To all the aspiring researchers out there seeking international fellowship programs to gain hands-on research experience, we are here with an exciting, fully funded fellowship in Germany offered by one of the reputable German research institutes that one should not miss out on. Applications are finally open for the KWI International Fellowships 2026. A prestigious fellowship hosted by Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut Essen (KWI) is inviting applications for the 12th Cohort of its fellowship program, which is scheduled to run from 1 April until 30 September 2026 at the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, Germany.
The fellowship is seeking applications from excellent international researchers in the fields of Cultural studies, Humanities, and social sciences to apply and experience cutting-edge research in the Kwi Institute’s focus research areas, which are literary and cultural sociology, science communication, public humanities, and cultural science studies. There are no country restrictions for the fellowships; researchers from all around the world are invited to submit applications. The duration of the fellowship is 6 months, during which fellows will engage in intensive research under the mentorship of renowned KWI faculty.
The fellowship offers a wide range of benefits; each fellow will receive an independent space in the institute for innovative research. Moreover, you will also have access to the institute’s state-of-the-art facilities, including Office Space, Technical support, administrative and communication support, event and research management, and Library services
The fellowship is funded by the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, which provides generous support that includes insurance, living expenses, a competitive monthly stipend, and international travel expenses. So, are you up for the 6-month immersive research in a stimulating research environment? Well, read more about the KWI international fellowship benefits, requirements, and application process below.
KWI International Fellowship 2026 Details
- Country: Germany
- Location: KWI Institute in Essen
- Coverage: Fully Funded
- Program Type: Fellowship
- Dates: 1st April 2026 to 30th September 2026
- Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
Also, Check: Japanese JSPS Research Fellowship 2026-27
About (KWI) Institute
Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut Essen (KWI) is one of the renowned interdisciplinary research institutes for the Humanities and social sciences located in Essen, one of the dynamic cities of Germany. The KWI Institute is a part of the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr), which includes various top-ranked universities that provide a collaborative and academic environment.
Research Areas
The institute offers innovative research in the humanities at the following KWI focus research areas:
- Literary and cultural sociology
- Cultural science studies
- Science communication
- Public humanities
KWI Fellowship Coverage
The Fellowship is sponsored by the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, and the coverage includes:
- A competitive monthly stipend
- Insruance
- Living stipend to cover the costs during your stay
- Round-trip air travel coverage to/from Germany
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants fulfilling the following criteria are eligible to apply for the KWI Fellowship Programme:
- Outstanding researchers from all around the world are invited to apply
- Individuals who have completed their Phd degree
- Have 6 years of post-doctoral experience
- The German national employed at an international institute can also apply
- Applicant’s research must be aligned with KWI’s research focus areas
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How to Apply for the 2026 KWI International Fellowship in Germany?
The application process for the fellowship is simple and straightforward; applicants need to gather all the required documents and convert them into a single PDF file and submit it electronically to international.fellowship@uni-due.de with the subject line: “Thyssen@KWIFellowship”.
Your application must include:
- An Updated CV
- List of Publications
- PhD certificate
- Proposal sketching your KWI project
Note: The application must be written in English.
Deadline: The last date for the submission of the application is August 29, 2025 (Midnight, CET). Late submission of the application won’t be entertained.
To know more details about the fellowship program, visit the official link below.
