The KWI International Fellowship 2026/27 is an excellent, fully funded research opportunity in Germany for scholars from around the world. This prestigious fellowship is offered by the Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut (KWI) and is designed for outstanding researchers in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences.
The fellowship runs for six months, from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027. During this period, selected fellows will conduct independent research while being part of a vibrant international academic community in Germany. One of the most attractive aspects of this program is that it is fully funded, meaning fellows do not need to worry about financial costs while focusing on their research.
Applications for the KWI International Fellowship 2026 are now open, with a deadline of 28 February 2026.
About the KWI International Fellowship
The KWI International Fellowship aims to support innovative, high-quality research projects that align with KWI’s research agenda. The institute is known for encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and critical thinking across different academic disciplines.
Fellows are provided with an ideal research environment, including office space, technical support, and access to library services. Researchers also benefit from academic exchange, seminars, and collaboration opportunities with other fellows and KWI scholars.
This fellowship is especially suitable for early-career postdoctoral researchers to expand their international research experience in Germany.
Fellowship Details at a Glance
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institute: Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut (KWI)
- Fellowship Duration: 6 Months
- Program Dates: 1 October 2026 –31 March 2027
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Application Deadline: 28 February 2026
Financial Benefits (Fully Funded)
The KWI International Fellowship 2026/27 covers all major expenses, allowing fellows to focus fully on their research. The financial support includes:
- Monthly stipend to cover living costs
- Accommodation and daily living expenses
- Health insurance coverage
- Travel expenses to and from Germany
- Office space and research facilities at KWI
This comprehensive funding makes the fellowship highly competitive and attractive for international researchers.
Research Areas
Applicants must belong to one of the following academic fields:
- Humanities
- Cultural Studies
- Social Sciences
Research proposals should demonstrate originality and relevance while clearly connecting to KWI’s core research themes.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements:
Who Can Apply?
- Researchers who have completed their PhD
- Applicants with up to six years of post-doctoral experience
Npostdoctoralquirements
- Open to international researchers from all countries
- German nationals may apply only if they are currently employed at an international institution
Research Proposal
- Applicants must submit a research project that aligns with KWI’s research agenda.
- The proposal should be well-structured, innovative, and clearly written
Meeting all eligibility conditions is essential for consideration.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of Academic Publications
- PhD Certificate
- KWI Project Proposal (maximum 5,000 characters)
All documents must be combined into one single PDF file, and the total file size should not exceed 20 MB.
How to Apply for the KWI International Fellowship 2026/27
The application process for the KWI International Fellowship is simple and fully online via email. Follow these steps carefully:
- Prepare all required documents
- Combine them into one PDF file (max 20 MB)
- Review your application for clarity and completeness
- Send the PDF via email to:
international.fellowship@uni-due.de
Make sure your email is sent before 28 February 2026. Applications submitted late in February 2026 will not be considered.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Write a clear and focused research proposal
- Show how your project fits KWI’s research priorities
- Keep your CV concise and academic
- Proofread your documents carefully
- Submit your application well before the deadline
A strong, well-organized application greatly increases your chances of selection.
Why Choose the KWI International Fellowship?
This fellowship offers more than just funding. It provides a unique chance to work in Germany, collaborate with international scholars, and strengthen your academic profile. The KWI International Fellowship 2026/27 is an ideal opportunity for researchers who want to grow professionally while contributing meaningful research in their field.
If you are an early-career researcher looking for a fully funded fellowship in Germany, this program is definitely worth applying for.
