French-Bavarian University Centre - Research Traineeship Grants

BayFrance Research Traineeship Grant

You will receive one-off payment of 500 EUR as well as a flat-rate travel allowance of up to 450 euros, depending on how far away your place of assignment is. The money will be paid out before you leave. It covers costs incurred prior to your stay: a trip to find accommodation, a deposit, telephone and furnishing costs, or a language and orientation course. The scholarship is provided by BayFrance (the Bavarian-French University Centre), which promotes exchanges between universities in Bavaria and France. You will use it for a research placement: a stay of at least one month at a university or research institute, where you will contribute to research projects.

Who can apply

• Level: You are a Bachelor’s or Master’s student. PhD students and postdoctoral researchers are not eligible to apply.
• Where you study now: You are enrolled at a higher education institution in Bavaria or in France. If you are studying in Germany, it must be a Bavarian higher education institution, not one in another federal state.
• Where you go: Your work placement will take place in the partner country. This means: in Bavaria if you are studying in France, or in France (including the overseas departments) if you are studying in Bavaria. Work placements in other countries are not eligible for funding.
• Type of placement: A research placement at a university or research institute. Placements in companies are not eligible for funding.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. The key requirement is that you are enrolled at a Bavarian or French higher education institution.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• French: You can demonstrate your knowledge of French, for example, by means of a DELF/DALF certificate, an Abi-Bac or a period spent abroad in a partner country.

How to apply

You apply online via the StipSys system, submitting a CV, a personal statement and your academic results. You must also name a lecturer who will complete an online letter of recommendation. The application deadline is 15 April for the following winter term and 15 November for the following summer term. Selection is based on your motivation, your academic results, the letter of recommendation and your knowledge of French.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is aimed at a very specific group: you must be studying at a Bavarian or French university and undertake a research placement in the other country, meaning that only a small number of people are eligible. If you clearly meet these requirements, have a confirmed placement and possess a certain level of French, your chances are good. A well-written personal statement and a compelling letter of recommendation are crucial to setting yourself apart from other applicants.