Apply for the KWI International Fellowships 2026–2027 in Germany. Six-month fully funded fellowship with €3,000 monthly allowance for postdoctoral researchers in humanities and social sciences. Deadline: 28 February 2026.
Overview
The Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, Germany, invites applications for its International Fellowship Programme 2026–2027, offering outstanding postdoctoral researchers a six-month residential fellowship from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
The programme is designed for excellent early-career scholars in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences who wish to pursue independent, innovative, and interdisciplinary research aligned with KWI’s core research agenda. Fellows receive a monthly allowance of €3,000 (pre-tax), access to world-class academic infrastructure, and the opportunity to engage with one of Europe’s most dynamic research landscapes.
About the Institute (KWI)
The Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) is an internationally oriented research institute located in the Ruhr Area of Germany. It operates in the tradition of institutes for advanced study, providing scholars with time and space for independent research, intellectual exchange, and public engagement.
Current research at KWI focuses on:
- Science Studies
- Visual Literacy
- Aesthetic Practices
- Constellations of Historical Impact
- Dialogues between Cultural and Social Sciences
KWI places strong emphasis on interdisciplinarity, international collaboration, and academic freedom, including support for scholars at risk through its Academy in Exile initiative.
Fellowship Details
- Programme: KWI International Fellowship Programme
- Fellowship Duration: 6 months
- Fellowship Period: 1 October 2026 – 31 March 2027
- Location: Essen, Germany
- Application Deadline: 28 February 2026 (24:00 CET)
- Fellowship Type: Residential, individual research fellowship
Eligibility Criteria for KWI International Fellowships 2026
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Hold a completed PhD
- Have up to six years of postdoctoral experience
- PhD must have been completed in 2020 or later
- Academic background in:
- Humanities
- Cultural Studies
- Social Sciences
- Demonstrate clear alignment with KWI’s research agenda
- Excellent command of English (German not required)
- Open to researchers from all countries
- German nationals may apply only if employed at an international institution
- Individual applications only (no group or team applications)
Applicants may explain career breaks (e.g., care responsibilities, displacement, academic risk) in their cover letter.
Financial Benefits
Selected fellows receive:
- €3,000 monthly allowance (pre-tax)
- Intended to cover living expenses, rent, and insurance
- Partial reimbursement of international travel costs (arrival and departure)
- Full access to:
- Office space and infrastructure
- Library services
- Technical, administrative, and research support
- Event and research management services
The fellowship is not a full employment contract, but a fellowship-based appointment.
Fellowship Expectations
Fellows are expected to:
- Conduct research aligned with KWI’s thematic agenda
- Be present at KWI at least three days per week
- Participate in:
- Entry and exit interviews
- Colloquia, lectures, conferences, and reading groups
- Contribute to the KWI Blog
- Acknowledge KWI in publications resulting from the fellowship
- Actively engage with the intellectual life of the institute
Teaching is not required, though participation in surrounding university activities is welcome.
Academic Environment & Location
University Alliance Ruhr
Fellows benefit from KWI’s integration within the University Alliance Ruhr, connecting:
- University of Duisburg-Essen
- Ruhr University Bochum
- TU Dortmund University
Additional collaboration opportunities exist with universities in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Münster, Bielefeld, and the Folkwang University of the Arts.
The Ruhr Area
Essen lies at the heart of the Ruhr metropolitan region—one of Europe’s largest urban areas—offering:
- A rich cultural landscape
- Strong international connectivity
- Proximity to Belgium and the Netherlands
- Affordable living costs compared to other German cities
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically as a single PDF file (maximum 20 MB).
Application Requirements (English only):
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of publications
- PhD certificate
- Research proposal (maximum 5,000 characters) clearly linked to KWI’s agenda
Submission Method:
- Email your application to: international.fellowship@uni-due.de
Important Notes:
- Only one single PDF will be accepted
- Applications via external links or multiple files will be rejected
- Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
Selection Process
- Fellows are selected by a committee comprising:
- Members of the KWI Governing Board
- The Institute Director
- Decisions are final
- Additional details are available in the official FAQs
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | KWI International Fellowships |
| Host Institution | Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) |
| Location | Essen, Germany |
| Fellowship Duration | 6 months |
| Fellowship Period | Oct 2026 – Mar 2027 |
| Monthly Allowance | €3,000 (pre-tax) |
| Eligible Fields | Humanities, Cultural Studies, Social Sciences |
| Deadline | 28 February 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is German language proficiency required?
No. English is the working language of the fellowship.
Can I adjust the fellowship start date?
No. The fellowship must begin on 1 October 2026 and end on 31 March 2027.
Is this a salaried position?
No. It is a fellowship with a monthly allowance, not an employment contract.
Are group or joint applications allowed?
No. Only individual applications are accepted.
Can I organize a workshop during the fellowship?
Yes. Selected fellows may propose a workshop, subject to resources and scheduling.
Conclusion
The KWI International Fellowships 2026–2027 offer a prestigious opportunity for early-career postdoctoral researchers to pursue high-level interdisciplinary research in one of Germany’s most vibrant academic environments. With generous financial support, strong international networks, and a clear focus on intellectual freedom, this fellowship is an excellent platform for advancing impactful research in the humanities and social sciences.
Keywords
KWI International Fellowships 2026, Postdoctoral Fellowship Germany, Humanities Fellowship Europe, KWI Essen Fellowship, Fully Funded Research Fellowship Germany, Social Sciences Fellowship Europe
