The Heidelberg University Joint Scholarship Program 2027 offers young researchers from South Asia an opportunity to conduct research at the South Asia Institute (SAI), Heidelberg University, in Germany.
The program is offered by the South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University, in cooperation with the Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies Delhi (MWF Delhi). Fellows can spend up to three months in Heidelberg, develop a research project and build collaboration with the SAI.
Quick Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Program | Joint Scholarship Program for Young Scholars from South Asia |
| Host | South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University |
| Partner | Max Weber Forum for South Asian Studies Delhi |
| Location | Heidelberg, Germany |
| Duration | Up to 3 months |
| Fellowship Period | April to June 2027 |
| Monthly Scholarship | €1,200 |
| Travel Support | Up to €1,500 |
| Accommodation | Rental costs covered |
| Eligible Countries | India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh |
| Eligible Applicants | Young researchers who hold a doctorate |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026, at 23:59 CET |
| Application | Online |
| Official Link | Heidelberg University Joint Scholarship Programme |
About the Heidelberg University Joint Scholarship Program 2027
The program supports young researchers from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh who want to establish or develop research collaboration with the South Asia Institute.
During the fellowship, scholars work on the project described in their application. They are expected to develop it into a third-party funding application. This may seek research funding or support for exchange and event programmes.
Fellows are also expected to participate actively in scientific events at the SAI. This provides an opportunity to engage with researchers and become part of the institute’s academic activities.
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Financial Benefits
The fellowship provides financial support for the research stay in Heidelberg.
- Monthly scholarship: €1,200 per month.
- Travel support: International travel expenses are reimbursed up to €1,500.
- Rental costs: Rental accommodation costs are paid during the fellowship.
- Visa assistance: The SAI Delhi office provides assistance with visa applications when necessary.
The official call does not give a separate fixed accommodation allowance. It specifically states that rental costs are paid.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is intended for young researchers from the five specified South Asian countries.
- Eligible countries: India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
- Doctoral degree: Applicants must already hold a doctoral certificate.
- PhD candidates: Applicants who have not yet received their doctoral certificate should not apply.
- Academic fields: The programme is particularly interested in Ethnology, History, Political Science, Economics, Geography, Modern Languages and Literatures of South Asia, and Cultural and Religious History of South Asia (Classical Indology).
- Research collaboration: Applicants should have a research project that can support collaboration with the SAI and later development into a third-party funding application.
The official call does not set a specific number of years after the PhD as an eligibility requirement.
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Required Documents
Applicants must upload their documents as one single PDF together with the online application form.
The PDF should contain:
- Cover letter: Maximum one page.
- CV: Maximum two pages, including the top ten publications.
- Doctoral certificate: Copy of the certificate.
- Project description: Completed using the official template.
- Two referees: A list of two referees who may be contacted later for further information.
- SAI reference: A letter from an SAI member, if available. This is optional.
The two referees are not two mandatory recommendation letters. Their contact details are provided so they can be contacted later if required.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official application portal.
- Read the official call and check your eligibility.
- Download and complete the project-description template.
- Prepare your one-page cover letter and two-page CV.
- Add your doctoral certificate.
- Provide the details of two referees.
- Combine the required documents into one PDF.
- Complete the online application and submit it before the deadline.
Applications sent by email are not considered. Applicants who need visa assistance can seek help from the SAI Delhi office.
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Important Dates
For the 2027 programme, keep these dates in mind:
- Application deadline: December 1, 2026, at 23:59 CET
- Selection: By the end of 2026
- Fellowship: Scheduled to begin between April and June 2027
The official call describes the fellowship as up to three months. The place of residence during the fellowship is Heidelberg.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Heidelberg University Joint Scholarship program 2027?
Young researchers from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh who already hold a doctoral certificate can apply, subject to the program’s academic focus.
Can current PhD students apply?
No. A doctoral certificate is required as part of the application.
How much is the monthly scholarship?
The scholarship provides €1,200 per month.
Is accommodation covered?
Yes. The official call states that rental costs are paid during the fellowship.
How much travel support is available?
International travel expenses are reimbursed up to €1,500.
What academic fields are covered?
The program is particularly interested in Ethnology, History, Political Science, Economics, Geography, Modern Languages and Literatures of South Asia, and Cultural and Religious History of South Asia.
Are two recommendation letters required?
No. Applicants provide a list of two referees who may later be contacted. A reference letter from an SAI member is optional.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is December 1, 2026, at 23:59 CET.