Voluntary Scientific Year
Voluntary Scientific Year
What is a Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ)?
A Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) at the University of Oldenburg opens up opportunities for young people to conduct research, gain early work experience, and get a feel for university life as participants in the Federal Volunteer Service programme.
FWJ volunteers work on research projects in or across schools for 12 months (usually September to August) and perform research support tasks.
Their research and research support work is complemented by 25 education and training days that cover fundamentals of research and topics like self-organization and time management. In addition, participants can avail of the provision of the Study and Career Counselling Service (ZSKB), attend lectures, and take part in seminars.
What does the Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) offer?
- Insights into research projects and the structures of scholarly work processes
- Insights into a range of degree programmes and career opportunities at the university
- Workshops facilitating continuing personal and professional development
- A monthly allowance plus an allowance for travel
- Social security contributions paid
- Discounts on the use of university facilities (sports, the university cinema, theatre, etc.)
- A qualified employment reference
Who is eligible to apply for a Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ)?
The Voluntary Scientific Year is mainly aimed at school leavers with a university entrance qualification (typically Germany’s Abitur) and an interest in taking a degree or undertaking a traineeship in an area close to research, but the programme also opens up access to science and research to people who have not completed upper secondary education.
How and by when can I apply for a Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) place?
The FWJ places available at the university can be viewed at Open volunteer places (in German). All applications must include a CV, the applicant’s most recent school report, and a letter of motivation addressed to the research working group of interest to the applicant. The application deadline for FWJ places starting on 1 September is usually at the end of February.
