Study in the Humanities (KWI) International Fellowships 2027,Germany.

Applications are now open for the KWI International Fellowships 2027 at the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, Germany. This prestigious 6-month residential fellowship programme is designed for outstanding early-career researchers in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences. The fellowship runs from 1 April 2027 to 30 September 2027, with applications due by 17 August 2026. It is a fully funded fellowship that provides a monthly allowance of €3,000 (pre-tax) along with research infrastructure and support services.

There is no application fee. The programme welcomes researchers from around the world whose projects align with KWI’s interdisciplinary research agenda. German nationals are eligible only if currently employed at an international institution. It offers an excellent opportunity for independent research, collaboration, and academic networking in a vibrant European research environment. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Host Country: Germany
• Host Institution: Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI), Essen
• Fellowship Duration: 6 months (1 April 2027 – 30 September 2027)
• Application Deadline: 17 August 2026 (24:00 midnight, CET)
• Open for: International researchers worldwide (German nationals only if employed abroad)
• Application Fee: None
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Language Requirements: Strong command of English

What this Scholarship Offers:

Fellows receive comprehensive support that enables them to focus fully on their research while benefiting from a rich academic and cultural environment. Participants gain:

• A monthly allowance of €3,000 (pre-tax) to cover rent, insurances, and living expenses.
• A formal fellowship contract.
• Partial reimbursement of travel expenses for arrival at and departure from KWI.
• Modern office space and dedicated research infrastructure.
• Full access to technical support, library services, event and research management, and administrative/communicative assistance.
• Opportunities to build international networks and collaborations with scholars at KWI and the University Alliance Ruhr (including universities in Duisburg-Essen, Bochum, Dortmund, and nearby institutions).
• A vibrant, interdisciplinary setting in the culturally rich Ruhr Area, with easy access to other major European cities.
• Professional visibility through participation in academic events, the KWI Blog, and potential workshop organization.

Also Check: PhD, Postdoc & Professor positions at the University of Freiburg, Germany.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have completed a PhD in the humanities or social sciences.
• Up to 6 years of postdoctoral experience (R2 level; PhD completed in 2021 or later for this call).
• Career breaks (e.g., for care responsibilities or as a scholar at risk) will be considered if explained in the cover letter.
• Research project must align with KWI’s agenda (science studies, visual literacy, aesthetic practices, historical impact, cultural-social sciences dialogues, etc.).
• Open to researchers from all nationalities (with the note on German nationals above).
• Must commit to being physically present at KWI at least 3 days per week and actively participate in institute activities.
• Applications from groups or teams are not accepted.

Also Check: Technical University of Denmark PhD and Postdoc Scholarships 2026 (Fully Funded)

Fields Available:

• Humanities
• Cultural Studies
• Social Sciences
• Science Studies
• Visual Literacy
• Aesthetic Practices
• Constellations of Historical Impact
• Dialogues between Cultural and Social Sciences

Also Check: Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPR) Australia

How to Apply:

1. Prepare your application in English as one single PDF file (maximum 20 MB).
2. The application must include:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
   • List of publications
   • PhD certificate
   • Project proposal (maximum 5,000 characters) outlining your intended KWI research project
3. Submit electronically to: [email protected]
4. Use a clear subject line (e.g., “KWI International Fellowships Application”).
5. Applications must be complete, on time, and within the character limit. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Also Check: PhD, Postdoc & Professor positions at the University of Freiburg, Germany.