IDEUM

Application process

Applications for IDEUM 2026 are open during three application periods. Only complete applications will be accepted. Please make sure to use the updated 2026 application form. Retrospective approval of travel funding for trips which have already taken place is not possible.

• 15.02.-15.03.26 (confirmation letters/rejection letters will be sent out: 16.03.-31.03.)
• 01.04.-17.05.26 (confirmation letters/rejection letters will be sent out:  18.05.-31.05.)
• 01.06.-16.08.26 (confirmation letters/rejection letters will be sent out: 17.08.-31.08.)

Travels in the second half of the year: IDEUM can only fund travels for which the request for reimbursement (for which the travel needs to be completed) can be handed in to division V / Reisekostenstelle before October 31, 2026.

If the number of complete applications exceeds the available budget, decisions will be made by drawing lots.

Please note: Between 30.01.- 14.02.26, applications will be temporarily accepted on an ongoing basis (first come, first served). For that, applications must be sent at least one week prior to the start of the trip. Retrospective approval of travel funding for trips which have already taken place is not possible.

Please note: Employees of University of Mannheim need to have an approved business travel application before any business travel. If your business travel application has already been approved, and you will receive IDEUM funding, it is possible to add IDEUM as additional source of funding. If this applies to you, please contact us or division V / Reisekostenstelle for details.

Type of funding
Grant for travel expenses covering the costs that have been actually incurred and can be proven. This varies according to each country (see “Maximum funding”). Grants will be paid upon presenting the travel expense report. If necessary, you can apply for an advance payment prior to your journey.

Maximum funding
Depending on your destination, expenses can be reimbursed up to the following maximum amounts:

• Europe:  up to EUR 750
• North America:  up to EUR 1,250
• Central/South America: up to EUR 1,250
• Africa: up to EUR 1,000
• Asia: up to EUR 1,000
• Middle East: up to EUR 800
• Australia/New Zealand:  up to EUR 1,250

For research stays, a lump sum of up to EUR 2,000 can be applied for.

Application and funding procedure 
Please complete the application form and send it together with your attachments by e-mail to Division I. After we have checked your application, we will send you the confirmation of funding by e-mail. You can then submit your business travel authorization form to Division V (Travel Expenses Department). Please collect all the relevant receipts for your business travel expense report during your travels. After your return, please submit a travel expense report (employees University of Mannheim) / form ERG6 (non-employees University of Mannheim) to division V. This has to be done within 6 months after your return, but no later than 31.10.2026. You will receive your grant afterwards.