Fully Funded Research Stay in Germany: AROP Fellowship at RWTH Aachen University

About the Fellowship

The Advanced Research Opportunities Program (AROP) at RWTH Aachen University is a prestigious initiative funded by the German Excellence Strategy to foster international academic collaboration. It supports doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers from globally strategic partner institutions to undertake short-term research stays in Germany. The program strengthens bilateral relations, encourages intercultural exchange, and promotes collaborative research projects, capacity building, and academic innovation aligned with RWTH’s internationalization strategy.

Fellowship Details

Position: AROP Fellowship for Research Stays
Institution: RWTH Aachen University
Administering Body: RWTH International Office, Excellence Strategy Germany
Location: Aachen, Germany
Research Field: All fields (preference for strategic relevance to RWTH’s research goals)
Type: Short-term Fellowship
Duration: Up to 6 months
Start Date (Anticipated): Rolling, based on selection rounds (Post-March 31 or September 30 deadlines)
Working Hours: As per academic norms of RWTH
Funding/Compensation:
- €1,800/month stipend
- Travel grant (based on origin):
  • Europe: €500
  • High-income non-Europe: €1,000
  • Low/middle-income non-Europe: €1,500
Access to German language courses and intercultural training
Required Degree/Diploma:
Enrolled in a doctoral program or holding a PhD (Postdoc level)

Research Areas Supported

Engineering
Natural Sciences
Humanities
Social Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Interdisciplinary and Strategic Research Fields aligned with RWTH

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Doctoral candidate or postdoctoral researcher
Affiliated with an institution strategically relevant to RWTH
Strong academic background and research proposal
Letter of invitation from an RWTH professor

Preferred Qualifications:

Publication record
Existing or potential institutional collaborations
Experience in international research environments

Not Eligible:

Past recipients of AROP funding

Fellowship Benefits

Monthly fellowship stipend
Travel allowance
German language & intercultural training
Access to RWTH’s Welcome Center and academic networking
Research freedom with full retention of project IP

Key Responsibilities

Conduct independent or collaborative research
Initiate or develop long-term partnerships
Participate in academic exchange or joint teaching development
Engage in cultural immersion activities

Application Process

How to Apply:

Secure invitation from an RWTH professor
Prepare and submit documents via MoveOn Application Platform

Required Documents:

CV with contact details
Statement of purpose & research abstract (3–5 pages)
Invitation letter from RWTH faculty
Research schedule with timeframe and activities
List of recent publications

Important Dates

Application Opens: Ongoing
Next Deadline: September 30, 2025
Interview Period: Not specified
Final Results Notification: Within 4–6 weeks after deadline
Start of Fellowship: Following acceptance and coordination with host professor