As part of Bavaria's efforts to promote gender equality, the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts supports talented women in science at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) through the “Laura Bassi Scholarship.”
The Laura Bassi Scholarship Program is aimed in particular at postdoctoral researchers and female doctoral candidates in the final stages of their studies, with the aim of supporting them in pursuing their research projects closely linked to TUM and assisting them in their academic careers.
The call for applications was issued twice in 2025, followed by an evaluation process. No applications can be accepted at this time. When and in what form funding opportunities will be published in 2026 depends on the allocated funding and the associated framework conditions of the Bavarian State Ministry.
The funding for the Laura Bassi Scholarships comes from state funds allocated by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts to the Bavarian Equal Opportunities Program (BGF) – a program for the realization of equal opportunities for women in research and teaching.
As of 2025 – important conditions binding according to the BGF:
Funding amount and duration (€1,200 per month for doctoral students and €2,400 for postdoctoral students – maximum 12 months)
The scholarship is intended to cover living expenses; at the same time, no other gainful employment (except for minor paid teaching activities up to a maximum of 4 SWS) or the use of another scholarship is permitted. A combination of a scholarship and a part-time employment contract, even in the form of a mini-job, is therefore not possible.
This is a research scholarship, during which a specific research project is actively carried out.
Applies to female doctoral candidates – they must be in the final phase of their studies, i.e., they must submit their dissertation by the end of the scholarship period at the latest.
If you find the above mentioned general terms and conditions suitable and acceptable, you find here detailed information on requirements, conditions and application for the scholarships in 2025 .
Other frequently asked organizational questions:
When can a scholarship begin? The review and processing procedure usually takes two to four weeks.
Is it possible to withdraw from the scholarship? Withdrawal is generally possible. However, we ask that you notify us at least four weeks in advance so that further payments can be stopped accordingly.
By the way: Laura Bassi was the first female scientist to be appointed to a professorship (physics) at a European university.