The KWI International Fellowship Program supports outstanding researchers in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences. Open to global applicants with a completed PhD and up to six years of postdoctoral experience, the program offers office space, infrastructure, and administrative support.
Hosted by the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, Germany, the KWI International Fellowship is prestigious opportunity supports interdisciplinary research and academic growth. Fellows receive a monthly allowance of €3,000 (pre-tax) to cover living costs, along with partial travel reimbursement for arrival and departure. The fellowship is not a full employment contract, and other travel costs must be covered by the fellow. The application deadline is 29 August 2025, 24:00 (midnight, CET)
University and Institution Details
- Host Institution: Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut, KWI), Essen, Germany
- Location: Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, in the vibrant Ruhr Area—a renowned academic hub for international students and researchers.
- Duration: Fellowships for the duration of 6 months from 1 April 2026 until 30 September 2026
Study Areas and Available Programs
- Humanities: Anthropology, Ethnology, History, Linguistics, Literature, Digital Humanities and Big Data, Philosophy, Theology and Religion
- Cultural Studies: Literary and Cultural Sociology, Cultural Science Studies, Visual Literacy, Public Humanities
- Social Sciences: Geography, Gender Studies, Identities, Gender and Sexuality, Political Science, Pedagogic & Education Research, Information and Communication Sciences, Sociology
KWI International Fellowship Benefits:
- Fellows receive a fellowship contract (not a full employment contract).
- Monthly allowance: €3,000 (pre-tax) for rent, insurance, and living expenses.
- Partial travel reimbursement is available for arrival and departure.
- Fellows must cover other travel costs (e.g., conferences) from their allowance.
- Research Facilities: Modern infrastructure, office space, technical and administrative support, and access to library resources.
- Academic Engagement: Participation in KWI’s academic events, workshops, and public lectures.
- Networking: Integration into the UA Ruhr university network, fostering international networking for early-career researchers.
Benefits Not Included
- Full Employment Contract: The fellowship is a contract-based stipend, not a full-time job.
- Comprehensive Travel Coverage: Only partial reimbursement for arrival and departure; additional conference travel is self-funded.
- Family Support: No additional stipends for dependents.
Eligibility Criteria for KWI International Fellowship
- Academic Qualification: Completed PhD required at the start of the fellowship—ideal for postdoctoral researchers.
- Experience: Up to six years of post-doctoral experience (exceptions for relevant extended experience).
- Nationality: Open to international researchers; German nationals only eligible if employed at an international institute.
- Project Alignment: Research proposal must fit KWI’s interdisciplinary research agenda.
- Language: Strong English proficiency required; German is not necessary.
Expectations:
- Research must align with KWI’s academic focus.
- Project types may include: writing a book/special issue, preparing a research proposal, forming a research group, or building collaborations.
- Minimum presence: 3 days/week in Essen.
- Participation required in entry/exit interviews, KWI colloquium, lectures, conferences, reading groups, and other academic events.
- Fellows must contribute to the KWI Blog.
- Optional: Fellows can propose and organize a workshop.
- No teaching required, but participation in nearby university events is encouraged.
- Publications must acknowledge KWI.
- English proficiency required; German not necessary.
- Fellowship begins on April 1 and dates are fixed.
Required Documents: KWI International Fellowship Germany 2025-26
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of Publications
- PhD Certificate
- Project Proposal (max. 5,000 characters, including spaces)
- Optional: Workshop proposal (if applicable)
- Single PDF Submission: All documents must be combined into one PDF file (max. 20 MB)
KWI International Fellowship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather your CV, publication list, PhD certificate, and a research proposal for your fully funded research fellowship.
- Combine Files: Merge all documents into a single PDF (max. 20 MB).
- Submit Application: Email your application to international.fellowship@uni-due.de.
- Submit one PDF (max 20 MB) to: international.fellowship@uni-due.de
- PDF must include: CV, list of publications, PhD certificate, project proposal (max 5,000 characters).
- Language: English only.
- Deadline: 29 August 2025, by 24:00 CET.
- No external platform links allowed.
- Selection by KWI board and director.
- See FAQs or email for more info.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Align Your Proposal: Clearly connect your research project with KWI’s interdisciplinary research agenda.
- Craft a Compelling Narrative: Highlight your academic journey and how the scholarship in Germany will advance your goals.
- Be Concise and Clear: Adhere strictly to the character limit for the proposal.
- Proofread: Ensure all documents are error-free and professionally formatted.
- Seek Feedback: Have mentors or peers review your application for clarity and impact.
- Meet All Deadlines: Submit your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
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Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
- Accommodation: $300–$650 (shared flat or student dormitory)
- Food: $150–$300
- Transportation: $50–$100
- Health Insurance: $100–$130
- Utilities: $50–$100
- Miscellaneous: $100–$200
- Total Estimated Monthly Cost: $800–$1,300 (varies by city and lifestyle)
Why Choose the KWI International Fellowship?
- Interdisciplinary Research Environment: Immerse yourself in a leading institute for advanced study in the humanities and social sciences in Germany.
- Generous Financial Support: The monthly stipend covers all major living expenses, making it a top choice for international students and researchers.
- International Networking: Engage with scholars from around the world and integrate into a vibrant academic community.
- Modern Infrastructure: Access state-of-the-art research facilities and library resources, ideal for postdoctoral research.
- Professional Development: Participate in workshops, lectures, and public events, enhancing your academic profile and research impact.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Who is eligible for the KWI International Fellowship?
A: Researchers with a completed PhD and up to six years of post-doctoral experience. German nationals must be employed at an international institute.
Q: What are the language requirements?
A: Strong English skills are required; German is not necessary.
Q: What is the duration of the fellowship?
A: Six months, with fixed start and end dates.
Q: Can I apply if I have not completed my PhD yet?
A: The PhD must be completed at the start of the fellowship. Applicants with a scheduled viva can submit a letter from their department as proof.
Q: What are the benefits of the fellowship?
A: Monthly stipend, partial travel reimbursement, office space, technical support, and access to academic events—making it a fully funded research fellowship for early-career researchers.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Combine all required documents into a single PDF and email to international.fellowship@uni-due.de.
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