From Hamburg into the World: International Mobility : Hamburg Research Academy

Photo: UHH/Lutsch

International experience can enrich both your research and your career. A research stay, participation in international conferences, or teaching abroad can open up new perspectives, strengthen your academic profile, and expand your network for future career planning.

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Finding Programs and Funding Opportunities

Are you looking for a suitable program or funding opportunity for your stay abroad? The following databases and resources can help you find the right opportunity and plan your stay.

EURAXESS

EURAXESS is the European Commission’s portal for international mobile researchers. It brings together job and funding opportunities from across Europe and provides information on visas, insurance, and living in your host country.

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DAAD

The DAAD scholarship database provides a comprehensive overview of funding opportunities. In addition to DAAD programs, it also includes offers from other funding organizations, ranging from short conference visits to research stays lasting several months.

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UHH

Are you conducting research at the University of Hamburg? The Department of International Affairs provides an overview of funding and exchange programs with strategic partner universities, as well as funding opportunities for international collaborations.

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Hamburg Research Academy

Learn more about international mobility through our event portal. Discover information sessions in the HRA Spotlight series, such as "EU Funding Opportunities for Postdocs".

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From Doctoral Research to Postdoc

The transition from doctoral research to the postdoc phase can be challenging when planning an academic career. International experience and research independence are key elements in this transition. In HRA counseling, we particularly highlight two programs that combine an independent research project in the early postdoc phase with a move to a new academic environment. For both programs, you can apply while completing your doctorate.

Erasmus+ During Your Doctorate

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

Erasmus+ supports international stays during your doctorate. If you are employed at a higher education institution, you can gain international teaching experience at a European partner university through a teaching mobility (STA). Depending on your university, training mobilities (STT) may offer opportunities such as staff weeks, job shadowing, or language courses. Enrolled doctoral researchers can undertake a traineeship abroad (SMP) or a study period abroad (SMS). For details and current calls, please contact the Erasmus office at your uni.

Erasmus +

Internationalization in Hamburg

Going abroad isn’t the only way to gain international experience. Hamburg itself offers numerous opportunities to build international networks and collaborations, gain intercultural experience, and increase the international visibility of your research. These activities can be just as valuable for your academic profile.

International Formats in Hamburg

International events in Hamburg, such as those organized through EUGLOH at the University of Hamburg, show that doctoral researchers share many of the same questions, wherever they come from. Looking beyond your own institution and discipline can spark ideas for joint projects and valuable career connections.

Photo: EUGLOH

International Formats in Hamburg

"For me, this format was just the right kind of ‘internationalization at home’. During a bustling phase of my PhD, with the finish line in sight and a job search underway, I wouldn’t have been able to attend an event abroad."

Jannis Kostelnik, participant in the EUGLOH program "Making an Impact!", Hamburg, March 2026.

About EUGLOH

Two people are reading postcards at a table

Photo: UHH/Esfandiari

Take the Initiative

Some ideas to get started: Attend or organize international conferences and summer schools in Hamburg, conduct research and publish with colleagues based at institutions abroad, invite visiting researchers, collaborate virtually with international partners, or gain teaching experience in English. Highlight these activities on your CV.

A group of participants in the HRA City Walk

Photo: HRA City Walks

International Community at the HRA

The HRA brings together doctoral researchers and postdocs from around the world. We provide opportunities for exchange, mutual support, and joint projects – through our Postdoc Network, Doctoral Council, and HRA City Walks.