DBU - CEE Fellowship Programme with Kosovo

Your obligations as a fellow

The fellowship recipients commit to participate regularly in the seminars, submit reports, to update their data in the online communication platform, to develop their German language abilities and to give notification of any changes relevant to the grant conditions.

No work permit is needed for the fellowship stay in Germany. For the right of entry into Germany, however, some states require a visa. Fellowship recipients must apply for visa themselves in their native countries.

Your stay in Germany

DBU can support finding a host institution in Germany. Own initiative of the applicants is highly appreciated. The commitment of a host institution must not be available at the time of application. With the help of the DBU a host can be organized after the positive application process. The host institutions provide the workplace and guarantee professional supervision. 

The fellowship begins for all new fellowship recipients with an introductory seminar in Osnabrück, at which important organizational matters regarding the stay in Germany are explained. Afterwards the several weeks lasting German language course in Osnabrück takes place.

DBU coaches its fellows during the whole stay. During seminars the fellowship recipients can present their topics and their results and network with each other. Furthermore, DBU welcomes and supports individual initiatives to organize further professional events and seminars.

Our aims for the CEE fellowships

The DBU awards up to 60 fellowships per year for advanced qualification in all fields of environmental protection and nature conservation. Highly qualified graduates of all disciplines from the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are welcome to apply. The DBU fellowships cover a 6–12 months stay at German host institutions: universities, research institutes, companies, environmental- and nature protection agencies and authorities, NGOs, associations etc.

During the fellowship practical solutions for current environmental issues are developed. After their stay in Germany the alumni are well qualified to tackle these issues in their home countries thus assuring efficient knowledge transfer. Working closely together in an international context helps to breakdown existing barriers. The acquired contacts will create a strong network of highly committed environmental experts.

Your application

The application takes place via an online tool in German or English and is possible twice a year. The application deadlines are the same in all countries – annually on 5 March and 5 September.

The following documents are needed for online application in German or English:

• resume
• description of a topic of environmental protection or nature conservation you would like to work on in Germany and which is of environmental relevance for your home country, the EU or globally
• copies of university certificates (master, diploma, bachelor)
• written statement by an academic advisor from the home country; alternatively by a supervisor
• German and/or English language certificate

In recent years, graduates from universities in Kosovo have applied for fellowships. In total, 6 fellowships have been awarded so far.
The CEE fellowship programme of the DBU is open to all disciplines (natural/engineering/social sciences and humanities). 

Contact details

Our contact person in Kosovo is Lulzim Baumann. He is available for general information on the CEE fellowship programme, provides assistance with the online application and is happy to answer questions about the process and organization of the fellowship in Germany.

Lulzim Baumann
Expert for environment and circular economy
E-mail: lulzimbaumann@gmx.de 
Tel: +383 (0) 38 200 32 005
Mobile (Kosovo, WhatsApp): +38349 209 615

Of course, questions can also be sent directly to us, the DBU (a.bittner@dbu.de).