Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship 2027
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Overview
The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship funds early career researchers who are about to start or have just started a PhD in basic biomedical research. It pays a monthly stipend that depends on the country of your laboratory, with extra allowances for conferences and for families. The fellowship runs for 2 years and can be extended once by up to 1.5 years. For the full list of benefits, see what the scholarship covers.
What to know before applying
European citizens can hold the fellowship in Europe or overseas, and non-European citizens must do their PhD in Europe. The project must be experimental basic biomedical research, although in silico work is also supported. Applied research and clinical studies are not funded. You are no longer eligible if your project began more than six months before the deadline, and your first university entrance qualification must be no more than 8 years old at the deadline.
Only one fellowship is given per laboratory when two candidates apply at the same time, so the fund recommends applying at different deadlines. Regular employment income is not allowed, and one working contract of up to five hours a week may be acceptable. Two letters of recommendation are needed, one from your PhD supervisor and one from your MSc supervisor, and your supervisors send them directly. You apply through the BIF online application portal.
If you are considering a PhD in Switzerland, see the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. For UK and Europe options, compare the LSE PhD Studentships, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship and more PhD scholarships.
Timeline notes
There are three deadlines each year, on 1 February, 1 June and 1 October. The online portal opens one month before each deadline, so the next application window runs up to 1 February 2027. See the application deadline section for the current status.
About the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship
The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship is a partially funded scholarship offered by Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) for study in Europe for non-European citizens. European citizens may also work overseas. The scholarship supports students pursuing PhD studies in Experimental basic biomedical research. In silico projects are also supported. Applied research and clinical studies are not funded. Recipients receive A competitive monthly stipend that is usually tax-free. Examples: EUR 2,400 in Germany, EUR 2,200 in Spain, EUR 2,450 in Austria, EUR 2,900 in the Netherlands and the UK, EUR 3,500 in Switzerland and EUR 3,800 in the USA for a duration of Initially 2 years, extendable once by up to 1.5 years.
Eligible applicants: European citizens working in Europe or overseas, and non-European citizens pursuing their PhD in Europe. Academic standing: Not communicated.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and align with the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship selection criteria, this represents a valuable opportunity to advance your education with financial assistance. Read the sections below carefully to understand the benefits, eligibility, application process, and deadline before applying.
Scholarship Benefits & What's Covered
Selected recipients of the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship receive a comprehensive funding package. Here's what the scholarship covers:
- Stipend and allowances: A competitive monthly stipend that is usually tax-free. Examples: EUR 2,400 in Germany, EUR 2,200 in Spain, EUR 2,450 in Austria, EUR 2,900 in the Netherlands and the UK, EUR 3,500 in Switzerland and EUR 3,800 in the USA
- Tuition fees: Not communicated
- Accommodation: Not covered separately. The monthly stipend is paid for your living costs
- Airfare / travel: Travel allowances are available, for example for scientific conferences
- Health insurance: Not communicated
- Family / dependants: Yes, a child care allowance of up to EUR 500 and a spouse allowance of EUR 200, depending on personal circumstances
- Program duration: Initially 2 years, extendable once by up to 1.5 years
- Number of awards per year: No overall number is stated. Only one of two applicants from the same laboratory can receive a fellowship
The scholarship is classified as Partially Funded. Recipients receive substantial financial support, but should plan to supplement with personal or family contributions for uncovered expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected, so review these carefully before applying.
Academic requirements
- Minimum degree level: Your last university degree obtained before starting the PhD. Physicians, vets and pharmacists should have passed their state examinations
- Academic standing: Not communicated
- Academic background: Apply when you are about to start or have just started your PhD. You are no longer eligible if you began the project more than six months before the deadline. Your first university entrance qualification must not be more than 8 years old at the deadline
- Fields of study: Experimental basic biomedical research. In silico projects are also supported. Applied research and clinical studies are not funded
Nationality & residency
- Eligible countries: European citizens working in Europe or overseas, and non-European citizens pursuing their PhD in Europe
- Residency: Non-European citizens must carry out their PhD project in Europe. European citizens can work in Europe or overseas
Language requirements
- Language of instruction: Not communicated
- Language test: Not communicated
- Minimum score: Not communicated
Other requirements
- Age: Not communicated
- Gender: Not communicated
How to Apply for the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship
Applications for the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship are submitted through the official channels of Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF). Follow these steps to submit a strong application:
Step 1: Verify eligibility. Confirm you meet every requirement listed above, particularly nationality, academic level, and language proficiency. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected without review.
Step 2: Prepare required documents. You will need to submit: CV questionnaire, a project proposal following the official six-part template, reasons for wanting to join the group, a summary of your final thesis, a publications list if applicable, academic certificates and your secondary school diploma. Everything must be written in English by you. Prepare each document carefully, reviewers typically shortlist based on document quality and completeness.
Step 3: Secure reference letters. Yes, two letters sent directly by your PhD supervisor and your MSc or equivalent thesis supervisor. Contact your referees early. References take time to prepare.
Step 4: Submit the application. Complete the application on the official portal before the deadline. The application deadline for this scholarship is 1 Feb 2027. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Step 5: Await response. Shortlisting typically takes 4–8 weeks after the deadline. Successful candidates are invited to interview or additional assessment. Final decisions are announced 3–6 months after the application deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship is 1 Feb 2027. Application window: 2027-01-01.
We strongly recommend starting your application at least 6–8 weeks before the deadline to allow sufficient time for document preparation, reference letter requests, and revisions to your personal statement. Rushed applications are visibly weaker and reduce your chance of shortlisting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship fully funded?
The scholarship is classified as Partially Funded. See the Benefits section above for a detailed breakdown of what's covered and what recipients must pay for themselves.
Who can apply for the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship?
Applicants must be from European citizens working in Europe or overseas, and non-European citizens pursuing their PhD in Europe. Additionally, applicants must hold Your last university degree obtained before starting the PhD. Physicians, vets and pharmacists should have passed their state examinations. Full eligibility criteria including language, age, and academic requirements are detailed in the Eligibility section above.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowship is 1 Feb 2027. Late applications are not accepted, so aim to submit at least 2 weeks in advance.
Is there a bond or return obligation?
Not communicated.
Where do I apply?
Apply directly on the official portal: Application Link. ScholarshipSpace does not process applications on their behalf.