Subprojects - Internationalisation
Subprojects - Internationalisation
Double Degree PhD-Programme
Supporting young scientists in the early stages of their careers is one of the declared goals of the University of Oldenburg. It is committed to preparing them for their work in research and teaching, particularly in a cross-border context.
In 2026, 2027 and 2028, and possibly beyond, the Presidential Board of the University of Oldenburg will therefore provide all faculties with personnel funds for one year at a time to offer a joint double degree PhD programme together with its strategic partner university in Groningen. This is made possible by the initiative ‘A Programme for Excellence’, which is funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the VolkswagenStiftung and provides funds for binational doctoral programmes between the two university locations of Oldenburg and Groningen.
The aim is to systematically expand cross-border research activities in all faculties and to culminate in joint third-party funded research projects. It is expected that the joint activities of the supervisors will extend well beyond the four-year collaboration of joint doctoral supervision.
The aim is for each faculty to apply for one doctoral position (100% E13 TV-L), which will be funded for two years by the University of Oldenburg (one year by the Presidential Board, one year by the working group / school) and for a further two years by employment at the University of Groningen. For the Groningen two years, the applicant must have own funding in place at the time of application, as there is no central funding available from the Groningen side.
The double degree PhD programme offered by the Universities of Oldenburg and Groningen is implemented as a sandwich model with two separate, consecutive employment contracts. There must be a joint job advertisement to ensure that there is a clear selection result.
Duration and Funding
Starting in 2026, the Presidential Board of the University of Oldenburg will ideally provide each school with funding for one doctoral position at 100% E13 TV-L for one year or 50% E13 TV-L for two years. The funding format will be re-advertised in 2027 and 2028 and, most likely, beyond.
Application Procedure
The programme is open to all faculties.
Professors from both locations are eligible to apply, whereby the application must be submitted via the Oldenburg scientist and include the following documents:
- Completed application form, including a brief outline of the bilateral research project and a description of how it fits into the respective research profile of the Universities of Oldenburg and Groningen
- Cost commitment from the working group/school at the University of Oldenburg
- Signed letter of intent containing the funding commitment from the PI at the University of Groningen, as no central funds are available for the position on the part of the University of Groningen.
Funding applications must be submitted by 28 February 2026.
Please submit your application in electronic form via the application portal.
In a selection meeting after the end of the application period, the selection committee, consisting of the chairwoman Prof. Dr. Katharina Al-Shamery (Vice-President for Academic Careers, Equal Opportunities and International Affairs) and other members, will decide on the funding applications received. If several applications are received, a ranking will be created.
Evaluation criteria
- Potential of the planned cooperation beyond the duration of the measure
- Feasibility of the planned project with visible results (workshops, publications, draft proposals)
- Added value for cooperation between the two universities.
Applicants will be informed of the decision as soon as possible. Once approved, the doctoral project should commence within the next six months, generally by 1 October 2026 at the latest.
Visiting Fellow Programme
The Visiting Fellow Programme is aimed at all researchers who have completed their PhD and would like to spend two to four months conducting research at the other university.
The aim of this funding measure is to create a framework for the preparation of a joint research project or research proposal, or to promote the University of Oldenburg as a long-term place of work. In addition to the RUG, other universities, non-university research institutions, cultural or administrative institutions and non-governmental organisations can also be visited as part of this funding initiative
Similarly, researchers (with a doctorate or higher degree) from the University of Groningen and other universities may be invited to the University of Oldenburg.
The stay should serve to prepare a joint research project and/or a joint research proposal (e.g. DFG research funding, PRIME, ESI funding, funding for junior research groups by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), Marie Curie, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Interreg North Sea, Interreg Germany-Netherlands) and/or to promote the UOL as a long-term place of work.
This mobility programme is made possible by the ‘A Programme for Excellence’ initiative, which is funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the VolkswagenStiftung.
Who can participate?
The programme is open to all faculties.
Researchers at PhD level and above are invited to apply for funding.
Duration and Funding
Stays of two to four months are eligible for funding. Funding can be applied for to cover travel and accommodation costs up to a maximum of € 6,000, as well as material costs up to a maximum of € 500 per mobility period. Travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed in accordance with the Lower Saxony Travel Expenses Regulation (NRKVO).
Application
Funding applications must be submitted by 28 February 2026.
Please submit your application in electronic form via the application portal.
In a selection meeting after the end of the application period, the selection committee, consisting of the chairwoman Prof. Dr. Katharina Al-Shamery (Vice-President for Academic Careers, Equal Opportunities and International Affairs) and other members, will decide on the funding applications received. Applicants will be informed of the decision as soon as possible.
Evaluation criteria
- Potential of the planned cooperation beyond the duration of the measure
- Feasibility of the planned project with visible results
- Added value for cooperation between the two universities.
UOL-RUG Networks
The UOL-RUG Networks programme aims to further strengthen the network between the universities of Oldenburg and Groningen.
The goal of this funding measure is to offer all students, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers and professors at both universities a variety of networking opportunities within the framework of low-threshold funding formats. For example, virtual and/or hybrid colloquia, joint conferences and workshops, faculty visits, short-term get-to-know-you formats, participation in PhD days, PhD career days, PhD technical courses and much more can be applied for easily and without bureaucracy.
This mobility programme is made possible by the ‘A Programme for Excellence’ initiative, which is funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the VolkswagenStiftung.
Who can participate?
The programme is aimed at all faculties of the University of Oldenburg.
Researchers at PhD level and above are invited to plan a funding application with colleagues from the University of Groningen. Applications must be submitted via a university lecturer at the University of Oldenburg.
Duration and Funding
Travel and accommodation costs as well as material resources will be funded up to a maximum amount of €5,000.
Application
Funding applications must be submitted by 28 February 2026.
Please submit your application in electronic form via the application portal.
In a selection meeting after the end of the application period, the selection committee, consisting of the chairwoman Prof. Dr. Katharina Al-Shamery (Vice-President for Academic Careers, Equal Opportunities and International Affairs) and other members, will decide on the funding applications received. Applicants will be informed of the decision as soon as possible.
Evaluation criteria
- Potential of the planned cooperation beyond the duration of the measure
- Feasibility of the planned project with visible results (workshops, publications, draft proposals)
- Added value for cooperation between the two universities.
Brown Bag-Talks
The Brown Bag Talks programme aims to further promote networking among students, doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, researchers and science management at the Oldenburg and Groningen university locations.
The Brown Bag Talks funding line supports lecture formats (digital or in person). The aim of the funding is to bring innovative ideas to the university in the form of lectures. The sessions are held within a time frame of one hour. The focus is primarily on the subsequent discussion and exchange of opinions.
This funding programme is made possible by the ‘A Programme for Excellence’ initiative, which is funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation.
Who can participate?
The programme is open to all faculties. Researchers at PhD level and above are invited to apply for funding. Only members of the University of Oldenburg are eligible to apply.
Duration and Funding
The following are eligible for funding
- Material resources
- Funds for assistants.
A maximum of 1,000.00 Euro can be applied for per event.
Application
Funding applications must be submitted by 28 February 2026.
Please submit your application in electronic form via the application portal.
In a selection meeting after the end of the application period, the selection committee, consisting of the chairwoman Prof. Dr. Katharina Al-Shamery (Vice-President for Academic Careers, Equal Opportunities and International Affairs) and other members, will decide on the funding applications received. Applicants will be informed of the decision as soon as possible.
Job shadowing
Job shadowing is a self-organised residency programme that aims to familiarise participants with their own field of work at the University of Groningen (RUG). This may involve visits to administrative units, faculties, library systems or computer centres, for example.
You accompany the daily work in your field of activity at the RUG and gain valuable experience for your work at the University of Oldenburg through this internship. Job shadowing allows you and your colleagues at the partner university to establish international contacts, learn about other working approaches and share new ideas with the UOL team.
This mobility programme is made possible by the ‘A Programme for Excellence’ initiative, which is funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the VolkswagenStiftung.
Who can participate?
All technical and administrative staff who wish to expand their international expertise and develop professionally and personally are eligible to participate. Employees whose position accounts for at least 50% of regular working hours are eligible to apply.
University staff from the following areas, for example, are eligible for funding:
- General and technical administration
- Library
- Faculties
- Finance
- Human resources
- Public relations
Advantages of Job Shadowing
- Stay based on a coordinated programme
- Professional exchange and new perspectives
- Strengthening of social and, where applicable, language skills
- Expansion and deepening of networks
- Each participant receives a certificate of participation
Duration and Financing
Stays abroad usually last one working week, but can also be planned for shorter or longer periods.
Funding can be applied for to cover travel and accommodation costs. Reimbursement is made in accordance with the Lower Saxony Travel Expenses Regulation (NRKVO). University staff with disabilities or chronic illnesses can also apply for additional funding. Parallel funding for similar costs from other EU programmes is not permitted.
Language Skills
Although our Dutch colleagues often speak excellent German, you must have the relevant language skills in English, and preferably also in Dutch. You can register for the continuing education programme on the PEOE.IP portal, which includes English courses at various levels. Dutch courses at various levels are offered by the Language Centre Niederländisch // Universität Oldenburg and also by VHS Oldenburg Sprachen – VHS Oldenburg.
Application
Funding applications can be submitted until 28 February 2026.
After discussing your project with your supervisor, please submit your application in electronic form via the application portal.