Are you a driven early- to mid-career academic in the social sciences, humanities, or cultural studies seeking six months of unrestricted flexibility to conduct research in a stimulating environment? Then this is your lucky ticket! Applications are currently being accepted for the Thyssen@KWI Fellowship and the 12th cohort of KWI International Fellowships at the Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut (KWI) in Essen, Germany, for the term of April 1, 2026, to September 30, 2026.
When is the Application Deadline:
🗓️ 29 August 2025
Tell Me About The Award:
The Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut (KWI) in Essen, Germany, invites applications for its 12th cohort of fellowships, offering a six-month fully-funded research residency from 1 April to 30 September 2026.
There are two fellowship streams:
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- KWI International Fellowship
- Thyssen@KWI Fellowship, generously supported by the Fritz Thyssen Foundation.
Fellows join a vibrant interdisciplinary research community, gain access to institutional resources, and are free from teaching or administrative duties.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
- Humanities
- Cultural Studies
- Social Sciences
All project proposals must relate to KWI’s research agenda.
Type:
🟢 Fully Funded Research Fellowship (6 months residency in Germany)
Who can Apply?
KWI International Fellowship
- Researchers from any country (except Germans unless affiliated with a non-German institution)
- Must have a PhD and up to six years of postdoctoral experience
Thyssen@KWI Fellowship
- International researchers OR German scholars with strong international academic ties
- Must have a PhD and several years of postdoctoral experience
How are Applicants Selected?
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic excellence
- Relevance of research project to KWI’s agenda
- Alignment with fellowship criteria (career stage, international profile)
- Strength of international networks (for Thyssen@KWI)
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌍 All countries are eligible
(Note: German nationals have eligibility restrictions—see “Who Can Apply” above.)
Where will the Award be Taken?
📍 Kulturwissenschaftliches Institut (KWI)
Essen, Germany
How Many Awards?
🔹 Not specified—multiple fellowships will be awarded under each stream.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
Fellows will receive:
- Access to office space and infrastructure
- Library and research services
- Event and research management support
- Administrative and technical assistance
- Immersion in a collaborative academic environment in Essen
(Note: No direct monthly stipend mentioned; however, the fellowships are fully funded.)
How Long Will the Award Last?
🕕 6 months
📅 From 1 April 2026 to 30 September 2026
How to Apply:
- Review the full call and eligibility at KWI’s official website
- Prepare your research proposal, CV, and application materials
- Submit your application online by 29 August 2025
Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
🔗 https://www.kulturwissenschaften.de/cfa-kwi-fellowships-2026/
