KWI International Fellowships
More details :
The KWI International Fellowships and the Thyssen@KWI Fellowship are six-month research opportunities at the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, Germany, running from April 1 to September 30, 2026. Both fellowships are aimed at excellent researchers in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences, offering a vibrant interdisciplinary environment, modern infrastructure, and opportunities for collaboration within the Ruhr Area’s rich academic landscape. The KWI focuses on areas such as literary and cultural sociology, science communication, visual literacy, and public humanities, and is committed to international collaboration and supporting scholars at risk.
The fellowships provide a monthly allowance (3,000 € for KWI International, 4,000 € for Thyssen@KWI), partial travel reimbursement, and expect active participation in KWI’s academic life. Fellows are encouraged to engage in research projects aligned with KWI’s agenda, participate in events, and contribute to the KWI Blog. Knowledge of German is not required, as the working language is English. Applications are open to international scholars and, under certain conditions, German nationals.
Eligibility :
KWI International Fellowship:
Open to researchers worldwide in humanities, cultural studies, or social sciences.
Applicants must have completed their PhD and have up to six years of postdoctoral experience.
German nationals may apply only if currently employed at an international institute.
Project proposals must align with KWI’s research agenda.
Thyssen@KWI Fellowship:
Open to international researchers and German scholars with outstanding international experience.
Applicants must have a completed PhD and several years of postdoctoral research expertise (R3 level).
Strong scientific track record required (publications, conferences, third-party funding, etc.).
Project proposals must fit KWI’s interdisciplinary focus.
Required documents :
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
List of publications
PhD certificate
Project proposal (max. 5,000 characters, in English)
How to apply :
Prepare a single PDF file (max. 20 MB) in English.
Include: CV, list of publications, PhD certificate, and a project proposal (up to 5,000 characters).
Email the application to: international.fellowship@uni-due.deFor Thyssen@KWI, use the subject line: Thyssen@KWIFellowship.
Do not submit via external platform links.
Selection by a committee (KWI board and director for International; external reviewers, director, and Thyssen Foundation for Thyssen@KWI).
The Scholarship Benefits:
KWI International Fellowship: 3,000 € monthly allowance (pre-tax), partial travel reimbursement, office space, technical and administrative support, library and event management.
Thyssen@KWI Fellowship: 4,000 € monthly allowance (pre-tax), partial travel reimbursement, same institutional support as above.
Both: Access to a vibrant academic network, opportunity to organize workshops, no teaching obligations, and support for research and publication.