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DFG Walter Benjamin Programme (Germany)

1. Overview

The Walter Benjamin Programme is a postdoctoral funding scheme offered by the German Research Foundation (DFG) supports early-career researchers in conducting independent research projects with a high degree of mobility. It is designed to enable researchers to carry out their own project either at a German host institution or (in some cases) in international research environments, depending on the structure of the application.

The programme is particularly relevant for researchers who are in the transition phase between PhD completion and more established postdoctoral independence. It is often considered a flexible alternative to MSCA, with a stronger focus on research autonomy and less emphasis on structured training components.

  • Duration: up to 2 years
  • Goal: research mobility and independent postdoctoral research
  • Eligibility: early postdoctoral career phase, no upper limit of years after obtaining a PhD
  • Language: English
  • Disciplines: all fields
  • Open to researchers of any nationality
  • Requires host institution (Germany or abroad depending on design)
  • Applications: rolling (no fixed annual deadline)

Approximate success rate: 25-30% (over 1500 applications annually for various DFG programmes)

DFG Walter Benjamin Programme official page

2. Eligibility

Applicants must hold a PhD and be at an early postdoctoral stage. The programme is open to researchers of any nationality and is designed to support independent research mobility, particularly in connection with German academic institutions. Applicants must develop a research project in collaboration with a host institution, which provides academic supervision and institutional support. The scheme is relatively flexible regarding mobility arrangements, but requires a clear and feasible research plan and strong academic qualifications relative to career stage.

3. Timeline: when to start preparing

9–12 months before application

  • identify suitable German host institutions
  • contact potential hosts with:
    • short CV
    • 1–2 page research concept note
  • refine research project into a clear independent postdoctoral study

6–9 months before submission

  • confirm host agreement and institutional support
  • develop detailed research proposal with host input
  • strengthen publication strategy and academic profile

3–6 months before submission

  • complete full proposal draft
  • revise iteratively with host institution
  • prepare CV and supporting documentation

4. Host institution strategy

A strong host institution is essential for the Walter Benjamin Programme and plays a key role in shaping the feasibility and quality of the application. The host provides academic support and ensures integration into a suitable research environment. Strong hosts are typically internationally active research groups with experience supporting postdoctoral researchers and externally funded projects. Initial contact with a potential host should include:

  • concise research project description
  • explanation of institutional fit
  • CV and publication list

5. Strategy tips

Success in the Walter Benjamin Programme depends primarily on demonstrating research independence, originality, and a clearly feasible project design. Strong applications show a clear transition from doctoral work toward an independent research agenda, supported by a realistic and well-structured research plan. In the humanities and social sciences, theoretical depth and methodological clarity are particularly important, alongside a convincing publication strategy. Applicants benefit from demonstrating strong integration into international academic networks and a clear rationale for why the chosen host institution is essential for the development of the project.