Goethe Research Experience Program

• Accommodation in private student residence incl. full coverage of rent
• Partial travel allowance (up to € 1.000)
• Free intensive German language course 
• Free access to public transport and museums
• Tuition waiver for university enrolment incl. access to campus networks
• Coverage of health insurance for students who do not have the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
• Personal advice on visa application, mandatory insurance etc.

At Goethe University scientific excellence is concentrated in six profile areas of research, in which researchers from various disciplines and institutions collaborate in internationally competitive research projects. Interested students can choose to pursue an individual research visit within one of the designated research projects listed in our project database. 

The research areas vary from natural and life science to social sciences and humanities:

Within the field of molecular and translational medicine, students can conduct research in cardiology, oncology, neuroscience and drug research at the existing research cluster Cardio Pulmonary Institute (CPI).

Within the field of biomedical sciences and technologies, students can develop new therapeutic approaches for complex diseases at the new research cluster EMTHERA.

Within the field of cell biology, biophysics, molecular biology, neurobiology, chemistry, bioinformatics and mathematics, students can conduct interdisciplinary research on subcellular architecture and cell behaviour at the new research cluster SCALE.

Within the field of theoretical physics and astro-physics, students can conduct research on heavy elements in the universe, neutron stars, kilonovas and gravitational waves at the new research cluster ELEMENTS.

Within the field of social sciences and media studies students can conduct interdisciplinary research on social conflicts and the question of trust in relation to peacemaking at the new research cluster ConTrust.

Within in the field of humanities and religious studies, students can conduct interdisciplinary research on the relations and perceptions between the three monotheistic religions "Judaism," "Christianity" and "Islam" in historical and contemporary global contexts at the research project DynRel.

Within the field of sustainability and biodiversity students can conduct research on environmental pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change at the research project RobustNature

Students from natural and life sciences can complete a laboratory visit as part of a mandatory elective module in one of the following study programs:

1. M.Sc. Interdisciplinary Neuroscience
2. M.Sc. Environmental Science
3. M.Sc. Molecular Medicine

STEP 1 

• Check the GREP website for application requirements and deadlines
  
• Choose a research project of your interest from the GREP project database
• Get in contact with the responsible person for the reserach project to find an academic supervisor for your visit, e.g. by writing an e-mail and stating your research interest and motivation for the project
• Get nominated for the GREP-scholarship by your prospective supervisor.
  • He/She needs to confirm your nomination via email to the GREP-team. Only if we get your nomination, you will be able to apply for GREP. The nomination serves as a first consultation. You can check if your interests coincide with the work, the research project is doing and if there they are able to supervise your research stay.

STEP 2

• After your nomination, we will send you a link to the online application form. 
• Sign up with the Mobility Online Portal of Goethe University. 
  • Follow the instructions provided by emails Mobility Online sends you and the information given in your workflow.
• Prepare your documents as indicated below and upload them on the application platform Mobility Online.

• Letter of Motivation
• CV
• B.A. Certificate for M.A. students 
• School leaving certificate for B.A students (High School Diploma, A-Level (Secondary School), Baccalauréat (Lycée), Abitur, Matura)
• Current Transcript of Records
• Student Enrollment Certificate
• Photo

• If you have any question feel free to contact us!
• Please consider the current deadline for summer intake 2024: January 31, 2024
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Admissions and scholarship confirmations will be sent within 4-6 weeks
• 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.

You are eligibile for application, if the following criteria apply:

• Nomination by a research supervisor at GU (find out more here)
• Bachelor or Master level student status at the time of application
• Good to very good academic standing GPA of 3.0 or above (US), 80% (Canada), among the top 35% of your class according to the ECTS grading scale
• Strong research interest matching the selected research project
• Proof of previous research experience and/or relevant extracurricular activities

The program language and student support is provided in English. 

German language skills are not necessary for the acceptance into the programm. However, GREP-fellows can apply for a German intensive language course at the Goethe Institute in Frankfurt. German Intensive Courses (face-to-face) in Frankfurt start approx. 4 weeks prior to your research stay. There is also the possibility to join an online or blended learning German course prior or during your research stay.

For exact course dates, please refer to the online application form.

• Students are going to write a paper, give a presentation and receive a final grade for their program participation.
• Upon completion, students get a transcript of records with a written evaluation from their supervisor.
• Students can receive ECTS credit points, depending on the duration and workload of their individual research project.
       The amount of ECTS credits will be pre-defined prior to the research visit. 
• ECTS credits account for the quantity of workload and time spent to complete your research project
  • Practical work, individual research, written report, presentation etc. will be taken into consideration
  • 1 ECTS accounts approx. 30 hours of academic work, approx. 1/2 Canadian / US credit
• Please contact your study programme manager for pre-approval and confirmation on credit conversion.

Since finding affordable housing in Frankfurt am Main is very difficult and time-consuming, GREP facilitates accommodation for the time of your research stay in private dormitories or shared flats.

All apartments and rooms in shared flats are fully furnished and have WIFI. Rooms in dormitories have a private bathroom. Cooking equipment, duvet and pillow are provided. Beside your personal belongings, you only need to bring bed sheets and towels.

The Goethe Buddy Program supports you while you settle in Frankfurt! Your advantages for participation are:

1. Support when you arrive (e.g. someone picks you up at the local train station or airport)
2. Support when you have to go to authorities (e.g. registering in Frankfurt, open a bank account)
3. Help finding your way around campus and the city of Frankfurt
4. Improving your German language skills by actively communicating with native speakers
5. Participation at events organised by the Internationaler Studientreff (IST)