Goethe Research Experience Program

• 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

GREP offers research opportunities across all 16 faculties of Goethe University.

All research visits take place under the supervision of Goethe University researchers within established research groups.

Disciplines: Life sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities.

How to join a research project:

• Choose a project from the GREP Project Database
• Or propose your own project via Your Own Research Project

Program Structure:

• Short-Term Research: 2–3 months (individual projects or lab visits)
• Thesis Work: 3–6 months (research thesis under dual supervision)

Placement in a research group includes:

• Integration into an established lab or research team
• Regular progress meetings with your supervisor
• Final written report or lab paper
• Oral presentation in English

GREP students must secure a supervisor nomination before starting the online application. You can proceed in two ways:

1. Choose a listed project

• Browse the GREP Project Database for available research projects
• Email the supervisor with:
  
  • Motivation letter stating your research interest
  • CV and transcript
• If the supervisor agrees, discuss your research plan and request nomination

2. Propose Your Own Project

• Identify a potential supervisor via faculty or research group websites
• Follow the instructions on Your Own Research Project to:
  • Prepare a project outline and finalize the Project Proposal Form
• GREP assists in matching you with a willing supervisor if needed

• Nomination is mandatory for your online application
• The supervisor holds an interview to discuss research outline
• Afterwards, the supervisor confirms the nomination by email to GREP 
• GREP will request a short nomination letter from the supervisor

• After nomination, receive a link to the Mobility Online Portal
• Register and upload all required documents
• Follow the portal instructions and submit your application on time
• Admissions and fellowship decisions are typically sent within 4–6 weeks

• If you have questions, contact the GREP team early
• Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered
• Ensure you can finance your stay before applying
• Late cancellations may prevent other students from participating

• Nomination letter from GU research supervisor
• Letter of Motivation
• Curriculum Vitae
• Current Transcript of Records
• Student Enrollment Certificate
• 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)

• Nomination by a GU research supervisor
• Enrolled as a Bachelor's or Master's student at a GREP partner iniversity
  • 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
• Proof of English proficiency at a minimum level of B2 (according to CEFR)
• Age: under 30 years old during your research stay

• 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

• Program Language and all student support are provided in English
• Proof of English proficiency at a minimum level of B2 (according to CEFR)
• German language skills are not required for admission
• Optional German course at the Goethe Institute Frankfurt for all fellows
• Format: Five-week online / face-to-face course during the research stay
• Course Timing: Specific dates shared upon admission to the program

• 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 diverse social program designed to help you settle in, make connections, and experience local culture:

Orientation 

• Welcome and information session with the GREP Team 
• Guided campus and city tours
• Monthly Stammtisch (Get-together)

Summer Highlights

• Reception with the University President
• Relaxed park picnics or activities along the river 
• Tasting local food and culture at a traditional Biergarten

Winter Highlights

• Visits to the Christmas market
• Winter sport activities and cozy gatherings
• Museum visits and excursions 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)