Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027 Offer Up to €10,000 for International Research Placements
Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027 Offer Up to €10,000 for International Research Placements. The Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027 are offering Master’s students, PhD researchers and medical students an opportunity to undertake international research projects, internships and scientific placements with funding of up to €10,000.
Established by the Bayer Foundation in Germany, the fellowship programme supports talented young scientists who want to expand their academic experience, develop specialist research skills and collaborate with researchers at international institutions.
The 2027 competition includes four funding categories: Drug Discovery Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Climate & Health. Applicants can propose research projects connected to these areas and receive financial support for eligible travel, visa and living expenses during their international placement.
The application period opened on 10 November 2026 and closes on 18 January 2027. Successful applicants can undertake their funded research placements between 1 August 2027 and 31 December 2028, for a maximum funded period of six months.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to students in Africa and other regions because applicants studying outside Germany must undertake their placements at German research institutions. The selection process is based on academic performance, research quality, motivation and the value of the international experience.
Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027: Quick overview
| Opportunity detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Funding organisation | Bayer Foundation |
| Programme | Scientific Fellowships 2027 |
| Country | Germany-based foundation |
| Opportunity type | International research fellowship |
| Eligible applicants | Master’s, PhD and medical students |
| Funding amount | Up to €10,000 |
| Maximum funded duration | Six months |
| Research placement period | 1 August 2027–31 December 2028 |
| Research categories | Drug Discovery, Agricultural Sciences, Medical Sciences, Climate & Health |
| Host institution | Self-selected eligible research institution |
| Students enrolled outside Germany | Must undertake the placement in Germany |
| Students enrolled in Germany | Must undertake the placement outside Germany |
| Application opening date | 10 November 2026 |
| Application deadline | 18 January 2027, 23:59 CET |
| Application language | English |
| Application method | Online application portal |
1. About the Bayer Foundation
Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027 Offer Up to €10,000 for International Research Placements
The Bayer Foundation is an independent foundation associated with the Bayer Group, a global company operating in life sciences, healthcare and agriculture.
The foundation supports scientific research, innovation and social development through funding programmes, awards and fellowships.
Its scientific fellowship programme is designed to help outstanding students gain international research experience that complements their existing or future academic studies.
Rather than funding an entire university degree, the programme supports a defined research project, internship or academic placement at an international host institution.
The fellowships are intended to help young researchers develop scientific expertise, acquire new research techniques, build international collaborations and explore interdisciplinary approaches to scientific problems.
The programme also encourages research that addresses important societal challenges and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
2. Four research fellowship categories available in 2027
The 2027 competition offers four scientific fellowship categories. Applicants should select the category that best matches their academic background and proposed research project.
A. Fellowship in Drug Discovery Sciences
This category supports Master’s and PhD students whose research is relevant to the pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare industries.
Eligible academic backgrounds include natural sciences, pharmacy and data science.
Research can be fundamental or applied, provided it has a meaningful connection to drug discovery, pharmaceutical research or over-the-counter consumer healthcare products.
Potential research areas include:
- Pharmaceutical sciences.
- Drug formulation and development.
- Organic chemistry.
- Synthetic chemistry.
- Chemical biology.
- Molecular and cellular biology.
- Pharmacology.
- Biochemistry.
- Bioinformatics.
- Machine learning and data science applied to pharmaceutical research.
This category may be particularly relevant to students investigating new therapeutic approaches, pharmaceutical technologies, drug delivery systems and scientific methods that can contribute to healthcare innovation.
B. Fellowship for Agricultural Sciences
The Agricultural Sciences Fellowship supports Master’s and PhD students whose research relates to the Crop Science industry.
Applicants from natural sciences, pharmacy and data science may qualify where their research has a relevant agricultural or crop science application.
Potential research areas include:
- Crop science.
- Plant physiology.
- Plant genetics.
- Agricultural engineering.
- Plant pathology.
- Digital farming.
- Agricultural biotechnology.
- Soil and plant research.
- Data science applications in agriculture.
- Sustainable agricultural production.
Research addressing food security, agricultural productivity, crop resilience and sustainable farming may be relevant where it fits the programme’s scientific and industry-related requirements.
C. Fellowship for Medical Sciences
Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027 Offer Up to €10,000 for International Research Placements
The Medical Sciences Fellowship supports students undertaking human or veterinary medicine studies, as well as Master’s and PhD students in relevant medical and applied scientific disciplines.
Eligible fields include:
- Human medicine.
- Veterinary medicine.
- Medical engineering.
- Applied medical sciences.
- Public health.
- Medical data science.
- Related medical research disciplines.
The foundation particularly encourages projects addressing health challenges in low- and middle-income countries and research relating to rare or orphan diseases.
This makes the category relevant to students investigating healthcare challenges that affect communities in developing countries.
D. Fellowship for Climate & Health
The Climate & Health Fellowship supports research investigating the effects of climate change on human and animal health.
Eligible applicants include students of human or veterinary medicine and Master’s or PhD students in:
- Natural sciences.
- Pharmacy.
- Public health.
- Epidemiology.
Research should demonstrate a clear connection between climate change and health.
The foundation highlights several priority themes:
- Women’s health and the health of vulnerable populations.
- Cardio-renal health.
- Neglected tropical diseases.
- Respiratory health.
This category may be particularly relevant to researchers investigating how rising temperatures, changing environmental conditions, drought and other climate-related pressures affect public health.
3. What does the €10,000 fellowship cover?
Successful applicants can receive up to €10,000 for an eligible international research placement lasting up to six months.
The award is intended to cover expenses that are necessary for completing the proposed research or internship.
Eligible expenses
The fellowship funding can be used for:
International travel: Economy-class travel to and from the research destination, together with relevant local transportation expenses.
Visa expenses: Eligible visa costs associated with travelling to the host country.
Living expenses: Reasonable accommodation, food and daily living expenses during the research placement.
Childcare support: Additional support may be available for eligible applicants who bring their children to the fellowship location.
Exceptional research-related costs: Certain justified additional costs may be considered where they are essential to completing the proposed project and cannot be covered by the host institution.
Additional funding for exceptional costs
Applicants may request up to €2,500 in exceptional costs in addition to the regular fellowship funding.
These expenses must be clearly justified and approved by the foundation.
Examples may include specialist training required for field research or additional resources needed for a research placement in a low- or middle-income country.
The additional funding is not automatic. The applicant must explain why the expense is necessary, why the host institution cannot cover it and how it contributes to the proposed project.
Additional childcare support
Applicants with caregiving responsibilities may request additional support of €500 per month if their child accompanies them during the fellowship.
The maximum childcare support is €3,000 for a period of up to six months.
This funding is provided separately from the standard €10,000 fellowship amount and is subject to the foundation’s conditions and supporting documentation.
What the fellowship does not cover
The award is not intended to finance an entire university degree or general university tuition.
The guidelines exclude expenses such as:
- Laboratory consumables and equipment.
- Laptops, tablets and similar devices.
- Conference and workshop attendance.
- Costs associated with writing academic papers or books.
- Guest lectures and visiting professorships.
- Tuition and course fees.
- Accommodation deposits.
Applicants should prepare a realistic budget and distinguish between eligible research-placement costs and expenses that the foundation will not fund.
4. Who is eligible to apply?
Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027 Offer Up to €10,000 for International Research Placements
The Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships are intended for students who are currently enrolled in eligible Master’s, PhD or medical degree programmes.
Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record and a research project that fits one of the four fellowship categories.
Academic eligibility
Candidates must meet one of the following conditions:
Master’s students: Applicants must be currently enrolled in an eligible Master’s or equivalent programme.
PhD students: Doctoral candidates may apply provided they remain enrolled throughout the proposed fellowship period and have not defended their doctoral thesis before the fellowship ends.
Medical students: Students enrolled in human or veterinary medicine programmes are eligible. Students currently enrolled in MBBS and PharmD programmes are also included.
Who is not eligible?
The foundation excludes:
- Bachelor’s students.
- Postdoctoral researchers.
- Medical doctors who have completed their medical degrees.
- Applicants who already hold a PhD or MD.
- Applicants who have completed their MBBS or PharmD.
- PhD candidates who will have defended their thesis before the end of the proposed fellowship.
- Applicants proposing observational hospital placements without an eligible research or practical project.
Applicants should also demonstrate very good to excellent academic performance in their scientific or medical studies.
5. International placement requirements
One of the most important conditions of the Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships is the international mobility rule.
The country where an applicant is enrolled as a student determines where the fellowship placement must take place. Nationality alone does not determine the placement location.
Students enrolled outside Germany
Students studying at universities outside Germany must undertake their research placement at a German research institution.
For example, a Master’s or PhD student enrolled at a university in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya or another country outside Germany must arrange an eligible host institution in Germany.
Students enrolled in Germany
Students currently enrolled at a German university must undertake their fellowship placement in another country.
The placement must therefore be international rather than at their existing German home institution.
Students in multinational programmes
Students enrolled in multinational study programmes should consult the detailed guidelines. The 2027 rules specify that such applicants may not undertake the fellowship at either of their home institutes.
Commercial organisations are not eligible hosts
The fellowship cannot be undertaken at commercial organisations or industrial companies.
Applicants must arrange their placement with an eligible research institution, such as a university or suitable research institute.
6. Can Zimbabwean students apply?
Yes. Zimbabwean students can apply if they meet the academic, research and other programme requirements.
The important consideration is that the foundation uses the country of university enrolment, rather than nationality, to determine the required destination.
Therefore, a Zimbabwean student enrolled at a university in Zimbabwe would normally need to undertake the funded placement at a German research institution.
This is an opportunity for Zimbabwean Master’s and PhD researchers working in areas such as:
- Chemical engineering.
- Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.
- Agricultural sciences.
- Plant biotechnology.
- Crop science.
- Public health.
- Epidemiology.
- Medical sciences.
- Environmental and climate-related health research.
- Data science applied to scientific research.
For example, a Zimbabwean PhD student researching agricultural biotechnology could potentially develop a project with a German university or research institute specialising in crop science.
Similarly, a Master’s student studying pharmacy could propose a research placement involving pharmaceutical development, drug formulation or related scientific work.
Important considerations for Zimbabwean applicants
Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027 Offer Up to €10,000 for International Research Placements
Find a German host institution: You must identify and arrange an eligible German research host before applying.
Obtain host confirmation: Your proposed host institution must provide an official support or acceptance letter.
Prepare your research budget: The application should include reasonable costs for international flights, accommodation, local transport, visa expenses and living costs.
Check visa requirements: Applicants should investigate the relevant German visa and immigration requirements. Bayer Foundation does not provide visa administration or guarantee visa approval.
Remain enrolled: You must meet the student-enrolment conditions throughout the relevant fellowship period.
7. Can the fellowship be used for an internship?
Yes. The funding can support eligible internships and research placements that complement the applicant’s existing or future academic studies.
The fellowship may support:
- Research stays as part of a Master’s programme.
- Doctoral research placements.
- Medical research activities.
- Specialist laboratory or research training.
- International internships between a Master’s degree and a PhD programme.
- Research using specialist facilities unavailable at the applicant’s home institution.
- Interdisciplinary research projects.
For an internship between a Master’s and PhD programme, applicants must provide evidence of the PhD offer or admission.
The proposed placement must still meet the international mobility requirements and must be hosted by an eligible research institution rather than a commercial company.
8. Required documents and application information
Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before starting the online application.
All applications and uploaded documents must be submitted in English. Documents originally issued in another language must be accompanied by English translations.
The following documents are required under the 2027 guidelines.
1. Curriculum vitae
Prepare an updated academic CV outlining:
- Educational background.
- Current degree programme.
- Research experience.
- Relevant employment or internship experience.
- Publications.
- Academic achievements.
- Scientific presentations.
- Relevant volunteering or community activities.
2. Host institution support letter
Applicants must obtain one official support or acceptance letter from their self-selected host institution.
The letter should:
- Confirm the host institution’s willingness to accept the applicant.
- Identify the proposed research placement.
- Confirm the planned start date.
- State the expected duration.
- Be issued on official institutional letterhead.
- Include the signatory’s name, position, affiliation and signature.
3. Two recommendation letters
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation.
One must come from a current or previous direct supervisor at the applicant’s home institution.
The second may come from a supervisor, professor, academic mentor or another suitably qualified referee affiliated with a current or previous institution.
The letters should be written independently by the referees and explain the applicant’s qualifications, suitability and research potential.
4. Proof of current enrolment
Provide official evidence that you are currently enrolled in an eligible Master’s, PhD or medical degree programme.
The document should clearly identify the applicant, degree programme and enrolment period.
5. Previous degree certificate
Applicants must provide a certificate for their most recently completed degree, such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s qualification, where applicable.
If the document is not in English, an English translation must accompany the original.
6. Academic transcript
Applicants must submit their most recent official academic transcript for their current study programme, showing completed courses and grades.
PhD students are exempt from submitting a transcript for their current doctoral programme.
Documents issued in another language must be accompanied by English translations.
7. One-minute motivation video
Applicants must record a one-minute video explaining:
- Why they are applying for the Bayer Foundation fellowship.
- Why they selected the proposed host institution.
- How the fellowship will contribute to their academic and professional development.
The video must clearly show and capture the applicant. The guidelines prohibit AI-generated content, filters, special effects and editing techniques.
The maximum permitted file size is 50 MB.
8. Future study programme acceptance letter
Where applicable, applicants must provide an official acceptance letter for their next academic programme.
For example, a Master’s student who has been accepted into a PhD programme may need to provide evidence of that admission.
9. Additional documents where applicable
Applicants requesting childcare support must provide documentation confirming the existence of the child or children accompanying them during the fellowship.
The application may also require a detailed budget and explanations of additional funding or exceptional expenses.
9. How to apply for the Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027
Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027 Offer Up to €10,000 for International Research Placements
Applications are submitted online through the Bayer Foundation’s official application portal.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Identify the correct fellowship category
Review the four available categories and select the one that best matches your academic background and proposed research.
Step 2: Find a host institution
Identify a suitable research institution in Germany if you are enrolled outside Germany, or an institution in another country if you are enrolled in Germany.
The foundation does not find research placements or host institutions for applicants.
Step 3: Contact a potential supervisor
Approach a researcher or academic department whose expertise matches your proposed project.
Explain your academic background, research interests and proposed international placement.
Step 4: Secure an official host letter
Obtain written confirmation from the host institution before submitting your application.
The letter must confirm the institution’s willingness to host you and state the expected research dates and duration.
Step 5: Develop your research proposal
Prepare a clear project description explaining:
- Your research objectives.
- Scientific relevance.
- Proposed methodology.
- Potential contribution to your field.
- Societal relevance.
- Possible interdisciplinary or collaborative aspects.
Step 6: Prepare your budget
Calculate the expected costs of travel, accommodation, living expenses and other eligible activities.
The regular fellowship budget must not exceed €10,000. Any exceptional costs must be separately justified in accordance with the guidelines.
Step 7: Collect the required documents
Prepare your CV, two recommendation letters, host institution support letter, enrolment evidence, academic records and one-minute motivation video.
Step 8: Complete the online application
Visit the official Bayer Foundation fellowship page and access the 2027 application portal.
Complete the application in English and upload all required supporting documents.
Step 9: Submit before the deadline
Review your application carefully before submitting it. Applicants are allowed to submit only one application per call. Multiple applications will result in all submissions being rejected.
10. How applications are assessed
The foundation first checks applications to ensure that candidates meet the eligibility requirements and have submitted all required information.
Eligible applications are then evaluated by an independent jury of scientists.
The main assessment criteria include:
Scientific quality and relevance: The proposed project should demonstrate scientific value and relevance to the selected fellowship category.
Applicant motivation and potential: Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest in their field and the potential to benefit from the international research experience.
Value of the fellowship: Applicants should explain how the proposed placement will contribute to their academic development and future research career.
Interdisciplinary and collaborative research: The foundation particularly values projects involving collaboration between institutions or research disciplines.
Projects contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are also encouraged.
11. Important dates for the 2027 fellowship
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application opening | 10 November 2026 |
| Application deadline | 18 January 2027 |
| Application portal closing time | 23:59 Central European Time |
| Expected notification of results | By 1 April 2027 |
| Earliest permitted fellowship start | 1 August 2027 |
| Latest permitted fellowship end | 31 December 2028 |
| Maximum funded duration | Six months |
Deadline for applicants in Zimbabwe: The application portal closes at 23:59 Central European Time on 18 January 2027. Zimbabwe uses Central Africa Time, which is one hour ahead of Central European Time in January. The equivalent deadline is therefore 00:59 on 19 January 2027 in Zimbabwe.
Applicants should submit well before the closing time rather than waiting until the final minutes.
12. Important funding conditions
Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027 Offer Up to €10,000 for International Research Placements
Before applying, candidates should understand several conditions that may affect their eligibility and budget.
The fellowship does not fund an entire degree: It supports a defined international research project or placement that complements an existing or future academic programme.
You must already have a host: Applicants are responsible for identifying and arranging their own research institution before applying.
The project must not have started: The funded activity must start on or after 1 August 2027. Retrospective funding is not available.
Visa and flight preparation: Visa and flight costs may be incurred before 1 August 2027 where necessary to prepare for the fellowship, subject to the guidelines.
Funding cannot be duplicated: Bayer Foundation funding may be combined with other awards, but it can only cover expenses not already paid for by another funding source.
Paid placements: Applicants receiving a salary or stipend for their proposed placement may still apply, but cannot request general living expenses already covered by that payment. They may request other eligible expenses, such as flights or visas.
No guaranteed placement: The applicant must secure the host institution independently. The foundation does not arrange internships or research positions.
13. Benefits beyond financial support
Apart from financial assistance, successful applicants can benefit from international academic exposure and professional networking.
International research experience
Participants can work with researchers at a host institution in another country, gaining experience with different research methods, scientific facilities and academic environments.
Specialist research skills
The programme can help participants learn scientific techniques and use specialist facilities that may not be available at their home institutions.
Academic collaboration
Research placements can create opportunities for collaboration between home and host institutions, potentially contributing to future research partnerships and publications.
Bayer Foundation Science Network
Fellowship awardees are invited to join and actively contribute to the Bayer Foundation Science Network.
The network includes scientific events, lectures, award celebrations and opportunities to connect with researchers and other fellows.
14. Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowship offer?
The fellowship provides up to €10,000 for an international research placement lasting up to six months.
Eligible applicants may also request additional exceptional-cost support and childcare funding under the programme’s specific conditions.
Can Zimbabwean students apply?
Yes. Zimbabwean students enrolled in eligible Master’s, PhD or medical programmes can apply. Since Zimbabwe is outside Germany, students enrolled at Zimbabwean institutions must undertake their funded placement at a German research institution.
Are Bachelor’s students eligible?
No. The fellowship is intended for currently enrolled Master’s, PhD and medical students. Bachelor’s students are not eligible.
Can MBBS and PharmD students apply?
Yes. Students currently enrolled in MBBS and PharmD programmes are eligible. Applicants who have already completed these qualifications are not eligible under the stated rules.
Can PhD students apply?
Yes. PhD candidates can apply, provided they remain enrolled during the relevant fellowship period and have not defended their doctoral thesis before the fellowship ends.
Can the fellowship fund a full Master’s or PhD degree?
No. The programme supports a specific international research project, internship or academic placement. It does not finance an entire degree programme.
Must applicants already have a host institution?
Yes. Applicants must independently identify and arrange an eligible host institution before submitting their applications.
Can the research placement take place at a private company?
No. The guidelines exclude placements at commercial organisations, including industry companies.
Can the fellowship cover accommodation and travel?
Yes. Eligible travel, visa and living expenses can be included in the fellowship budget, subject to the programme’s funding conditions.
When can the research placement begin?
The placement must begin on or after 1 August 2027 and end no later than 31 December 2028.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is 18 January 2027 at 23:59 Central European Time.
Can applicants submit more than one application?
Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027 Offer Up to €10,000 for International Research Placements
No. The foundation allows only one application per call. Multiple applications result in all submissions being rejected.
Final thoughts
Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027 Offer Up to €10,000 for International Research Placements
Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027 Offer Up to €10,000 for International Research Placements. The Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2027 offer a valuable opportunity for Master’s students, PhD researchers and medical students to gain international research experience with financial support of up to €10,000.
The four categories cover a broad range of scientific fields, including pharmaceutical research, agricultural science, medical sciences and climate-related health research.
For students in Zimbabwe and other countries outside Germany, the programme offers a potential route to conduct research at a German university or research institution while remaining connected to their existing academic studies.
The most important preparation step is finding a suitable host institution and securing its support before submitting an application. Candidates should also prepare their research proposals, academic records, recommendation letters and one-minute motivation videos well in advance.
Applications close on 18 January 2027.
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