Bayer Foundation Fellowship For Medical Sciences 2027 | Study in Germany — Bayer Foundation
Not every valuable funding option in Germany covers a full degree. The Bayer Foundation’s fellowship programme is built for shorter, focused placements, giving international students in medicine and related sciences a funded way to spend time researching or training in Germany.
About the Fellowship
The Fellowship for Medical Sciences supports students in human or veterinary medicine, or those pursuing a master’s or PhD in medical engineering, applied medical sciences, or public health, who want to complete a placement abroad. International students enrolled outside Germany can use it to fund a study, research, or internship period inside the country, while German students use the same fellowship line to go abroad.
Placements run for up to six months, making this a strong option for students who want to add concentrated international research experience to an ongoing degree rather than relocate permanently.
Fellowship Benefits
- Funding of up to 10,000 euros per fellowship, depending on the proposed placement
- Support for research, study, or internship activity lasting up to six months
- Flexibility to design a placement around a specific lab, hospital, or research group in Germany
- Recognition as a Bayer Foundation fellow, which can strengthen later funding or academic applications
- Access to the foundation’s broader network of fellowship alumni in medical and life sciences
Eligibility Criteria
- Currently enrolled in a relevant degree programme in human medicine, veterinary medicine, medical engineering, applied medical sciences, or public health
- Enrolled at a university outside Germany, planning a placement inside Germany
- Strong academic standing in the current degree programme
- A clearly defined placement plan, including a host institution or supervisor in Germany
- English or German proficiency sufficient to complete the proposed placement
Fields of Study Covered
The fellowship is restricted to medical and health-related fields, including human medicine, veterinary medicine, medical engineering, applied medical sciences, and public health, rather than being open to all academic disciplines.
Required Documents
- Online application through the Bayer Foundation portal
- A clear project or placement description, including dates and host institution
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic transcripts
- A letter of recommendation from a current academic supervisor
- A letter of invitation or confirmation from the German host institution
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Identify a specific German research group, hospital, or institution willing to host your placement
- Draft a clear project description explaining what you intend to study, research, or train in during the placement
- Gather transcripts, a CV, and a recommendation letter from your current supervisor
- Secure a letter of invitation or confirmation from the German host
- Submit the complete application through the Bayer Foundation’s online portal before the relevant deadline
- Respond promptly to any requests for clarification during the review period
Selection Process
The foundation reviews applications for academic quality, the clarity and feasibility of the proposed placement, and the strength of the connection to a confirmed host institution in Germany. Because funding amounts and placement length are modest compared to a full degree scholarship, the process tends to move faster than larger scholarship competitions.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Secure a confirmed host institution and supervisor before applying, since a vague placement plan weakens the application significantly
- Keep the project description specific and realistic for the six-month maximum timeframe
- Explain clearly what the placement adds to your ongoing degree, not just that you want to visit Germany
- Ask your current supervisor to write a recommendation that speaks directly to your readiness for the proposed placement
- If you are looking for longer, full-degree funding instead, compare this with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarship for International Students
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this fellowship fund a full degree in Germany?
No, it funds a placement of up to six months, intended to complement an ongoing degree rather than replace it.
Can students from any country apply?
Yes, students enrolled outside Germany in an eligible medical or health-related field can apply, regardless of nationality.
Is a confirmed host institution required before applying?
Yes, a specific placement plan with a named host institution or supervisor in Germany is expected as part of the application.
How much funding does the fellowship provide?
Funding can reach up to 10,000 euros, depending on the scope and length of the approved placement.
Can I apply if I am only interested in an internship, not research?
Yes, internships are an eligible placement type alongside study and research activities.
Is this fellowship only for medical doctors in training?
No, it also covers related fields such as medical engineering, applied medical sciences, and public health.
Do I need to speak German for the placement?
It depends on the host institution. Some research and clinical settings operate in English, though German can be useful.
Can I apply more than once for different placements?
Fellowship rules generally allow reapplication for a new, distinct placement, though applicants should check current guidelines before doing so.