Goethe Research Experience Program

Ready to elevate your research journey? The Goethe Research Experience Program (GREP) offers top international undergraduate and master's students 2-6 month fellowships at Goethe University Frankfurt, where you'll gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge research projects under the guidance of expert faculty. Build your academic network, expand your intercultural skills, and immerse yourself in a vibrant community with world-class facilities, a unique social program, and lifelong connections.

  • Eligibility: Advanced undergraduate and master's students.
  • Duration: 2-6 months of research or lab visits at GU.
  • Disciplines: Life sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities.
  • Supervision: Personalized mentoring by GU research professionals.
  • Language: English as the working language, with optional German course.
  • Credits: Earn ECTS credits that may transfer to your home university.
  • Extras: Exclusive orientation, social events, and excursions.
  • Support: with visa, health insurance, and more through the Global Office.
  • Accommodation in private student residence incl. full coverage of rent.
  • Subsidized travel costs based on the annual DAAD national flat rate.
  • Free German language course at the Goethe Institute in Frankfurt.
  • Free access to public transport and museums in Frankfurt.
  • Free university enrollment, including access to campus networks.
  • Health insurance for students without a European Health Insurance Card.
  • Disciplines: Life sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities.
  • Research projects:
  • Short-Term: 2-3 months individual research projects or laboratory visits.
  • Thesis Work: 3-6 months research thesis under dual supervision.
  • Placement in an established research group with:
    • Regular progress reports.
    • Final written report.
    • Oral presentation in English.

Spring Intake 2025

Duration: April 2025 - September 2025.

Nomination Deadline: October 15, 2024.

Application Deadline: Oktober 31, 2024.

Admission: within 4-6 weeks.

Research visits: 8-12 weeks.

Exact dates and durations are arranged individually.

German Online Course: during your stay.

Summer Intake 2025

Duration: June 2025 - August 2025.

Nomination Deadline: January 15, 2025.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025.

Admission: within 4-6 weeks.

Research visits: 8-12 weeks.

Exact dates and durations are arranged individually.

German Online Course: during your stay.

Winter Intake 2025/26

Duration: October 2025 - March 2026

Nomination Deadline: May 15, 2025

Application Deadline: May 31, 2025

Admission: within 4-6 weeks.

Research visits: 2-6 months.

Exact dates and durations are arranged individually.

German Online Course: during your stay.

Step 1

  • Check the application requirements and deadlines.
  • Select a research project from the GREP project database.
  • Contact the GU research project to discuss supervision, by
    • emailing with your research interest and motivation. 
    • reaching out to the GREP team for assistance.
  • Obtain mandatory nomination from a GU supervisor.
    • The nomination serves as a first consultation to align your research interests. 
    • He/she must confirm your nomination via email to the GREP team.
    • The nomination is essential for your online application.

Step 2

  • After your nomination, you will be emailed an online application link. 
  • Sign up and submit your application documents via GU's Mobility Online Portal.
  • Follow the instructions provided by email and in your online mobility workflow.
  • Receive admissions and fellowship confirmations within 4-6 weeks.

Important Notes

  • If you have any question feel free to contact us!
  • Current deadline for summer intake 2025: January 31, 2025.
  • Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Please consider carefully if you will be able to finance your stay. 
  • In case of late cancellation, your place cannot be given to another student.
  • Nomination letter from GU research supervisor.
  • Letter of Motivation.
  • Curriculum Vitae.
  • Current Transcript of Records.
  • Student Enrollment Certificate.
  • B.A. or School Leaving Certificate for M.A. students. 
  • School leaving certificate for B.A students:
    • High School Diploma.
    • A-Level (Secondary School).
    • Baccalauréat (Lycée), Abitur, Matura).
  • Nomination by a GU research supervisor.
  • Current status as a Bachelor's or Master's student.
    • at the time of application and during your research stay.
  • Good to very good academic standing:
    • US: GPA of 3.0 or above (US) 
    • Canada: 80%
    • Australia: 6 (D)
    • Among top 35% of your class according to the ECTS grading scale.
  • Strong research interest aligned with the chosen project.
  • Previous research experience or relevant extracurricular activities.
  • Program Language and all student support are provided in English. 
  • German language skills are not required for admission.
  • Optional German course at the Goethe Institute Frankfurt for all fellows.
  • Format: Five-week online / fate-to-face course during the research stay.
  • Course Timing: Specific dates shared upon admission to the program.
  • Credit Requirements: written research paper and oral presentation.
  • Transcript and Evaluation will be awarded by your research supervisor.
  • ECTS Credits are determined based on research duration and workload.
  • Credit Calculation: 1 ECTS equals ~30 hours, about 0.5 Canadian/US credits.
  • Credit Transfer: Pre-approval from your home university is recommended.
  • Location: Bad Vilbel, a quiet town near Frankfurt.
  • Commute: 30-50 min. by public transport to campus.
  • Accommodation: Fully furnished apartment with private bathroom etc.
  • Amenities: Communal kitchen, coin-operated laundry, canteen, gym, etc.
  • Nearby Perks: Shops, parks, and community events nearby.
  • Experience: Peaceful, green spaces—ideal for study and relaxation.

GREP offers you a unique social program, including:

  • Orientation: information and networking event with the GREP Team. 
  • Social Gatherings: Monthly Stammtisch, reception with University President. 
  • Cultural Events: Local taste experiences, museum visits, summer festivals, Christmas markets, etc.
  • Excursions: Campus and City tours, ECB visit and trips to nearby cities.

The Goethe Buddy Program supports you while you settle in Frankfurt! 

Your advantages for participation are:

  • Arrival support (e.g., pick-up from local train station or airport).
  • Assistance with local authorities (e.g., registration, bank account setup).
  • Orientation around campus and the city of Frankfurt.
  • Opportunity to improve German skills through native speaker interaction.
  • Access to events by the Internationaler Studientreff (IST).

Find out more!

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