DFG funding for universities of applied sciences
Most of the DFG’s funding programmes are open to researchers at universities of applied sciences (HAWs and FHs). In order to take into account the general conditions that apply at this type of HEI, the DFG has adapted funding conditions and established funding measures that are specifically aimed at universities of applied sciences and comparable institutions. The aim here is to provide opportunities for such institutions to establish research structure profiles and expand their international networking, for example.
You will find the main details on this page. The DFG invites you to take advantage of both established and newly developed funding opportunities.
The DFG’s programme portfolio
The DFG programmes under which individuals can apply for funding are open to researchers at universities of applied sciences.
Interner LinkProgramme overview
Promoting the transfer of knowledge
The transfer of research results to the business sector and to society at large is a particularly high priority for the DFG. More about these funding opportunities and the outcomes they have achieved. Interner Linkmore
Transfer HAW/FH PLUS
In order to give universities of applied sciences easier access to transfer funding, the DFG has set up a special knowledge transfer programme. This funding option will be available until the end of 2024. Interner Linkmore
Internationalisation of research
The DFG initiative “Supporting the internationalisation of research at universities of applied sciences” (UDIF-HAW) is intended for universities of applied sciences that are interested in establishing international research cooperation or would like to expand such cooperation further. Interner Linkmore
Eligibility Requirements
Diverse career paths and specific institutional contexts may be taken into account in the application process exclusively to the benefit of the applicants in order to tap into the research potential offered by universities of applied sciences. Interner Linkmore
Ongoing calls for proposals
Research grants for major instrumentation
From 2022 to 2024, the DFG invites researchers at universities of applied sciences to submit proposals for research grants under a series of calls for proposals that relate to the use of DFG-reviewed major instrumentation.
Deadlines: Full proposals under GG-SBH 2022 are to be submitted by no later than 31 August 2022.
Major instrumentation campaigns
From 2021 to 2023, the DFG invites universities of applied sciences to submit proposals for the structural expansion of their existing equipment infrastructure with regard to knowledge-oriented research under a series of calls for proposals. The thematic orientation of the research projects can be freely chosen; the selection of funding proposals is based on scientific criteria.
Deadline for submissions under GGA-HAW 2022: no later than 31 May 2022.
Results and expired calls
Major instrumentation campaign 2021
In the first round of the major instrumentation campaign in 2021, the DFG approved 16 proposals submitted by universities of applied sciences. 72 proposals were submitted covering a wide range of topics and disciplines.
DFG-Fraunhofer Cooperation – Trilateral transfer projects
Trilateral knowledge transfer projects funded by the DFG and the Fraunhofer Society seek to close a gap between basic research and application. Projects have already been successfully selected in several rounds of calls.
Research Impulses
The DFG’s funding instrument Research Impulses is designed to enable universities of applied sciences to set priorities in research and increase their funding capacity.
Contact persons are to be found in the detailed description of the individual funding programmes.