Deadline: 04-Oct-2026
The Gerald D. Feldman Travel Grant Program supports researchers conducting international academic work in the humanities and social sciences.
The grant helps scholars undertake short-term research placements at foreign institutes by reducing the financial barriers associated with international academic mobility.
The program supports:
- International research stays
- Academic collaboration across countries
- Access to foreign research institutions
- Development of humanities and social science research projects
- Scholarly exchange and knowledge sharing
Purpose of the Travel Grant Program
The main purpose of the Gerald D. Feldman Travel Grant Program is to encourage internationally oriented research and support scholars during the qualification phase.
The program aims to:
- Enable researchers to conduct studies abroad
- Support access to specialized academic resources
- Promote international cooperation in humanities and social sciences
- Strengthen early-career academic development
- Encourage cross-border exchange of knowledge
Why International Research Support Matters
International research opportunities allow scholars to:
- Access unique archives, libraries, and collections
- Collaborate with experts in different countries
- Develop comparative research approaches
- Expand academic networks
- Improve the quality and global relevance of their research
Travel funding programs like the Gerald D. Feldman Travel Grant help researchers overcome financial challenges associated with international academic mobility.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is open to highly qualified researchers in the humanities and social sciences.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be researchers in humanities or social sciences
- Be in the qualification phase of their academic career
- Hold at least one of the following qualifications:
- Master’s degree
- M.A. degree
- State examination qualification
- German Diplom qualification
- Be of any nationality
- Demonstrate strong academic ability
There are no age restrictions for applicants.
Academic Requirements
Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic achievement and research potential.
Applicants should generally provide:
- Evidence of previous academic work
- A clear research plan
- Relevant qualifications
- Research objectives for the proposed stay
Published work is expected from applicants in most cases.
However, doctoral students may apply without prior publications if they demonstrate strong research potential and a suitable project plan.
Who Cannot Apply?
The program excludes certain applicants.
The following individuals are not eligible:
- Employees of the MWS
- Scholarship holders of the MWS
- Applicants whose previous rejection letter does not allow reapplication
Reapplications are only permitted when specifically stated as possible in the rejection notification.
Supported Research Placements
The grant supports international research stays at approved foreign institutes.
Key conditions include:
- Maximum research placement duration: Three months
- Project completion period: Within 24 months
- Research must follow the timeline approved in the grant award letter
The funding period is determined according to the official letter of conferment.
Funding Support Provided
The Gerald D. Feldman Travel Grant provides several types of financial assistance.
Support includes:
Travel Costs
The program covers:
- Round-trip travel expenses
- Transportation between the researcher’s home country and the foreign research institute
Daily Allowance
Recipients receive daily financial support during their research stay.
The allowance ranges from:
- €32 to €68 per day
The exact amount depends on:
- Host country
- Location of the research placement
Accommodation Support
The program may provide accommodation assistance through inexpensive guest rooms offered by the host institute.
Accommodation availability depends on:
- Country of placement
- Availability of institute housing facilities
Duration and Funding Timeline
The grant follows specific timing requirements.
Key timeline details include:
- Maximum stay: Three months
- Overall project completion period: 24 months
- Funding start: Generally from 1 January of the year following application
- Final funding period: Determined by the grant conferment letter
Applicants should plan their research schedules according to the approved funding timeline.
How to Apply
Researchers interested in applying should prepare a complete application package.
The general application process includes:
- Confirm eligibility
Applicants should verify that they meet academic qualification requirements and are not excluded by program rules.
- Develop a research plan
The research plan should explain:
- Research topic
- Objectives
- Methodology
- Importance of the international research stay
- Expected outcomes
- Prepare academic documents
Applicants should provide relevant materials, including:
- Academic qualifications
- Research documentation
- Evidence of scholarly work
- Publication information, where applicable
- Submit the application
Applicants must complete the official application process according to program requirements.
- Await evaluation
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Academic quality
- Research relevance
- Applicant qualifications
- Feasibility of the proposed research stay
Tips for Preparing a Strong Application
Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:
- Presenting a focused and achievable research plan
- Explaining why international research access is necessary
- Demonstrating academic preparation
- Clearly describing expected research outcomes
- Connecting the project with broader humanities or social science discussions
- Providing evidence of previous research achievements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting unclear research plans
- Failing to explain the purpose of international travel
- Providing incomplete academic information
- Ignoring funding timelines
- Applying without meeting qualification requirements
- Assuming reapplication is allowed without confirmation
Benefits of the Gerald D. Feldman Travel Grant
The program provides researchers with opportunities to:
- Conduct international academic research
- Access foreign research resources
- Build global academic networks
- Strengthen research projects
- Gain experience through international collaboration
- Advance academic qualifications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Gerald D. Feldman Travel Grant Program?
The Gerald D. Feldman Travel Grant Program provides financial support for humanities and social sciences researchers undertaking international research placements during their qualification phase.
Who can apply for the grant?
Researchers of any nationality in the humanities and social sciences can apply if they hold at least a Master’s degree, M.A., state examination, or German Diplom qualification.
Are there age restrictions for applicants?
No. The program does not have age restrictions.
How long can the funded research stay last?
The maximum funded research placement duration is three months.
What expenses does the grant cover?
The grant supports round-trip travel costs, daily allowances between €32 and €68 depending on the host country, and possible accommodation in institute guest rooms when available.
Can doctoral students apply?
Yes. Doctoral students may apply even without previous publications if they submit a strong research plan and meet the program requirements.
Can applicants reapply after rejection?
Reapplications are only allowed if the rejection letter specifically states that another application is permitted.
Conclusion
The Gerald D. Feldman Travel Grant Program provides valuable support for researchers in the humanities and social sciences seeking international research experience. By covering travel expenses, daily allowances, and possible accommodation costs, the program enables scholars to access global academic resources and strengthen their research projects.
Qualified researchers in the qualification phase can use this opportunity to expand their academic networks, advance their studies, and contribute to internationally connected scholarship.
For more information, visit Max Weber Foundation.