Study in Germany | DAAD IFI Research Fellowships 2029

Posted 2026-06-07 13:00:11

Study in Germany | DAAD IFI Research Fellowships 2029

For early career researchers looking to build international collaborations in artificial intelligence and computer science, Germany’s DAAD has quietly maintained one of its most flexible mobility funding schemes through 2029. Unlike many scholarship programs tied to annual deadlines, the IFI – International Research Fellowships for Computer Scientists accepts applications year round. This allows postdoctoral researchers to plan research stays abroad when opportunities arise rather than waiting for a single application cycle.

The DAAD IFI Research Fellowships target postdoctoral researchers in artificial intelligence, computer science, and closely related disciplines who want to undertake a research project at leading partner institutes in the United States, Japan, or Canada. The fellowship funds international research stays lasting between three and 24 months. It aims at researchers who completed their doctorate within the last four years.

A Flexible Route to World Leading AI Research Centres

The strongest feature of the programme is its rolling call structure. You can submit applications at any time during the funding period. This gives you the freedom to align fellowship plans with project timelines, laboratory openings, and host institution requirements.

Successful applicants can conduct research at one of three internationally recognized partner institutions:

International Computer Science Institute (ICSI): Berkeley, United States
National Institute of Informatics (NII): Tokyo, Japan
Mila – Québec Artificial Intelligence Institute: Montréal, Canada

These institutions are among the most influential research environments in areas such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, natural language processing, computer systems, computational theory, and data science.

What Funding Does the Fellowship Provide

DAAD describes the IFI programme as a research mobility fellowship rather than a degree scholarship. The award supports postdoctoral researchers undertaking independent research projects abroad for periods ranging from three months to two years.

Funding packages typically include monthly fellowship support and mobility related assistance according to DAAD regulations. Exact funding amounts can vary depending on your destination country and fellowship duration. Review the detailed funding provisions published by DAAD before submitting your application.

Because recipients remain focused on research rather than coursework, the programme particularly attracts researchers seeking to strengthen publication records, establish international collaborations, and develop long term partnerships with leading AI laboratories.

Who Can Apply

The programme targets highly qualified postdoctoral researchers with an academic background in computer science, artificial intelligence, or related disciplines. Here are the requirements:

Doctorate Completion: You must have earned your PhD with excellent academic results, generally equivalent to at least magna cum laude
Time Since Doctorate: Your doctoral degree should normally have been awarded no more than four years before the planned start of the fellowship
Career Stage: The fellowship specifically targets early career researchers rather than established senior scholars

Given the reputation of the host institutes and the limited number of available placements, expect a competitive selection process. The evaluation bases itself primarily on research excellence, project quality, and the strategic fit between your proposed research and the host institution.

Why These Host Institutes Matter

The three participating institutions represent some of the most influential hubs in contemporary computing research. ICSI in Berkeley maintains long standing links with the wider California technology ecosystem and leading American universities. NII in Tokyo serves as Japan’s flagship institute for informatics research and international collaboration. Mila in Montréal has become one of the world’s most recognized centers for artificial intelligence research, contributing significantly to advances in deep learning and machine intelligence.

For postdoctoral researchers seeking global visibility and collaboration opportunities, access to these institutions can become as valuable as the fellowship funding itself.

Application Process and Key Timeline

Submit your application directly through DAAD under the IFI – International Research Fellowships for Computer Scientists programme. You generally need to prepare:

A research proposal
Academic records
Doctoral documentation
Evidence of research achievements
Host related materials required by DAAD and your selected partner institution

Additional supporting documents may be requested depending on your project and destination.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline

You can submit applications at any time. However, DAAD recommends submitting at least two months before your intended start date for the research stay.

Many international research mobility programmes are becoming more restrictive. The DAAD IFI fellowship stands out for offering flexibility alongside access to some of the world’s most influential AI and computer science research centres. For postdoctoral researchers aiming to expand their international research profile before moving into permanent academic or industry positions, timing and research fit may matter even more than the absence of a fixed deadline. Visit the DAAD IFI programme website today, review the full fellowship details, and prepare your application. Your funded research stay at a world leading AI institute awaits.