The International Scholars at Risk (SAR) Network is a worldwide association of over 500 universities, research institutions and other scientific organizations dedicated to helping threatend researchers and promoting scientific freedom.
Technical University of Darmstadt is a founding member of the German section of the Scholars at Risk Network (SAR Germany Section).
The aim of this alliance is to ensure an exchange of experience and knowledge on the situation of at risk researchers in Germany and to provide support and protection at the member institutions.
SAR Germany-Section,
Founding Statement
"In joining Scholars at Risk, German academic leadership, faculty, students and staff send a strong message of solidarity with scholars and universities in situations where academic freedom is restricted and research, publication, teaching and learning are repressed".
Philipp Schwartz-Initiative of the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation
Funding of research projects by threatend researchers
The Philipp Schwartz Initiative gives universities and research institutions in Germany the opportunity to host at risk researchers for 24 months as part of a full fellowship.
PSI - application
The application period for the 14th round of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's Philipp Schwartz Initiative has ended.
Further information can be found on the website of the Philipp Schwartz Initiative.
“HessenFonds”-Scholarships for Refugees and Victims of Persecution
Funding of highly qualified students, PhD-students and researchers
The Hessian ministry of higher education, research, science and the arts gives out 12-month scholarships to highly gifted and well performing students and scientists who have a background as refugee or victim of persecution in form of the HessenFonds
HessenFonds - Funding period April 2026 - March 2027
The Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture (HMWK) awards scholarships for particularly talented and high-achieving refugee students as well as highly qualified refugee and at-risk researchers (including PhD students) within the framework of the “HessenFonds”.
Prerequisites:
- Eligible for asylum or status as a recognized refugee
- Generally not registered in Germany for more than four years at the time of the start of funding
- The continuous residence in Germany does not exceed five years
- Students
- Enrollment at TU Darmstadt (if you are studying at another university in Hessen, please contact the respective office at your university)
- high academic achievements
- PhD Students
- accepted as a PhD student and supervised at a state university in Hessen
- high academic achievements
- Researchers
- guarantee of a research or teaching placement at a state university in Hessen
- a supporting statement from the same state university in Hessen
- exceptional achievements in research and/or teaching
- Scope of Funding:
- Students
- 300 euro / month
- PhD students
- 1200 euro / month
- Researchers
- 2300 euro / month
- Students
- Funding period:
- 1st April 2026 – 31st March 2027
Direct application at the Hessian Ministry of Science and Arts is not possible.
Are you interested in applying? Then please contact us: refugees@tu-… as soon as possible. We are happy to help you and answer your questions.
Our internal application deadline is 14th December 2025.
Information on the HessenFonds scholarship can be found on the HMWK website.
