Do you have creative ideas to make university teaching more innovative? The Freiraum 2026 call for proposals offers you the opportunity to develop and implement experimental concepts. Funding is available for projects that impress with their openness, creativity and a clear focus on the students' learning processes.

• Funding amount: Up to 400,000 euros per project
• Project duration: Maximum 24 months
• Start of funding: April 01, 2026

Personnel funds, material resources and project-related investments can be applied for.

Who can apply?

All full-time employees at state or private universities in Germany are eligible to apply. Student projects related to teaching or projects by freelance lecturers are also welcome - in these cases, the application must be submitted via a person authorized to apply.

Important deadlines

• Expression of interest:

  • Submission from February 10 to 20, 2025 (2 p.m.) via the foundation's funding portal.
  • Access to the application process will be determined by lottery from among the expressions of interest.

• Submission of applications:

  • Submission from March 19 to April 30, 2025 (2 p.m.).
  • Only selected projects can submit an application after a successful expression of interest.

• Funding decision:

  • At the beginning of October 2025.

Objectives of the funding

The call for proposals is thematically open. All projects that impress with their innovative potential are welcome:

• Development and testing of new teaching and study formats
• New planning of modules and degree programs
• Revision of teaching processes that promote active participation by students

Further information and all documents relating to the call for proposals can be found on the foundation's website.

Take this opportunity to shape the university teaching of tomorrow!