KWI International Fellowships 2026 — Fully Funded Research Fellowship in Germany

The KWI International Fellowships 2026 offer an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences to pursue independent research in Germany. Hosted by the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, this fellowship provides a supportive and intellectually vibrant environment for scholars from around the world.

The programme is designed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, international collaboration, and high-quality academic research.

About the KWI International Fellowships

The KWI International Fellowships enable scholars to focus intensively on a research project of their own design while engaging with a diverse academic community. Fellows work independently but are encouraged to interact with other researchers, participate in seminars, and contribute to the institute’s intellectual life.

Research areas typically align with:

• Humanities and cultural studies
• Social sciences
• Interdisciplinary research on culture, society, and transformation

The fellowship emphasizes originality, scholarly excellence, and international perspectives.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is intended for postdoctoral researchers who meet the following general criteria:

• Hold a PhD degree
• Have up to six years of postdoctoral experience
• Work in the humanities, cultural studies, or social sciences
• Propose a high-quality, original research project

Researchers from all countries are welcome to apply. German citizens are eligible only if they are currently employed at an institution outside Germany.

Fellowship Duration & Commitment

• Duration: 6 months
• Fellowship period: 1 October 2026 – 31 March 2027
• Location: Essen, Germany

Fellows are expected to be in residence for most of the fellowship period and actively participate in KWI’s academic activities, including seminars, colloquia, lectures, and discussions.

Funding & Benefits

The KWI International Fellowships offer generous financial and academic support, including:

• Monthly stipend of €3,000 (before taxes)
• Partial reimbursement of travel costs
• Fully equipped office space and access to research infrastructure
• Library access and administrative support
• Opportunities to present research and organize academic events

This support allows fellows to focus fully on research without financial pressure.

Research Expectations

During the fellowship, participants are expected to:

• Conduct independent research aligned with their proposal
• Engage in interdisciplinary exchange with fellow researchers
• Present their work in internal seminars or public lectures
• Contribute to the academic life of the institute

The programme values collaboration, intellectual openness, and scholarly engagement.

Application Requirements & Deadline

Applicants must submit a complete application package in English, typically including:

• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• List of publications
• PhD certificate
• Research proposal outlining the project to be carried out during the fellowship

The application deadline is 28 February 2026. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.

Why the KWI Fellowship Matters

The KWI International Fellowships provide:

• Dedicated time and space for advanced research
• International academic visibility and recognition
• Access to interdisciplinary research networks
• A stimulating intellectual environment in Germany
• Strong support for early-career academic development

Many fellows use this opportunity to advance major publications, build collaborations, and strengthen their academic profiles.

The KWI International Fellowships 2026 are an outstanding opportunity for early-career scholars seeking a focused research period in a world-class academic environment. With solid funding, interdisciplinary exchange, and international exposure, the fellowship supports both individual excellence and broader scholarly impact.