TUM Global Postdoc Fellowship (Fully Funded Postdoc at Technical University of Munich)

The TUM Global Postdoc Fellowship is a prestigious 2-year program designed for early-career researchers who have recently completed their PhD (within the last 3 years) or are in their final year.

This fellowship, offered by the Technical University of Munich (TUM), provides an opportunity for international postdoctoral scientists residing outside Germany to advance their academic careers at TUM. Fellows collaborate with TUM scientists to diversify their research and initiate innovative projects. You can also check out International Visiting Research Fellowship Programme 

Key Benefits

• Duration: 24 months
• Stipend: €2,670/month + €430 one-time kick-off payment
• Additional Allowance: €350/month for fellows residing in the Munich metropolitan area
• Family Benefits: Available upon application
• Research Support: Access to TUM’s central services, including the TUM Talent Factory for career and funding guidance
• Note: Consumables and conference costs are not covered and depend on the TUM host’s agreement

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Mobility Rule: Must reside outside Germany at the time of application and not be working at or have received a PhD from TUM.
• PhD Status:
  • Completed PhD within the last 3 years:
    • PhD completed on or after September 1, 2022
    • OR in the final year of PhD, with completion expected within 12 months (requires a supervisor’s confirmation letter).
• TUM Host Support: A TUM professor or Junior Fellow must support your application (identified in Phase I, confirmed in Phase II).
• Application Limit: You can only apply once per year.

Check this: 12 Fully-Funded Postdoctoral Opportunities at the University of Florida

Application Process

The application process is divided into two phases:

Phase I: Initial Submission

Submit the following documents in English:

• Letter of Motivation (1 page): Explain your motivation for joining TUM, your professional goals, and how your research aligns with up to three potential TUM hosts. Ensure clarity for a broad audience.
• CV (max 5 pages): Include a list of publications.
• Best Paper: Submit a copy of your top publication.
• PhD Certificate or Confirmation: Provide your PhD certificate or a supervisor’s letter confirming PhD submission/completion within 12 months.
• Reference Letter: Either upload directly or have your referee submit via a portal-generated link.
• Potential TUM Hosts: Name up to three active TUM Professors or Junior Fellows (not honorary, retired, or other scientists). Find hosts via TUM Schools and Departments, TUM Clusters of Excellence, or TUM Research Centers.

Also check: British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026-27

Phase II: Research Proposal and Host Support

If selected from Phase I, you’ll participate in a matchmaking session with potential TUM hosts. Submit:

• Research Proposal (max 4 pages): Outline your project, its relevance, originality, and synergy with your TUM host. Include career plans and future funding goals. Write clearly for non-experts.
• Letter of Support: A signed letter from your TUM host on official TUM letterhead, confirming their 20% co-financing commitment and provision of workspace/lab facilities.

Check also: JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan

Application Deadlines and Fellowship Start Dates

• Application deadline: September 2025
• Fellowship start: April 1, 2026 – April 1, 2027

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Scientific excellence of the applicant
• Career potential
• Quality of the motivation letter (Phase I)
• Relevance and originality of the research proposal (Phase II)
• Synergies with the TUM host

Check also: VIP3 Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

Funding Details

• The fellowship is co-financed: TUM covers 80%, and the host covers 20% (approx. €600–780/month, depending on family status).
• Hosts cannot use standard budget funds (Haushaltsmittel or Planstellen) for co-financing; funds must come from overhead or free third-party sources.
• Additional costs (e.g., consumables, conferences) are subject to the host’s agreement.

More fellowships: DAAD PRIME Fellowship Programme

Support During the Fellowship

• TUM Talent Factory: Offers guidance on third-party funding applications (e.g., AvH, MSCA, DFG) and career planning. Fellows must apply for at least one funding opportunity within the first 12 months.
• Training Plan: Developed with the host at the fellowship’s start.
• Interim Report: Required after the first year to detail progress.
• Additional Services: Access to TUM Welcome Services, TUM Gender and Diversity, TUM Family Service, and TUM Institute for LongLife Learning.

For more information, visit the TUM Global Postdoc Fellowship page or refer to the FAQ document