The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) invites outstanding medical students enrolled at German universities to apply for its prestigious MD Fellowships in basic biomedical research. These fellowships support ambitious and experimentally intensive projects at internationally renowned laboratories abroad.

The BIF MD Fellowship is designed to foster the development of talented medical students by immersing them in cutting-edge biomedical research environments. Fellowship holders are expected to change cities and institutions for at least 10 consecutive months, working under the guidance of world-class researchers.

You may also check BIF PhD Fellowships 2026 for International Junior Scientists in Germany

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: At least 3 months before relocation and project start, deadlines:
  • February 1, 2026
  • June 1, 2026
  • October 1, 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Organizer: Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF)
• Eligible Countries: All
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Medical students in Germany
• Focus Area: Basic Biomedical Research
• Duration: 10–12 months, extendable by up to 6 months
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Global

Benefits

Applicants will provide the following:

• A monthly stipend ranging from:
  • 1,560 euros in Germany,
  • 1,885 euros in the UK, and
  • 2,470 euros in the USA
• Fixed monthly allowance for minor project-related costs
• Additional benefits depending on personal circumstances:
  • Up to €500/month for childcare
  • €200/month for spouse allowance
• Travel allowances for:
  • Attending international scientific conferences
  • Participating in methods courses
  • Research in cooperating laboratories
• Access to:
  • Tailor-made seminars and communication training
  • An active, global alum network
  • Individualized mentoring and support

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Study human medicine in Germany
• Have good or excellent grades in the first medical exam and subsequent studies
• Are you willing to pause your studies and relocate (to a new institution & city) for at least 10 consecutive months

Not Funded:

• Clinical studies
• Applied research (e.g., diagnostics, drug screening, vaccine/device development)
• Studies focused on disease progression or symptom treatment
• Botanical/prokaryotic research unless of broad biological significance
• Projects already funded or needing financial top-ups

Application Timing:

• Apply at least 3 months before starting your research stay
• Within 8 years of university entrance qualification (e.g., Abitur)
• Research must be completed before taking the 3rd medical exam (3. Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung)

Required Documents

Submit as a single password-protected PDF (max. 10MB):

• Personal Details: Full name, birth details, nationality, contact info, study/work addresses
• Scientific Education: Education history, practical training, exams, thesis info (if applicable)
• Honors & Awards: Scholarships, prizes, dates
• Non-Scientific Activities: Military/community service, parental leave, training, employment
• Research Stay Info: Host/home institutions, supervisors, fellowship duration, proposed dates
• Research Project
  • Title & Summary (0.5–1 page)
  • Full proposal (~6–7 pages): intro, background, objectives, methods, timeline
  • Bibliography
• References: Up to 5 key publications each from your host and home supervisors
• Financial Info
  • Other funding applications
  • Current financial support
• How You Found the Program: (e.g., personal recommendation, article, internet)
• Additional Documents

• Motivation letter
• Certificates (medical exam, Abitur, study transcripts – photocopies)
• Two recommendation letters (host + home supervisors)
• Confirmation of study interruption (from the university)
• Signed data consent form

How to Apply?

• Applications must be written in English by the applicant
• You must consult with a scientific supervisor before submission
• Submit your complete application as one password-protected PDF (max. 10MB) via email
• Transmit the password in a separate message
• Letters of recommendation may be included or sent separately
• Must apply at least three months before the intended start at the host lab
• Contact BIF directly in case of exceptional situations or deadline concerns

Send Applications to:
Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds
Schusterstr. 46–48, 55116 Mainz, Germany
+49 6131 27 50 80
secretariat@bifonds.de

For full details and application guidance, please visit the official BIF website.

Check More Opportunities:

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Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers

Richard and Susan Hayden Academy Fellowship 2026-2027 (10-Month Program in the UK)

BIF PhD Fellowships 2026 for International Junior Scientists in Germany