Call for proposals International Guest Professors

Funding For Guest Stays

The project “Expanding Internationality“ is part of the Excellence Strategy of Heidelberg University. The project includes a funding line for international guest professors for stays at Heidelberg University.

OBEJCTIVE

The program aims to further internationalize Heidelberg University. It brings the expertise of renowned international scholars to Heidelberg University, strengthens research-based teaching, and promotes the development of sustainable research and teaching collaborations. Special attention is given to the university’s strategic partners and target regions, including the Centres Abroad, partner universities, and institutions participating in the 4EU+ University Alliance. The funding initiative should ideally be connected to the Fields of Focus defined within the Excellence Strategy.

SCOPE OF FUNDING

Funding is provided for one-time visiting professorships for international scholars at Heidelberg University, typically lasting 1 to a max. of 3 months. Visits can start from 1. January 2026 and must be completed by 31. October 2026.

Funding includes

  • Monthly fellowship of € 3.200
  • Travel allowance (according to the AvH-table)
  • Material costs (e.g. for research assistants, workshops; only possible with a detailed budget plan)

Visiting professors are expected to make an active contribution to research and teaching (e.g., courses, workshops, lectures, mentoring of early-career researchers).

If the requested funding exceeds the available budget, the selection committee reserves the right to prioritize shorter funding periods or to reduce the requested duration.

Application

Eligible to apply are institutes and faculties of Heidelberg University. Applications must be submitted by a project-leading professor. A suitable workspace for the guest must be provided.

Application Documents

Documents to be submitted (in one PDF-file)

  • Letter of support from the faculty
  • Project outline:
    • Plan for research and teaching at Heidelberg University
    • Added value for the respective institute and for Heidelberg University
    • Budget plan
  • Profile of the nominated person, including:
    • Academic focus in research and teaching
    • Academic achievements and publication list
    • CV 

Application Procedure And Deadline

Applications may be submitted in German or English by the project-leading professor via the Heidelberg University Mobility Online Portal.

Mobility Online Portal

Submission Deadline: 17. November 2025

selection procedure

Selection is carried out by a committee chaired by the Vice Rector for International Affairs. Consideration will be given to aspects of equal opportunities and diversity.

Selection criteria:

  • Quality, coherence, and objectives of the project
  • Academic achievements of the nominated person
  • Contribution to the university’s strategic internationalization goals
  • Contribution to the sustainability of international collaboration or partnership

important information

Only complete and timely applications will be considered.

Contact

International Relations Division
Project coordination
Svea Herrmann 
»Expanding Internationality«
Phone +49 6221 54-12750
expanding.internationality@uni-heidelberg.de

Links

FAQ

The frequently asked questions provide a concise summary of relevant information on submitting applications and processing funding. Among other things, they explain the requirements for submitting an application, the types of costs eligible for funding, the scholarship amount, and the administrative steps to be taken after funding has been approved.