Johanna is a post-doctoral researcher navigating the German academic landscape while balancing life in a high-cost city. This hub tracks the essential national portals, tax benefits, and social security systems that impact her career and daily life.
🔬 Funding my research and career
Securing grants and managing employment contracts is the backbone of my professional life.
DFG Research Grant
DFG Sachbeihilfe
national · Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Who qualifies
Researchers at German universities or research institutions.
What you get
Funding for research projects, personnel, and equipment.
16states & territories — open one to see what it offers.
Brandenburg
Brandenburg offers unique research grants and mobility support for academics working in the Berlin-Brandenburg cluster, balancing high-tech innovation with regional development.
🔬 Funding my research projects
Brandenburg Innovation Voucher (BIG)
Brandenburger Innovationsgutschein
state · ILB (Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg)
Who qualifies
Researchers and SMEs collaborating on R&D projects within Brandenburg.
What you get
Grants covering up to 50% of external research costs, usually between €5,000 and €20,000.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, proof of cooperation, and administrative time.
Common gotcha
Must be applied for before the project starts; retroactive funding is strictly prohibited.
Low-income researchers or PhD students not receiving full scholarships.
What you get
Monthly cash subsidy to help cover rent costs based on household size.
What it actually costs you
Proof of income, rental contract, and residency permit.
Common gotcha
Often confused with national BAföG; you cannot receive both simultaneously.
Brandenburg Family Card
Familienpass Brandenburg
state · State Ministry of Social Affairs
Who qualifies
Families residing in Brandenburg with children.
What you get
Discounts on museums, zoos, and cultural events across the state.
What it actually costs you
Application form and proof of residency.
Common gotcha
Valid for one calendar year; must be renewed annually.
Berlin
Berlin offers unique research-focused grants and cultural subsidies that support the academic and creative lifestyle of a researcher living in the capital.
🔬 Funding my research and academic projects
Pro FIT - Project Financing
state · IBB Berlin
Who qualifies
Researchers and SMEs collaborating on R&D projects based in Berlin.
What you get
Grants and low-interest loans for industrial research and experimental development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, proof of co-financing, and extensive administrative reporting.
Common gotcha
The application process is highly competitive and requires a clear commercialization path.
Having a WBS does not guarantee an apartment; it only makes you eligible to apply.
Baden-Württemberg
Baden-Württemberg offers researchers a unique ecosystem of state-funded innovation grants and specialized housing support for academics in high-cost cities like Stuttgart and Heidelberg.
🔬 Funding my research projects
Baden-Württemberg Stiftung Research Grants
Baden-Württemberg Stiftung Forschungsförderung
trust · Baden-Württemberg Stiftung
Who qualifies
Post-doctoral researchers affiliated with a BW university.
What you get
Project-based funding ranging from €50,000 to €200,000.
state · Deutsche Bahn / Bayerisches Staatsministerium
Who qualifies
Researchers traveling within Bavaria for field work.
What you get
Unlimited regional train travel for a group of up to 5 people for one day.
What it actually costs you
Fixed daily price; must be purchased in advance.
Common gotcha
Valid only on regional trains (RE, RB, S-Bahn), not on high-speed ICE/IC trains.
BremenFreie Hansestadt Bremen
As a researcher in Bremen, you benefit from a dense cluster of world-class research institutes and state-specific funding programs that support academic mobility and innovation.
🔬 Funding my research and projects
Bremen Research Funding (Bremen-Fonds)
state · Senator for Science and Ports
Who qualifies
Researchers affiliated with Bremen universities or research institutes.
What you get
Project-based funding for interdisciplinary research and infrastructure.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget plan, and institutional endorsement.
Common gotcha
The application windows are strict and often require pre-approval from your university's research office.
Hesse offers researchers a unique blend of high-tech infrastructure and specific state-funded grants that bridge the gap between academic theory and industrial application.
🔬 Funding my research projects
LOEWE - Landes-Offensive zur Entwicklung Wissenschaftlich-ökonomischer Exzellenz
Landes-Offensive zur Entwicklung Wissenschaftlich-ökonomischer Exzellenz
state · Hessian Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and the Arts
Who qualifies
Academic researchers and consortia at Hessian universities and research institutions.
What you get
Multi-year funding for top-tier research clusters and projects.
What it actually costs you
Extensive proposal writing, peer review process, and strict reporting requirements.
Common gotcha
The competition is extremely high; focus on the interdisciplinary 'transfer' aspect.
As a researcher in Hamburg, you benefit from the city-state's unique integration of world-class academic infrastructure and specialized regional funding for innovation and sustainable urban development.
🔬 Funding my research and innovation projects
Hamburg Innovation Fund (HIF)
Innovationsfonds Hamburg
state · Hamburg Authority for Science, Research, Equality and Districts
Who qualifies
Researchers at Hamburg universities or research institutes working on applied innovation.
What you get
Grants covering up to 50% of project costs for collaborative research.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, proof of co-funding, and 3-6 months review time.
Common gotcha
The focus is strictly on commercial viability or high-impact societal application.
As a researcher in MV, you navigate unique state-level funding for innovation and regional development that bridges the gap between academic theory and the Baltic coastal economy.
🔬 Funding my research and innovation projects
Innovation Guideline MV
Innovationsrichtlinie MV
state · Ministry of Economic Affairs, Infrastructure, Tourism and Labour
Who qualifies
Researchers and SMEs collaborating on R&D projects within the state.
What you get
Grants covering up to 50% of eligible project costs for industrial research.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, proof of co-financing, and rigorous milestone reporting.
Common gotcha
The application must be submitted before the project starts; retroactive funding is strictly prohibited.
Employees and researchers with children in the state.
What you get
Access to state-subsidized childcare and flexible work-life balance programs.
What it actually costs you
Registration with local youth welfare offices (Jugendamt).
Common gotcha
Childcare spots are limited; register as early as possible.
MV-Ticket for Professionals
MV-Jobticket
state · VMV (Verkehrsgesellschaft Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)
Who qualifies
Employees of institutions participating in the state job-ticket scheme.
What you get
Discounted monthly passes for regional trains and buses.
What it actually costs you
Employer participation agreement.
Common gotcha
Check if your university or research institute is a registered partner.
Lower SaxonyNiedersachsen
Lower Saxony offers researchers unique access to state-funded innovation grants and specific housing support for academic staff moving to hubs like Göttingen or Hanover.
🔬 Funding my research projects
Niedersächsisches Vorab
state · Ministry of Science and Culture
Who qualifies
Researchers at state universities in Lower Saxony for innovative research projects.
What you get
Substantial project-based funding for research infrastructure and collaborative clusters.
What it actually costs you
Requires a detailed research proposal and institutional endorsement.
Common gotcha
The application process is highly competitive and requires alignment with state innovation strategies.
As a researcher in Germany's most populous state, Johanna benefits from a dense network of state-funded research grants, specialized mobility discounts for academics, and unique regional cultural support.
🔬 Funding my research and career
NRW-Rückkehrprogramm
state · Ministerium für Kultur und Wissenschaft NRW
Who qualifies
Outstanding young researchers returning to NRW from abroad.
What you get
Up to 1.25 million Euro over 5 years to establish an independent research group.
What it actually costs you
Extensive project proposal and proof of international research experience.
Common gotcha
Highly competitive; requires a hosting university to commit to a permanent position after the funding ends.
As a researcher in Rhineland-Palatinate, you benefit from specific state-level funding for academic mobility, innovation grants, and a unique focus on regional cultural heritage preservation.
🔬 Funding my research and innovation
Research Funding Rhineland-Palatinate
Forschungsförderung Rheinland-Pfalz
state · Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Gesundheit
Who qualifies
Researchers at state-affiliated institutions or universities working on regional innovation.
What you get
Project-based grants ranging from €5,000 to €50,000 for equipment or travel.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget plan, and institutional endorsement.
Common gotcha
The application window is strictly seasonal; missing the deadline means waiting until the next fiscal year.
As a researcher in Germany's northernmost state, you navigate a unique landscape of regional research grants, coastal environmental initiatives, and specific academic support structures.
🔬 Funding my research projects
Schleswig-Holstein Research and Innovation Fund
Forschungs- und Innovationsprogramm Schleswig-Holstein
state · Ministry of General and Vocational Education, Science, Research and Culture
Who qualifies
Researchers at state universities or non-profit research institutions in SH.
What you get
Project-based grants for applied research and innovation.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget plan, and proof of institutional support.
Common gotcha
The focus is heavily on regional economic impact and sustainability.
PhD students with low income living in state-managed dorms.
What you get
Subsidized rent rates compared to the private market.
What it actually costs you
Long waiting lists; apply as early as possible.
Common gotcha
PhD students are often lower priority than undergraduate students.
SH Culture Pass
Kulturpass Schleswig-Holstein
state · State Ministry of Culture
Who qualifies
All residents, including international researchers.
What you get
Discounted entry to state museums, theaters, and historical sites.
What it actually costs you
Registration with proof of residency.
Common gotcha
Discounts vary significantly by municipality.
Saarland
As a researcher in Saarland, you benefit from a unique cross-border academic ecosystem and regional funding initiatives that specifically support the Saar-Lor-Lux research corridor.
🔬 Funding my research and building connections
Saarland Research Stipend
state · Ministry of Science and Technology
Who qualifies
Post-doctoral researchers affiliated with Saarland University or HTW Saar.
What you get
Monthly stipend of 2,500 EUR for up to 12 months for independent research projects.
What it actually costs you
Detailed research proposal, CV, and two recommendation letters; 3-month review period.
Common gotcha
Must prove that your research has a specific link to regional industrial or social development.
UniGR Mobility Fund
state · University of the Greater Region
Who qualifies
Researchers at Saarland University collaborating with partners in Luxembourg, Lorraine, or Wallonia.
What you get
Travel and accommodation grants for cross-border research stays.
What it actually costs you
Application form signed by both home and host institution supervisors.
Common gotcha
Funds are limited and often exhausted by mid-year; apply as early as possible.
state · Sächsisches Staatsministerium für Wissenschaft
Who qualifies
Post-doctoral researchers affiliated with Saxon universities.
What you get
Monthly stipend of approximately 2,000 EUR for specific research projects.
What it actually costs you
Comprehensive research proposal and two academic references.
Common gotcha
Strict residency requirement within Saxony during the fellowship period.
Dresden Research Excellence Award
Dresdner Forschungspreis
municipal · City of Dresden
Who qualifies
Researchers contributing to Dresden's profile as a science hub.
What you get
Cash prize of 5,000 EUR and public recognition.
What it actually costs you
Nomination by a university department or research institute.
Common gotcha
Focuses heavily on interdisciplinary impact.
Transfer Bonus Saxony
Transferbonus Sachsen
state · Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB)
Who qualifies
Researchers transferring technology to Saxon businesses.
What you get
Financial support for personnel costs during technology transfer.
What it actually costs you
Proof of commercial application of research findings.
Common gotcha
Requires a signed contract between the research institute and the business partner.
🏠 Making life in Saxony easier
Dresden Mobility Card for Researchers
Dresden-Pass
municipal · Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe (DVB)
Who qualifies
Low-income researchers or those on specific stipends.
What you get
Discounted monthly public transport tickets.
What it actually costs you
Proof of income and residency in Dresden.
Common gotcha
Does not cover regional trains (RE/RB) outside the city zone.
Saxony Housing Benefit
Wohngeld Sachsen
state · Landesdirektion Sachsen
Who qualifies
Residents with low income relative to rent costs.
What you get
Monthly subsidy to cover rent and heating costs.
What it actually costs you
Rental contract and income verification documents.
Common gotcha
Calculation is complex and depends on the number of household members.
Saxony Culture Pass
Kulturpass Sachsen
state · Sächsisches Staatsministerium für Kultur
Who qualifies
All residents, with specific discounts for students and researchers.
What you get
Reduced entry to state museums and theaters.
What it actually costs you
Valid ID card showing residency in Saxony.
Common gotcha
Only valid for state-owned institutions, not private galleries.
Saxony-AnhaltSachsen-Anhalt
As a researcher in Saxony-Anhalt, you benefit from targeted state-level innovation grants and academic support programs designed to bridge the gap between university research and industrial application.
🔬 Funding for my research projects
Innovation Assistant (Innovationsassistent)
Innovationsassistent
state · Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Tourismus, Landwirtschaft und Forsten
Who qualifies
SMEs in Saxony-Anhalt hiring university graduates for R&D projects.
What you get
Wage subsidies of up to 50% for the first two years of employment.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project plan, university degree certificate, and proof of SME status.
Common gotcha
The application must be submitted before the employment contract is signed.
state · Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Energie, Klimaschutz und Umwelt
Who qualifies
Outstanding doctoral candidates at state universities.
What you get
Monthly stipend of 1,200 EUR for up to 3 years.
What it actually costs you
Academic transcripts, research proposal, and two letters of recommendation.
Common gotcha
Strict adherence to the research timeline is required for continued funding.
🚆 Getting around and connecting
State Employee JobTicket
Jobticket Sachsen-Anhalt
state · Landesverwaltungsamt
Who qualifies
Employees of state-funded research institutions and universities.
What you get
Discounted monthly pass for public transport across the state.
What it actually costs you
Proof of employment and payroll deduction authorization.
Common gotcha
Must be renewed annually through the HR department.
State Conference Travel Grant
Reisekostenzuschuss für Wissenschaftler
state · Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Energie, Klimaschutz und Umwelt
Who qualifies
Early-career researchers presenting at international conferences.
What you get
Reimbursement of up to 75% of travel and registration costs.
What it actually costs you
Conference invitation, abstract, and post-conference report.
Common gotcha
Applications must be submitted at least 6 weeks before travel.
ThuringiaThüringen
Thuringia offers unique research grants and cultural heritage support that help academics balance high-level intellectual work with the region's specific cost-of-living advantages.
🔬 Funding my research and career
Thuringian State Scholarship Program (ThüStip)
Thüringer Stipendienprogramm
state · Thüringer Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Wissenschaft und Digitale Gesellschaft
Who qualifies
Highly qualified doctoral candidates and researchers at Thuringian universities.
What you get
Monthly stipend of approximately 1,400 EUR for up to 3 years.
What it actually costs you
Detailed research proposal, academic CV, and two professor references.
Common gotcha
The application windows are strict and usually open only once a year.
