CATS Fellowships 2026-2027 in Germany | Paid Fellowship

The CATS Fellowships 2026-2027 are research opportunities offered by the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, located in Berlin, Germany. This program is designed for researchers, think tank members, and practitioners interested in conducting in-depth research on Turkey-related issues. The fellowship duration is between six to twelve months, with the earliest start date in September 2026.

This is a fully-funded fellowship. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of €3,000. A separate budget is provided for research trips. Travel expenses to and from Berlin at the beginning and end of the fellowship period will be covered. Additionally, extra support may be available for fellows who are accompanied by children.

This fellowship is open to international applicants, including Ethiopian students/citizens. Eligible candidates include post-doctoral researchers, think tank members, and practitioners working on Turkey-related issues. Applicants who have not yet completed their PhD but possess a strong track record in Turkey-related research are also encouraged to apply. Candidates must provide evidence of extensive research experience and significant publications. Applications are welcome on a broad range of topics, including Turkey’s internal political and social dynamics, its international relations (particularly with Europe, the transatlantic system, and neighboring regions). For the 2026-2027 funding period, specific topics of interest include Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Critical Raw Materials (CRMs), Energy Transition and Climate Change, and Turkish Foreign and Security Policy amid Geopolitical Turmoil. Selected fellows are expected to reside in Berlin for the entire duration of the fellowship, excluding approved research trips.

Applicants must submit the following documents: - A cover letter (single page) - A written research proposal (maximum five pages) - A Curriculum Vitae (CV) - Copies of relevant academic transcripts/diplomas

All application documents must be compiled and submitted as a single PDF document. This PDF should be sent via email to [email protected].

The deadline to apply for the CATS Fellowships 2026-2027 is April 30, 2026. The working languages for the fellowship are English and German. Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee comprising CATS staff, experts from SWP, and Network partner institutions. In cases where candidates are equally qualified, priority will be given to those who have not previously received funding from CATS.