Germany KWI International Fellowships 2027 | €3,000 Monthly

The KWI International Fellowships 2027 in Germany are a six-month research program for early-career postdoctoral scholars. Hosted by the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, this fellowship runs from April 1 to September 30, 2027. It is designed for researchers in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences who wish to complete a significant project.

Selected fellows receive a monthly pre-tax allowance of €3,000. This allowance is intended to cover rent, insurance, and living expenses. Partial reimbursement for arrival and departure travel costs is also provided. Fellows are granted private office space at KWI, access to research infrastructure including the library and databases, and full institutional support. This includes access to KWI events like colloquia, lectures, conferences, reading groups, and administrative, communications, and research management support. It is a six-month fellowship contract, not a full-employment contract, and does not include health insurance or social security contributions.

This fellowship is open to researchers of all nationalities. German nationals are eligible only if they are currently employed at an international institution. Applicants must hold a completed PhD in the humanities, cultural studies, or social sciences, awarded in 2021 or later. Candidates should have no more than six years of postdoctoral experience. Applicants must apply as individuals, not as a group or team. A strong command of English is required, but German language skills are not necessary. Fellows must be available to be present at KWI from April 1 to September 30, 2027, and for at least three days each week. Career breaks, such as care-related interruptions or time spent as a scholar at risk, can be explained in the cover letter and will be considered during the eligibility assessment.

Applicants must prepare the following documents: - Cover letter: Explaining your motivation, the proposed project, and its connection to KWI's research agenda. - Project proposal: Maximum 5,000 characters (including spaces), clearly connecting your planned project with KWI's program and stating what you aim to achieve during the six-month residence. - Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing your academic background and publications. - List of publications. - PhD certificate: Proof of completion in 2021 or later. - Two reference letters (if required).

1. Check your eligibility: Confirm you have a PhD in the humanities or social sciences completed in 2021 or later, no more than six years of postdoctoral experience, and can be present at KWI for at least three days each week during the fellowship period. 2. Prepare your application documents: Gather your cover letter, project proposal, CV, list of publications, PhD certificate, and any required reference letters. 3. Write a strong project proposal: Ensure it clearly connects to KWI's research areas, states your objectives for the six-month residency, and adheres to the 5,000-character limit. 4. Submit your application: Compile all documents into a single PDF file and submit it before the deadline of August 17, 2026, at 24:00 midnight CET. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 5. Wait for results: Applications are reviewed by a selection committee. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an interview. Successful applicants will be notified by KWI. 6. Prepare for the fellowship: If selected, accept the offer, arrange your travel and accommodation, and prepare for the fellowship period from April 1 to September 30, 2027.

The fellowship is exclusively for individual researchers. No teaching duties are required. However, fellows are expected to attend KWI events and contribute to the KWI Blog. Projects should fall within the humanities, cultural studies, or social sciences and connect with KWI's current research agenda, which includes areas such as Science studies, Visual literacy, Aesthetic practices, Constellations of historical impact, and Dialogues between cultural and social sciences.