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 university enrollment, including access to campus networks
• Health insurance for students without a European Health  Insurance Card
• Free access to public transport and museums in Frankfurt
• Free German language course at the Goethe Institute in Frankfurt

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

Before starting the online application on our Mobility Online platform, all GREP applicants must secure a nomination from a Goethe University supervisor. There are two ways to get started:

1. Choose a listed project

• Browse the GREP Project Database for available research projects

2. Propose Your Own Project

• Identify potential supervisors via faculty or research group websites
• Follow the instructions on Your Own Research Project

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility & Attend an Online Information Event

• Review the GREP criteria and clarify any internal requirements with your home university's International Office
• Attend a mandatory GREP Online Information Event (register via the link provided in the Call for Applicants document under "Documents to Download")

Step 2: Research/Identify Potential Supervisors

• Explore the Goethe University website, particularly the webpages of its faculties, institutes and research groups
• Identify researchers whose expertise and research interests align with your own and compile a list of potential supervisors (we recommend 1–5)

Important: Please research potential supervisors independently, but do not contact them yourself at this point. The GREP team will coordinate the matching process. An exception applies if you already have an established research contact at Goethe University.

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

• Academic CV: Outlining your academic background and relevant experience
• Motivation Letter: Describing your research interests, academic motivation and preferred research topics or projects at Goethe University
• Follow our guidelines in the “Documents to Download" section (!)

Step 4: Submit Your Documents to GREP

Send the following documents to grep@uni-frankfurt.de:

• Your Academic CV
• Your Motivation Letter
• Your list of preferred supervisors at Goethe University

Important: Send us your documents as early as possible. Complete and well-prepared documents leave more time to identify suitable supervisors and increase your chances of finding a match.

Step 5: GREP Review & Supervisor Matching

The GREP team will:

• Review your academic background and research interests
• Assess your proposed supervisor matches
• Coordinate the matching process with suitable researchers at Goethe University

Please note:

• Submitting your documents does not guarantee a placement
• Supervisor matching depends on academic fit & the availability/willingness of potential supervisor
• If a potential supervisor is interested in your profile, they will invite you to an online interview to discuss your research interests and project

Step 6: Supervisor Confirmation & Official Application

Once a suitable supervisor has agreed to host you and submitted the required nomination, you can proceed with the next steps:

• Complete the Student Project Proposal Form (available under Documents to Download) using your motivation letter and your supervisor's input to develop your research proposal
• Start your official application via the Mobility Online registration link provided by the GREP team once you have the nomination of a supervisor
• Upload all required documents, check your workflow regularly and complete all steps by the specified deadlines

We are happy to guide you through the process.

Questions? Contact us at grep@uni-frankfurt.de

• Get in touch early: Contact the GREP team if you have questions about eligibility or the application process
• Read the guidelines: Familiarise yourself with our Academic CV Guideline and Motivation Letter Guideline (see “Documents to Download") to ensure your documents meet the required quality standards
• Plan ahead: Allow sufficient time to prepare your documents and explore potential research opportunities
• Allow time for supervisor matching: Finding a suitable supervisor takes time. Start preparing well in advance
• Plan your finances: Make sure you can cover the costs of your stay before applying
• Meet the deadlines: Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered
• Cancel responsibly: Inform the GREP team as early as possible if you need to withdraw. Late cancellations may prevent other students from taking up an available place

• Nomination letter from GU research supervisor
• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of Motivation
• Current Transcript of Records 
• Student Enrollment Certificate from home university
• 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
• English proficiency certificate (exempt for English-taught students)
• Optional: GREP-specific Recommendation Letter

• Nomination by a GU research supervisor
• Enrolled as a Bachelor's or Master's student at a GREP partner university 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: Oral presentation, academic and personal report
• 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 (exempt for English-taught students): a minimum level of B2 (according to CEFR), TOEFL iBT: min. 5.0 [95/120 previous scale]; IELTS Academic: min. 7.0; Duolingo English Test: min. 130; or equivalent
• German language skills are not required for admission
• Optional German course at the Goethe Institute Frankfurt for all fellows
• Format: Five-week online / in-person course during the research stay
• Course Timing: Specific dates shared after 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
• Amenities: Communal kitchen, coin-operated laundry, canteen, gym, etc.
• Nearby Perks: Shops, parks, and community events
• Experience: Green spaces, peaceful and quiet 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)

More information here: Buddy Program