Global research experience has become an integral part of doctoral education. At the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Graduate School (TUM-GS) prioritizes international mobility for its doctoral candidates by providing financial support and guidance for research stays abroad. These programs allow doctoral researchers to connect with international experts, access advanced facilities, and present their work on a global stage.

This article explores the scope, funding schemes, eligibility requirements, application processes, and best practices associated with TUM-GS’s internationalization support. 

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) Graduate School supports doctoral candidates with structured internationalization funding. Through grants, family mobility allowances, and diversity supplements, candidates can engage in global research stays that strengthen their academic profiles, foster intercultural competence, and create opportunities for international collaboration.

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Purpose and Scope of Support

TUM-GS views international mobility as a strategic investment in doctoral education. The funding is designed to:

• • Enable doctoral candidates to use research infrastructure and expertise not available locally.

  • Support participation in international conferences, workshops, and summer/winter schools.

  • Provide opportunities to invite foreign experts to contribute to dissertation projects.

  • Promote intercultural competence, which is increasingly essential for research careers.

Importantly, all support is administered in accordance with the Bavarian Travel Expense

Act (Bayerisches Reisekostengesetz) and TUM’s internal regulations, ensuring transparency and fairness in funding.

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Types of Funding and Grants

TUM-GS has designed a multi-layered financial support system that addresses diverse academic and personal circumstances of doctoral candidates.

Internationalization Grant for Employed TUM Associates

Doctoral candidates employed as research or teaching associates at TUM can apply for an Internationalization Grant of up to €1,600. This grant may cover:

• • International research stays.

  • Conference presentations abroad.

  • Attendance at workshops or specialized schools.

  • Travel for examiners or invited researchers linked to the dissertation.

For research stays abroad lasting at least four weeks, an additional €1,400 is available. This incentive particularly supports candidates under doctoral regulations effective from January 2014 onwards.

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Family Mobility Allowance

TUM-GS recognizes that family responsibilities should not limit access to international opportunities. To ease the financial burden:

• • A monthly allowance of €400 is provided.

  • An additional €200 per child per month is available.

  • The grant applies for stays abroad of

    at least three months and up to six months.

This allowance also extends to individuals requiring special care due to health or mobility challenges, ensuring equitable access to global research.

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Diversity Supplement Travel Grant

Candidates with specific needs—such as disabilities, health conditions, or significant family obligations—can apply for the Diversity Supplement. This grant provides:

• • Up to €500 per trip for covering additional travel costs.

  • Flexible support for cases where standard funding may not be sufficient.

Applications are submitted directly to the TUM-GS Management Office and evaluated individually.

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Internationalization Subsidy and Initiativ Funds (GC-NAT)

Within the Natural Sciences Graduate Center (GC-NAT), additional targeted funds exist:

• • Internationalization Subsidy: Grants up to €3,000, including €1,400 earmarked for stays abroad of four weeks or more.

  • Initiativ-Fonds: Provides up to €2,000 for international conference participation or short-term research stays.

These schemes are tied to academic milestones, such as successful participation in feedback discussions and seminars.

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Eligibility Criteria and Conditions

Funding is available only to candidates who meet defined requirements.

Core Eligibility

• • Must be a registered member of TUM-GS (post-2014 regulations for some schemes).

  • Completion of the Kick-off seminar and mid-doctoral feedback discussion is required.

  • Supervisor approval confirming the international activity’s relevance to the dissertation.

  • All expenses must align with the Bavarian Travel Expense Act.

Specific Requirements

• • Internationalization Grant: Minimum four-week stay for the €1,400 supplement.

  • Family Allowance: Minimum three-month stay for eligibility.

  • Diversity Supplement: Documented proof of family, health, or mobility-related need.

  • GC-NAT Funds: Participation in Graduate Center requirements such as seminars.

Candidates should prepare a comprehensive application dossier, including invitations, acceptance letters, budgets, and supervisor endorsements.

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Application Procedure and Timeline

Step-by-Step Process

1. 1. Documentation Preparation

      • Obtain supervisor approval.

      • Collect proof of acceptance to host institutions, conferences, or workshops.

      • Prepare a CV, publication list, and justification for the research stay.

   2. Application Submission

      • Use the DocGS platform or Graduate Center application forms.

      • Submit applications within specified deadlines.

   3. Travel Approval

      • Employed candidates must file

        a business trip or training trip request.

      • Externally funded candidates should confirm reimbursement procedures in advance.

2. Post-Stay Requirements

   • Submit receipts and original documentation for reimbursement.

   • Provide a report summarizing outcomes of the stay.

Planning and Timing

Early planning is essential. Applications should be initiated several months before travel to allow time for approvals, visas, and logistical arrangements. Funding is typically released in quarterly cycles.

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Practical Examples of Funded Research Stays

• • Engineering Candidate: Undertook a five-week research stay in Asia to access specialized laboratory equipment unavailable at TUM. The stay was partially funded through the Internationalization Grant.

  • Doctoral Researcher with Family: Used the Family Mobility Allowance to fund travel for a spouse and child during a four-month collaboration with a European partner institution.

  • Early-Stage Candidate: Attended a winter school and a two-week research project abroad with support from GC-NAT’s Initiativ-Fonds.

These scenarios illustrate how the program adapts to a range of research and personal needs.

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Benefits and Long-Term Impact

The advantages of research stays abroad supported by TUM-GS include:

• • Enhanced research quality through access to global expertise.

  • Increased publication opportunities and international visibility.

  • Improved career prospects for both academic and industry positions.

  • Development of intercultural competencies and professional networks.

TUM as an institution also benefits by strengthening its global research reputation and establishing enduring collaborations.

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Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Challenge	Mitigation Strategy
Supervisor reluctance	Demonstrate the academic value and expected outcomes of the stay.
Family or health obligations	Apply for Family Mobility Allowance or Diversity Supplement.
Funding shortfalls	Apply early, combine multiple grants, and secure co-funding if possible.
Visa or administrative delays	Engage with TUM-GS administration and allow sufficient lead time.

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Tips for Successful Applications

• • Choose host institutions or conferences that complement your dissertation research.

  • Keep detailed records of approvals, receipts, and communication.

  • Disseminate results from the stay through publications or presentations.

  • Coordinate early with supervisors and Graduate Center staff.

  • Review all Graduate Center-specific eligibility conditions before applying.

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Looking Ahead and Updates

TUM-GS continuously refines its funding policies. Doctoral candidates should:

• • Monitor the TUM-GS wiki for regulation updates.

  • Expect funding cycles to continue during spring and autumn.

  • Anticipate increased support for family mobility and diversity in upcoming cycles.

  • Plan for the next round of applications, expected around spring 2026 (exact dates will be updated soon).

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Conclusion

Research stays abroad represent a cornerstone of doctoral education at TUM. By offering grants, mobility allowances, and diversity supplements, the Graduate School enables equitable access to international academic opportunities. This support strengthens candidates’ dissertations, widens their networks, and prepares them for impactful careers.

Applicants should plan ahead, align stays with research goals, and make use of the full range of funding mechanisms. For the latest eligibility criteria and application deadlines, always refer to the official TUM Graduate School website.

Program Snapshot

Feature	Details
Program Name	Research Stays Abroad: Internationalization Support
Host Country	Germany (with global research destinations)
Funded By	Technical University of Munich – Graduate School
Duration	Short-term stays (weeks) to mid-term stays (up to 6 months)
Study Mode	Full-time doctoral research abroad
Eligibility	Registered TUM-GS doctoral candidates with supervisor approval
Financial Support	Grants (€1,600–€3,000), Family Mobility Allowance, Diversity Supplements
Fields of Study	All disciplines under TUM Graduate School
Deadline	Spring and Autumn cycles, next expected Spring 2026 (update soon)
Official Website	Click Here

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)