Applications are now open for the RIFS Fellows Program 2026 in Germany — a fully funded international fellowship available to candidates from across the globe. The fellowship spans a period of 6 to 12 months, during which participants will live in the Potsdam region to carry out research and contribute fresh, innovative ideas aimed at promoting sustainability transformations at the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS). Each year, approximately 20 fellows from diverse countries and professional backgrounds are selected to take part in this prestigious program.
There is no application fee, and IELTS is not required to apply. As a fully funded opportunity, the fellowship covers all associated expenses. Detailed information regarding financial support, eligibility requirements, and the application process can be found below.
🌍 Basic Information
- Program Name: RIFS Fellows Program 2026
- Host Country: Germany
- Location: Potsdam (GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences)
- Duration: 6 to 12 months (extendable up to 24 months in exceptional cases)
- Application Deadline: 9 June 2025
- Earliest Start Date: 1 April 2026
- Number of Fellows: Approximately 20 annually
🏛️ University/Institution Details
- Host Institution: Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS), formerly known as the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS)
- Affiliation: Part of the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences
- Mission: To foster innovative ideas and projects that contribute to sustainability transformations through a transdisciplinary approach.
📚 Study Areas
The fellowship welcomes applicants from various sectors, including:
- Science and Academia
- Public Administration
- Private Sector
- Civil Society
- Media
- Arts
Applicants should align their projects with one of RIFS’s three research themes:
- Sustainability Transformations and Society
- Advancing Transdisciplinarity and Co-Creation
- Transforming Human-Earth Interactions
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
- Monthly Stipend: Amount varies based on experience and family circumstances.
- Travel Expenses: Reimbursement for travel to/from Germany for fellows and their families.
- Relocation Support: Assistance with moving expenses.
- Housing Assistance: Help in finding suitable accommodation in Potsdam/Berlin; limited on-campus apartments available.
- Visa and Residency Support: Guidance through visa/residency processes.
- Health Insurance: Assistance in obtaining coverage.
- Educational Support: Help in finding school placements for children, if applicable.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Applicants: Must hold a PhD or equivalent experience by the start of the fellowship.
- Non-Academic Professionals: Should have 3–5 years of relevant work experience.
- Project Alignment: Proposals must complement RIFS’s research themes and engage with at least one research group.
- Global Applicants: Open to individuals worldwide from all sectors.
- Diversity and Inclusion: RIFS encourages applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background.
📄 Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents in English, each as a separate PDF file (max 5MB):
- Letter of Motivation (max 2 pages): Explain your motivation, expectations, and specify the research theme and groups your project engages with.
- CV and Achievements (max 3 pages combined): Outline your career milestones and key professional achievements.
- Project Proposal (max 5 pages): Include title, abstract (max 300 words), detailed description, intended outputs, time plan, and estimated budget. Exclude personal information for blind review.
- Optional Annex (max 10MB): Additional materials like publications or artistic portfolios.
📝 Scholarship Application Process
- Review Research Themes: Understand RIFS’s research themes and identify relevant research groups.
- Contact RIFS Researchers: Engage with researchers to align your proposal with ongoing work.
- Prepare Application Documents: Compile the required documents as specified above.
- Submit Application: Use the official online application portal by the deadline (9 June 2025).
💡 Tips for a Successful Application
- Align with RIFS Themes: Ensure your project complements RIFS’s research areas.
- Engage Early: Contact RIFS researchers to discuss potential collaboration.
- Clear and Concise Proposal: Present a well-structured and focused project plan.
- Highlight Impact: Demonstrate how your work contributes to sustainability transformations.
- Professional Presentation: Ensure all documents are well-formatted and free of personal identifiers in the project proposal.
💶 Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Potsdam
While the fellowship provides a stipend, it’s helpful to understand the general cost of living:
- Accommodation: €500–€800/month
- Food: €200–€300/month
- Transportation: €80–€100/month
- Health Insurance: €100–€120/month
- Miscellaneous: €100–€200/month
Note: These are approximate figures and can vary based on lifestyle and personal choices.
🌟 Why Choose This Scholarship?
- Fully Funded: Comprehensive financial and logistical support.
- Interdisciplinary Approach: Engage with professionals across various sectors.
- Global Network: Join a community of over 300 former fellows from more than 50 countries.
- Impactful Work: Contribute to meaningful sustainability transformations.
- Cultural Experience: Live and work in the vibrant Potsdam/Berlin area.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No, applying to the RIFS Fellows Program is free of charge.
Q: Do I need to submit IELTS or TOEFL scores?
A: No language proficiency tests are required.
Q: Can I apply if I don’t have a PhD?
A: Yes, non-academic professionals with 3–5 years of relevant experience are eligible.
Q: Is housing provided?
A: RIFS offers assistance in finding accommodation and has limited on-campus apartments for international fellows.
Q: When will I know the outcome of my application?
A: Final decisions are typically announced by November or early December 2025.