Note: The application period for the KWI Germany International Fellowships 2026 has closed. This post is for reference purposes only.
The KWI Germany International Fellowships 2026 offer a prestigious fully funded opportunity for postdoctoral researchers in humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences. Hosted by the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, Germany, these fellowships provide a supportive, interdisciplinary research environment and excellent academic resources.
Why Apply for KWI International Fellowships?
Generous Funding: €4,000 monthly allowance (pre-tax) for living costs, housing, and insurance, plus partial travel reimbursement.
Research Support: Access to modern office space, comprehensive library services, and full administrative and technical assistance.
Collaborative Environment: Engage with seminars, workshops, and academic events within a vibrant research community.
Networking Opportunities: KWI is part of the University Alliance Ruhr, connecting you with universities in Bochum, Dortmund, Duisburg-Essen, and beyond for joint projects and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Fellowship Tracks
KWI International Fellowship
For early-career researchers up to six years post-PhD.
Encourages completing publications, forming research groups, or finalizing proposals.
Thyssen@KWI Fellowship
Supported by the Fritz Thyssen Foundation for experienced postdocs.
Ideal for organizing workshops, leading research teams, or publishing scholarly books.
Both tracks require at least three days per week on-site, seminar participation, blog contributions, and occasional event planning.
Research Areas
KWI welcomes projects in:
Sociology
Cultural Sciences
Humanities (cultural sociology, public humanities, science communication)
Projects should align with KWI’s interdisciplinary agenda and ideally leverage Ruhr region networks.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Hold a PhD before the fellowship starts.
Be up to six years post-PhD (KWI track) or have multiple postdoctoral years (Thyssen track).
Demonstrate strong English proficiency; German is optional.
Submit a robust research proposal aligned with KWI’s thematic priorities.
For German nationals: maintain affiliation with a non-German institution during application.
Application Process
KWI International Fellowship Deadline: 29 August 2025
Thyssen@KWI Fellowship Deadline: 28 February 2025
Submit a single PDF (max 20 MB) via email to [email protected] including:
CV
Publication list
PhD certificate
Research proposal (max 5,000 characters)
Detailed guidelines are available on the official KWI website.
Duration and Benefits
Fellowship period: 1 October 2025 – 31 March 2026 (6 months)
Monthly stipend: €4,000 (pre-tax)
Partial travel reimbursement
Access to offices, library, infrastructure, and administrative support
Engage in academic and cultural activities in the Ruhr region
Why KWI Stands Out
No teaching obligations; focus entirely on research and scholarly engagement
Active interdisciplinary collaboration across humanities and social sciences
Opportunities for public engagement, seminars, workshops, and international exposure
Strong support for publications and academic visibility
FAQs
Q1: Can international researchers apply?
Yes, the fellowship is open to both international and German applicants.
Q2: Are there teaching responsibilities?
No, the focus is on research, seminars, and occasional event participation.
Q3: What is the stipend amount?
€4,000 per month (pre-tax) plus partial travel reimbursement.
Q4: How long is the fellowship?
6 months, from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026.
Q5: What are the research focus areas?
Humanities, cultural sciences, sociology, cultural sociology, and public humanities.