Bayer Foundation Scholarships for Indian Students in 2026: Complete Guide

Bayer Foundation Scholarships are designed to support talented students from around the world who want to pursue research in science, medicine, agriculture, and climate-related health. These scholarships provide financial support, access to advanced laboratories, mentorship, and opportunities to work on international research projects. In this blog, we will explore the top scholarships available in 2026, including eligibility, benefits, application process, and deadlines, so you can plan your path effectively.

List of Top Bayer Foundation Scholarships for Indian Students 

The Bayer Foundation offers top scholarships for Indian students in 2026 to support research in drug discovery, agricultural sciences, medical sciences, and climate & health. These scholarships provide funding, research opportunities, and international exposure for master’s, PhD, and medical students. Here is a quick overview table for you to understand the scholarships.

Scholarship Name	Benefits	Coverage Amount	Eligibility
Otto Bayer Fellowships for Drug Discovery Sciences	Research stay abroad or in Germany, lab access, mentorship, international exposure	Up to 10,000 EUR	Master’s or PhD in natural sciences, pharmacy, or data science
Jeff Schell Fellowships for Agricultural Sciences	Research stay, lab & field access, mentorship, global networking	Up to 10,000 EUR	Master’s or PhD in agricultural sciences, biology, or related fields
Carl Duisberg Fellowships for Medical Sciences	Research stay, access to medical labs, mentorship, international collaboration	Up to 10,000 EUR	Master’s, PhD, or medical or veterinary students in medicine, medical engineering, public health, or data science in medicine
Fellowships for Climate & Health	Research stay, lab access, mentorship, exposure to global climate-health projects	Up to 10,000 EUR	Master’s, PhD, or medical & veterinary students in natural sciences, pharmacy, public health, epidemiology, or medicine

Types of Bayer Foundation Scholarships in 2026

The Bayer Foundation offers several scholarships for master’s, PhD, and medical students in 2026. Each programme provides funding, research opportunities, and international exposure. Let’s discuss the specific eligibility, benefits, application process, and deadlines for each type of scholarship so you can see which one fits your goals.

Otto Bayer Fellowships

The Otto Bayer Fellowship supports master’s and PhD students who study drug discovery and related sciences. It is part of the Bayer Foundation’s international fellowship programme for young scientists.

The fellowship helps students complete short-term research stays either abroad or in Germany, depending on where they currently study. The main focus is on research in natural science, pharmacy, and data science that connects to pharmaceutical innovation or consumer health care.

The purpose of this programme is to give students real research experience, modern lab exposure, and a chance to collaborate with leading scientists. It encourages curiosity-driven research that can lead to future medical solutions.

Benefits and Funding Amount

The Otto Bayer Fellowship provides the following benefits:

• Financial support of up to 10,000 EUR for the research stay.
  
• Funding duration of up to six months, depending on the project.
  
• Coverage for travel, living, and research expenses.
  
• Permission to combine the fellowship with other financial support if needed.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Otto Bayer Fellowship, applicants must meet these conditions:

• Be enrolled in a master’s (MSc) or PhD programme or an equivalent qualification.
  
• Have a study background in natural science, pharmacy, or data science.
  
• If enrolled outside Germany, the research placement must take place at a German research institution.
  
• If enrolled in Germany, the placement must take place outside Germany.
  
• Applications and supporting documents must be submitted in English.
  
• Bachelor students and postdoctoral researchers are not eligible.

Application Process and Deadline

The fellowship follows a fixed yearly application cycle:

1. Applications are submitted through the Bayer Foundation’s online portal.
   
2. Applicants must upload:
   
   • A detailed research proposal
     
   • Motivation letter
     
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
     
   • Academic transcripts
     
   • Two recommendation letters
     
3. The proposal should clearly explain the research goals, expected outcomes, and the institution where the work will be done.
   
4. All submissions must be made before the official closing date.

Deadline: For the 2025 cycle, the application period was from 14 February to 11 April 2025. Based on this timeline, the next application window is expected to open in February 2026.

Also Read: How to Find the Best Scholarships in Germany? Complete Guide

Jeff Schell Fellowships for Agricultural Sciences

The Jeff Schell Fellowship supports master’s and PhD students who work in areas related to modern agriculture, crop science, and plant biotechnology. It is named after Dr Jeff Schell, a scientist known for his pioneering research in plant genetics.

This fellowship is part of the Bayer Foundation’s global effort to encourage innovation in sustainable agriculture. It helps young researchers understand how science can improve food quality, soil health, and crop productivity while reducing environmental harm.

The programme offers students the opportunity to join international research projects that link academic work with real-world agricultural challenges. Students often work on topics such as plant breeding, soil microbiology, data-driven farming, and green biotechnology.

Benefits and Funding Amount

Recipients of the Jeff Schell Fellowship receive:

• Research funding of up to 10,000 EUR for short-term study or research stays.
  
• Financial support for travel, accommodation, and laboratory costs for a duration of up to six months.
  
• Access to modern agricultural research facilities and the chance to work with global experts in the field.
  
• Recognition as a Bayer Foundation Fellow, which adds value to future academic and professional applications.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Jeff Schell Fellowship, applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in a master’s or PhD programme in agricultural science, biology, data science, or related fields.
  
• Have an academic or research project connected to crop improvement, sustainable farming, or agricultural biotechnology.
  
• Choose a host institution outside their home country for the research stay.
  
• Submit all application materials in English.
  
• Hold a strong academic record and show clear motivation for international collaboration.

Application Process and Deadline

The application process is simple but competitive.

1. Visit the Bayer Foundation’s fellowship portal during the open period.
   
2. Create an account and select Jeff Schell Fellowship for Agricultural Sciences.
   
3. Submit the following documents:
   
   • A clear research proposal describing objectives and expected results.
     
   • A motivation letter explaining why the research is important.
     
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV) and academic transcripts.
     
   • Two recommendation letters from faculty or supervisors.
     
4. Applications are reviewed by a scientific panel based on academic quality and project relevance.

Deadline: For reference, the 2025 application period ran from 14 February to 11 April 2025. The next application window is expected to open in February 2026.

Carl Duisberg Fellowships for Medical Sciences

The Carl Duisberg Fellowship supports students who study medicine, veterinary medicine, medical engineering, public health or data science in medicine. It is one of the key fellowships offered by the Bayer Foundation under its “Scientific Fellowships for Master’s, PhD and Medical Students” programme.

The purpose is to allow eligible students to gain international research experience by making a placement abroad or at a German research institution, depending on their home country. The fellowship honours Carl Duisberg, who was a former Chairman of the Board of Management at Bayer, and it recognises emerging talent in medical science and related fields.

Benefits and Funding Amount

• The fellowship provides funding of up to 10,000 EUR for the research stay of up to six months.
  
• It covers costs such as travel, accommodation, living expenses, and research materials connected with the project.
  
• Fellows get access to advanced research facilities and global scientific networks in the medical sciences domain.
  
• The programme supports students from diverse backgrounds and encourages applications from those in low- and middle-income countries.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Carl Duisberg Fellowship, you must meet the following:

• Be enrolled in a human or veterinary medicine degree, or in a Master’s (MSc) or PhD programm,e or equivalent in medical engineering, applied medical sciences, public health, or data science in medicine.
  
• Bachelor’s students and postdoctoral researchers in the specified fields are not eligible.
  
• If you study outside Germany, you must plan your placement at a German research institution. If you study in Germany, your placement must be outside Germany.
  
• Your application and all supporting documents must be in English.
  
• The research project must be scientifically sound, relevant to medical sciences, and ideally show societal impact or healthcare relevance.

Application Process and Deadline

• Applications are submitted through the Bayer Foundation’s online portal only. Paper, email or postal submissions are not accepted.
  
• Applicants must upload: a research proposal, a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, and two recommendation letters.
  
• The application window for the 2025 cycle was from 14 February to 11 April 2025. The next application round is expected to open around February 2026.
  
• Ensure that you carefully follow guidelines, fill every section correctly, and only apply once per call. Multiple submissions lead to automatic rejection.

Also Read: Edinburgh University PhD Scholarships 2025: Funding, Studentships, and Fees

Fellowships for Climate & Health

Supports master’s, PhD, or medical or veterinary students whose research connects climate change with human or animal health. Focuses on projects addressing health risks caused by climate change, including air pollution, heat, and vulnerable populations.

Benefits and Funding:

• Up to 10,000 EUR for research stays
  
• Covers travel, living, and research expenses
  
• Duration up to six months
  
• Access to labs and global networks

Eligibility:

• Master’s, PhD, or medical & veterinary students in relevant fields
  
• Research must link climate and health
  
• Placement abroad if studying in Germany, or in Germany if studying abroad

Application Process:

• Online application with research proposal, CV, motivation letter, and two recommendation letters
  
• Tentative application period: February 2026 

Also Read: How Can I Get Scholarships in Germany? A Guide for Indian and International Students

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This was everything you needed to know about Bayer Foundation Scholarships for Indian students in 2026. These scholarships offer excellent opportunities for master’s, PhD, and medical students to pursue research programs. For more such detailed guides on scholarships and study opportunities abroad, visit the Scholarships Page on Leverage Edu and stay updated with reliable information.