AIAS-AUFF Fellowships 2027–2029 in Denmark: Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

The AIAS-AUFF Fellowships 2027–2029 offer up to 10 researchers from around the world the opportunity to carry out an independent research project at the Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), Aarhus University, Denmark.

The fellowship is open to researchers from all research disciplines and nationalities. Applicants must have between 2 and 10 years of postdoctoral experience by the application deadline and must meet the programme’s mobility requirement.

The fellowship lasts 23 months, begins on 1 September 2027, and is a full-time position. Fellows receive a salary based on seniority, travel support to Aarhus, visa and work-permit fee support, relocation assistance, office facilities and access to academic activities.

The application deadline is 3 November 2026 at 12:00 noon CET.

Opportunity Overview

Detail	Information
Fellowship	AIAS-AUFF Fellowships
Host Institution	Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies (AIAS), Aarhus University
Host Country	Denmark
Location	Aarhus
Study/Research Level	Postdoctoral / Researchers
Number of Fellowships	Up to 10
Eligible Nationalities	All nationalities
Research Fields	All research disciplines
Duration	23 months
Start Date	1 September 2027
End Date	31 July 2029
Funding	Full salary based on seniority
Travel Support	One-way economy travel to Aarhus
Visa/Work Permit	Related application fees covered
Relocation	Relocation assistance
Application System	GrantOne
Deadline	3 November 2026, 12:00 noon CET

The official AIAS call confirms that the 2027–2029 programme will offer up to 10 fellowships and welcomes researchers from all disciplines and nationalities.

What Is the AIAS-AUFF Fellowship?

The AIAS-AUFF Fellowship is a research fellowship hosted by the Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, an interdisciplinary research environment at Aarhus University.

Unlike a normal university scholarship for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, this opportunity is designed for researchers who have already completed a PhD and have developed postdoctoral research experience.

The main purpose is to give selected researchers time and an academic environment in which they can develop an innovative research project while working with researchers from other disciplines.

AIAS describes the fellowship as an interdisciplinary and international environment where fellows can exchange ideas, develop collaborations and explore new research directions. Fellows are expected to be physically based in Aarhus and participate in the academic life of the institute.

This makes the opportunity particularly suitable for researchers whose work can benefit from collaboration across academic disciplines.

AIAS-AUFF Fellowship Benefits and Funding

The AIAS-AUFF Fellowship is a paid full-time research position, rather than a traditional tuition scholarship.

According to the official 2027–2029 applicant guide, selected fellows receive:

• A full salary based on Danish wage levels, individual merits and seniority
• One-way economy-class travel to Aarhus, subject to prior approval
• Coverage of fees related to visa and work-permit applications
• Relocation assistance
• Office space at AIAS
• A standard computer and office supplies for use during the fellowship
• Access to AIAS academic training activities
• Opportunities to participate in conferences and workshops
• Access to relevant research environments at Aarhus University
• A pension contribution under the applicable employment conditions
• Paid annual leave under Danish employment rules

The fellowship is therefore financially substantial, but applicants should not interpret it as a scholarship that automatically pays every personal living expense. The official information specifically describes the salary and listed employment-related benefits rather than promising a separate housing or monthly living allowance.

AIAS also has a budget for certain conference participation, travel and miscellaneous expenses, which may be granted case by case. A limited research budget may also be available when data collection, laboratory work or fieldwork is essential to the project.

Is the AIAS-AUFF Fellowship Fully Funded?

The official call describes the fellowship as including a full salary, travel support and relocation assistance. It is therefore a strongly funded paid research position.

However, AIAS does not describe the programme as a conventional tuition-and-stipend scholarship, because fellows are employed as researchers. Applicants should review the employment terms rather than assuming that accommodation or every personal expense is separately covered.

Who Can Apply?

The AIAS-AUFF Fellowship is intended for talented researchers with an excellent and innovative research project that would benefit from an interdisciplinary environment.

Applicants must meet the following main conditions:

1. PhD and Postdoctoral Experience

Applicants must have between 2 and 10 years of postdoctoral experience at the application deadline.

For the 2027–2029 call, the official guide states that the PhD must have been awarded between 3 November 2016 and 3 November 2024, with both dates included.

This is one of the most important eligibility conditions. Researchers who completed their PhD too recently or too long ago may not meet the standard eligibility window.

2. Any Nationality

The fellowship is open to researchers of any nationality.

Therefore, international researchers can apply, provided they satisfy the academic, mobility and application requirements.

3. All Research Disciplines

AIAS welcomes applications from all research disciplines.

The application system groups research into five broad areas:

• Natural Sciences
• Technical Sciences
• Health & Medical Sciences
• Business & Social Sciences
• Arts & Humanities

Applicants can also identify a second main research area if their project crosses disciplinary boundaries.

4. Interdisciplinary Research

Applicants should have an interdisciplinary research project and/or interest.

Your project does not necessarily need to belong to several completely different academic fields. However, you should be able to explain why an interdisciplinary environment would add value to your research.

5. Connection With Aarhus University

Applicants should have or identify relevant collaboration possibilities at Aarhus University.

An existing collaboration with Aarhus University is not mandatory, but the official guide says that such connections can be helpful. Applicants without an existing connection should explain which AU research environment or researchers could be relevant to their project.

Mobility Requirement

The fellowship has an important mobility rule.

Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity, such as work or studies, in Denmark for more than 12 months during the two years immediately before the application deadline.

The official guide also explains that certain periods, such as time spent in a refugee-status procedure under the Geneva Convention, compulsory national service and short holiday stays, are not counted. Applicants must provide accurate information about their residence and main activities during the relevant period.

This requirement is especially important for researchers who have recently worked or studied in Denmark.

Eligible Fields of Research

The AIAS-AUFF Fellowship does not restrict applicants to one particular academic subject.

The programme accepts projects across the major research areas represented at Aarhus University, including:

• Natural sciences
• Technical sciences
• Health and medical sciences
• Business and social sciences
• Arts and humanities

The key issue is not simply the discipline. The proposed research should be scientifically strong, innovative and suitable for an interdisciplinary environment.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare their documents well before the deadline.

The official applicant guide requires the following important materials:

Mandatory Documents

• PhD diploma in PDF format
• CV and publication list, maximum 10 pages
• Project description, maximum 3 pages including references
• Project plan, maximum 1 page

If the PhD diploma is not written in the Latin alphabet, a certified translation must also be attached.

Information Required in the Application

Applicants will also need to provide information such as:

• Full name as shown in the passport
• Address and country
• Email and telephone number
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Current or most recent institution
• Department
• Academic title
• PhD completion date
• Academic trajectory
• Mobility statement
• Main research area
• Research keywords
• Project title
• Project abstract
• Project novelty
• Explanation of why AIAS is suitable
• Possible Aarhus University collaborations
• Ethical considerations
• Information about the use of AI tools

The application system also asks applicants to declare whether generative AI was used while preparing the application. Applicants remain responsible for the accuracy and originality of their work.

Research Project Requirements

The research proposal is one of the most important parts of the application.

The project description must explain the proposed research clearly and should cover:

• Research methodology
• Project planning
• Feasibility during the 23-month fellowship
• Added value of an interdisciplinary environment
• Expected research impact or outcomes

The project description must not exceed three pages including references. Applications exceeding the page limit can be rejected.

A separate one-page project plan or Gantt chart is also required.

Practical Advice

Do not treat the project description as a general statement about your academic career.

Instead, make it clear:

1. What problem your research addresses.
2. What is new about your proposed approach.
3. What methods you will use.
4. Why the project is realistic within 23 months.
5. Why AIAS is the right environment.
6. Which researchers or research environments at Aarhus University could strengthen the project.

These are practical editorial recommendations based on the official assessment criteria, not additional formal requirements. The official selection criteria focus on scientific excellence, methodology, impact, feasibility, the applicant’s qualifications and the fit between the project, AIAS and Aarhus University.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the GrantOne system.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before creating your application, confirm that:

• You have completed your PhD.
• Your PhD date falls within the required eligibility period.
• You meet the 2–10 year postdoctoral experience requirement.
• You satisfy the Denmark mobility rule.
• Your research project fits an interdisciplinary environment.

Step 2: Create a GrantOne Profile

Applicants must create a user profile in GrantOne before accessing the application template.

Step 3: Prepare Your Academic Information

Enter your academic and professional information carefully.

Your PhD completion date must match the date shown on your diploma.

Step 4: Prepare the Research Proposal

Develop the project description, abstract, novelty statement, project plan and explanation of why AIAS is appropriate for the research.

Step 5: Identify Potential AU Connections

Research relevant departments, research centres or researchers at Aarhus University.

An established collaboration is not required, but identifying a meaningful research connection can help demonstrate that the project fits the AIAS environment.

Step 6: Upload the Required Documents

Upload the PhD diploma, CV/publication list, project description and project plan in the required formats and within the specified page limits.

Step 7: Complete the Consent and Declarations

Applicants must complete the required consent and declarations concerning personal data, mobility, ethics and AI use.

Step 8: Submit Before the Deadline

Do not wait until the final hours.

The application deadline is 3 November 2026 at 12:00 noon CET.

Application Deadline and Timeline

The official 2027–2029 timeline is:

Stage	Date
Call opens	August 2026
Application deadline	3 November 2026, 12:00 noon CET
Evaluation and selection	November 2026–February 2027
Applicants receive decisions	March 2027
Fellowship begins	1 September 2027
Fellowship ends	31 July 2029

The official applicant guide confirms that the fellowship is a consecutive 23-month full-time position and that the starting date is non-negotiable.

What Happens After You Apply?

Applications first go through an administrative eligibility screening.

Eligible applications are then assessed for their relevance, connections and fit with the interdisciplinary AIAS environment.

Applications can subsequently be reviewed by international experts in the relevant research area. The programme uses research panels covering:

• Natural sciences
• Technical sciences
• Health sciences
• Business and social sciences
• Arts and humanities

A Quality Assurance Board reviews the external assessments before the final Selection Board makes the selection.

The assessment considers three major areas:

1. Scientific excellence of the proposed project
2. Academic qualifications and potential of the applicant
3. Fit with AIAS and Aarhus University, including the value of the interdisciplinary environment

Is the AIAS-AUFF Fellowship Suitable for Afghan Researchers?

Yes, Afghan researchers can apply in principle, because the 2027–2029 call is open to applicants of any nationality.

However, Afghan applicants must still satisfy all other conditions, including the PhD/postdoctoral experience requirement, mobility requirement and research-project requirements. Nationality alone does not guarantee eligibility or selection.

For researchers currently based in Afghanistan, the Denmark mobility condition may generally be less difficult to satisfy, but applicants should provide the required residence and activity information accurately.

Is IELTS Required?

The official 2027–2029 AIAS-AUFF applicant guide does not specify an IELTS or TOEFL requirement.

Therefore, applicants should not assume that an English-language test is mandatory for this fellowship unless AIAS or the application system provides additional instructions.

Official requirement: No specific IELTS/TOEFL requirement is stated in the current guide.

Is There an Application Fee?

The official AIAS-AUFF call and applicant guide do not specify an application fee.

Applicants should use the official GrantOne application system and check any current instructions displayed there before submitting.

Does the Fellowship Include Accommodation?

The official 2027–2029 guide mentions relocation assistance and support with practical matters such as accommodation, but it does not state that AIAS provides free accommodation as a standard fellowship benefit.

Applicants should therefore not assume that housing costs are fully covered. The main financial benefit is the salary provided under Danish employment conditions.

Important Tips for Applicants

Start the Research Proposal Early

A strong research proposal cannot usually be prepared effectively in a few days.

Give yourself enough time to develop the research question, methodology, project plan and expected outcomes.

Focus on AIAS Fit

Do not simply explain why your research is important.

Explain why it should be conducted at AIAS and what an interdisciplinary environment at Aarhus University can add to the project.

Keep Within the Page Limits

The project description has a strict three-page maximum, including references.

The project plan has a one-page limit. Exceeding the requirements can lead to rejection.

Explain Interdisciplinary Value

Because AIAS is designed around interdisciplinary research, explain what your project can gain from interaction with other fields.

Check Your PhD Date

For this call, the official eligibility window is 3 November 2016 through 3 November 2024.

Be Accurate About Mobility

The mobility statement is an important eligibility requirement. Incorrect or missing information can make an application ineligible.

Be Transparent About AI Use

AIAS specifically asks applicants to declare the use of generative AI in preparing the application. Using AI does not transfer responsibility away from the applicant. The researcher remains responsible for the content, accuracy, citations and originality of the proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the AIAS-AUFF Fellowship fully funded?

It is a paid full-time research fellowship with a full salary based on seniority, travel support to Aarhus, visa/work-permit fee support and relocation assistance. It should not be treated as a traditional tuition scholarship with a separate housing stipend.

Who can apply for the AIAS-AUFF Fellowship?

Researchers from any nationality and research discipline can apply if they meet the academic, mobility and application requirements.

Can Afghan researchers apply?

Yes. The call is open to all nationalities, so Afghan researchers can apply if they meet the programme’s other eligibility requirements.

What is the fellowship duration?

The fellowship lasts 23 months, from 1 September 2027 to 31 July 2029. It is a full-time position.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 3 November 2026 at 12:00 noon CET.

Is IELTS required?

No IELTS or TOEFL requirement is specified in the current official applicant guide. Applicants should nevertheless follow any additional instructions shown in the official application system.

Do I need an existing Aarhus University collaborator?

No. An existing collaboration is not required. However, applicants should identify relevant Aarhus University research environments or possible collaborators and explain how they relate to the proposed project.

What documents are required?

The main mandatory uploads are a PhD diploma, CV and publication list, a maximum three-page project description and a maximum one-page project plan.

Final Thoughts

The AIAS-AUFF Fellowships 2027–2029 are a strong opportunity for postdoctoral researchers who want to develop an innovative research project in an international and interdisciplinary environment in Denmark.

The programme is particularly suitable for researchers who can demonstrate strong academic achievements, a clear and feasible research project, and a convincing reason for carrying out the project at AIAS and Aarhus University.

The most important points to check before applying are your PhD completion date, postdoctoral experience, Denmark mobility history, research-project quality and AIAS/Aarhus University fit.

The deadline is 3 November 2026 at 12:00 noon CET, and the fellowship begins on 1 September 2027.

Official Application

Applications should be submitted through the official GrantOne application system:

Official GrantOne Application Portal

Applicants should also read the official applicant guide before completing the application.

Aarhus University Danish State Scholarship in Denmark — useful for readers interested in other opportunities at Aarhus University.
Aarhus University Danish State Scholarship in DenmarkIIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027–2028 — relevant for readers looking for international research fellowship opportunities.
IIAS Asia in the World Fellowship 2027–2028East-West Center Graduate Degree Fellowship 2026–2027 — another international fellowship opportunity for graduate-level applicants.
East-West Center Graduate Degree FellowshipDigital Education Council Postgraduate Research Fellowship — relevant to readers interested in research fellowships and postgraduate research opportunities.
Digital Education Council Postgraduate Research Fellowship