CATS Fellowship 2026–2027 in Germany: €3,000 Monthly Fully Funded Research Opportunity

The Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) Fellowship 2026–2027 is now open for applications, offering a fully funded research opportunity in Berlin, Germany.

Hosted by Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, this prestigious fellowship is designed for researchers and professionals working on Turkey-related political, social, and international issues.

About the Fellowship

The program is run by Centre for Applied Turkey Studies, a leading research initiative focused on:

• Turkey’s political and social dynamics
• EU–Turkey relations
• Regional security and foreign policy
• Migration and geopolitical developments

The fellowship aims to strengthen policy-relevant research and international dialogue. (Centre for Applied Turkey Studies)

Program Overview

• Location: Berlin, Germany
• Duration: 6 to 12 months
• Start: From September 2026 (or earliest possible date)
• Type: Fully funded research fellowship

Fellows are expected to reside in Berlin and collaborate with experts at CATS and SWP.

Financial Benefits

Selected fellows receive:

• €2,800 – €3,000 monthly stipend (based on experience)
• Research trip funding
• Travel costs to and from Berlin
• Additional family support (if applicable)

This makes it a high-value fully funded European fellowship.

Research Focus Areas

Applicants must propose research related to Turkey, including:

• Domestic politics and society
• Foreign policy and security
• EU–Turkey relations
• Regional dynamics (Middle East, Caucasus, Central Asia)

The program encourages projects that connect academic research with policy impact.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should be:

• Researchers, think tank professionals, or policy practitioners
• Postdoctoral scholars or advanced researchers
• Strong background in Turkey-related studies
• Proven academic or professional track record

Early-stage researchers (even without PhD) may apply if they have strong research experience.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Cover letter
• Research proposal (max 5 pages)
• CV with publications
• Academic transcripts or diplomas

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF in English or German.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Academic and professional merit
• Relevance to policy and research fields
• Innovation and feasibility
• Public impact of research

Strong publication records significantly improve chances.

Application Deadline

• Deadline: Around April 30, 2026

Early application is recommended due to high competition.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The CATS Fellowship stands out because it:

• Is hosted by one of Europe’s top policy think tanks
• Offers strong financial support
• Connects research directly with policymaking
• Provides publication opportunities in leading platforms

It is ideal for careers in:

• Academia
• International relations
• Policy and think tanks
• Government advisory roles

Important Insight

This fellowship is highly specialized.

• You must have a clear focus on Turkey-related research
• It is not suitable for general fields like business, IT, or engineering

However, for political science, IR, and policy researchers, it is a top-tier opportunity in Europe.

Final Insight

The CATS Fellowship 2026–2027 is a prestigious, fully funded research program offering deep policy engagement, strong funding, and global academic exposure.

For researchers working on Turkey and regional geopolitics, it provides a powerful platform to produce impactful, internationally recognized work.