Aimed at international and domestic researchers, AFR Individual PhD & Postdoc Grants (FNR Scholarship) is a fully funded scholarship for study in Luxembourg. The award covers Approximately €45,000 to €55,000 gross per year and is open to phd and postdoctoral students studying all fields (stem, social sciences, humanities, life sciences, etc.). The scholarship runs for up to 4 years for phd; up to 2 years for postdoc. Eligibility is generally based on open to researchers of any nationality intending to conduct research in Luxembourg or Luxembourgish residents conducting research abroad. The application deadline is Usually March (Annual call), with an acceptance rate of competitive. Competition for this scholarship varies year to year, so early preparation of required documents is recommended.
✨ Should I Apply for AFR Individual PhD & Postdoc Grants (FNR Scholarship)?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
50%
Win Probability
7/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
30-45 hrs
Time Required
Approximately 20% - 25%
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Approximately €45,000 to €55,000 gross per year
⏳
Duration
Up to 4 years for PhD; Up to 2 years for Postdoc
📅
Deadline
Usually March (Annual call)
🔬
Fields
All fields (STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities, Life Sciences, etc.)
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies (Approximately 30-50 per year)
🌏
Study Country
Luxembourg
🏛️
Provider
Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR)
📊
Acceptance
Competitive
The AFR Individual Grants program supports doctoral and postdoctoral researchers who wish to perform their research in a recognized public or private research institution in Luxembourg or abroad, provided the project shows a strong link to Luxembourg.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to researchers of any nationality intending to conduct research in Luxembourg or Luxembourgish residents conducting research abroad.
🏛️ Host University
University of Luxembourg, LIST, LIH, LISER, or accredited international universities
🤝 Sponsor
Luxembourg National Research Fund (Fonds National de la Recherche)
🔬 Fields of Study
All fields (STEM, Social Sciences, Humanities, Life Sciences, etc.)
✨ Key Benefits
Provides a work contract with full social security coverage, competitive monthly salary, and a dedicated budget for travel and training.
✈️ Travel: Yes (Up to €6,000 for training and mobility)🏠 Accommodation: No (Included in living stipend)💊 Health Insurance: Yes (Included in Luxembourg social security system)🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Yes
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes (Monthly salary via employment contract)
🏡 Accommodation
No (Included in living stipend)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes (Up to €6,000 for training and mobility)
💊 Health Insurance
Yes (Included in Luxembourg social security system)
🎁 Other Benefits
Family allowance, maternity/paternity leave support, and conference funding
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable (Fixed-term contract)
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Master's degree for PhD; Doctoral degree for Postdoc; Open to all nationalities
🎓 Academic Level
PhD and Postdoctoral
📊 Minimum GPA
Top 10-20% of class recommended
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficient (Specific level set by host institution)
💼 Work Experience
Not required for PhD; Required for Postdoc
🏆 Leadership
Evaluated based on research potential and academic achievements
💰 Financial Need
No
🎯 Target Students
International and Domestic Researchers
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Comprehensive Research Proposal)
Rec Letters
Yes (Minimum 2 reference letters)
Interview
Varies (Depends on specific panel review)
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
English Proficiency Proof
Interview
Minimum GPA Requirement
📋 Application Process
Align your research project with Luxembourg's National Research Priorities and ensure strong support from your host supervisor.
💡 Insider Tip: Highlight the potential socio-economic impact of your research and ensure your methodology is highly detailed.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
December or January
⏰ Deadline
Usually March (Annual call)
🎤 Interview
Varies (Depends on specific panel review)
🎓 Study Starts
Varies (Usually between September and December)
December or January
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Usually March (Annual call)
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Varies (Depends on specific panel review)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Varies (Usually between September and December)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Scientific quality of the candidate, novelty of the research project, and quality of the training environment/host institution.
Open to researchers of any nationality intending to conduct research in Luxembourg or Luxembourgish residents conducting research abroad.
Provides a work contract with full social security coverage, competitive monthly salary, and a dedicated budget for travel and training. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Usually March (Annual call). Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Approximately 20% - 25%. Acceptance rate: Competitive. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, Proficient (Specific level set by host institution), Yes (Minimum 2 reference letters) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.