Inclusion in workshops, colloquia, and the daily research life of the institute alongside resident scholars.
- Not covered — Travel expenses are not reimbursed and mandatory health insurance (budget roughly €100+ per month, est.) must be arranged by the fellow.
How to apply
Applications are submitted electronically to the Max Planck Institute in Freiburg during the published call window.
- Check the official call — Read the current call on the official Max Planck Institute website to confirm fields, stipend rates, durations, and the exact deadline.
- Prepare your research proposal — Write a detailed proposal of 5 to 10 pages (10 pages for doctoral students) that fits the institute's research focus.
- Assemble supporting documents — Compile your CV, publication list, degree certificates, and 1 to 3 published works (not required from doctoral applicants).
- Submit electronically — Send the complete application to the institute through the official submission channel before the closing date.
- Await review — Shortlisted candidates are contacted directly; incomplete or late applications are rejected without review.
Eligibility
Career stageDoctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, or professors and senior academics may apply.
AffiliationApplicants must be affiliated with a German or international institution other than the host Max Planck Institute.
QualificationDoctoral applicants need a Master's-level degree; postdoctoral and senior applicants need a completed PhD.
ParticipationFellows are expected to actively join the institute's academic life throughout the stay.
Published works (1 to 3 PDFs) are required from postdoctoral and senior applicants but not from doctoral students. Late or incomplete submissions are not considered.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
2026/2027 fellowship cycle~31 October 2026 (est.)
Selection
A selection committee reviews each application on the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, the fit with the institute's research agenda, the applicant's academic record and publications, and the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration during the stay. Shortlisted candidates are contacted with instructions for the next steps.
Verified sources
- Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societiesmpifg.deofficial
- MPIfG Visiting Researchers and Fellowshipsmpifg.deofficial
About the provider
The Max Planck Society, founded in 1948, is one of Germany's foremost research organisations and operates more than 80 institutes dedicated to basic research in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Its institutes host visiting fellows from around the world and have produced numerous Nobel laureates.
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.
Who can apply for the Max Planck Institute Visiting Fellowship?
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Doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior academics of any nationality who are affiliated with an institution outside the host Max Planck Institute.
How much is the monthly stipend?
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About €1,365 (est.) per month for doctoral students, up to €2,500 (est.) for postdocs, and up to €3,000 (est.) for senior researchers; confirm the current rate on the official page.
How long does the fellowship last?
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Two to four months for general fellows and up to six months for doctoral students, in line with Max Planck Society guidelines.
Are travel costs covered?
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No. Travel expenses are not reimbursed, so you must budget for your own travel to and from Freiburg.
Is health insurance included?
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No. Health insurance is mandatory and must be arranged and paid for independently by the fellow.
What fields are eligible?
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All subjects within the humanities and social sciences, including history, sociology, political science, economics, and law.
Where is the fellowship based?
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At the Max Planck Institute in Freiburg, Germany, where fellows take part in the institute's academic life.
How long should my research proposal be?
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Five to ten pages for most applicants, and ten pages for doctoral students.
Do I need published works to apply?
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Postdoctoral and senior applicants must submit one to three published works; doctoral students are exempt from this requirement.
When is the application deadline?
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Around 31 October 2026 (est.) for the 2026/2027 cycle; late or incomplete applications are not considered.
How do I submit my application?
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Electronically to the Max Planck Institute in Freiburg through the channel listed in the official call.
Where can I confirm the official details?
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On the official Max Planck Institute website, which publishes the binding call, stipend rates, and submission instructions for each cycle.