Unlock €3,000 Monthly Funding: KWI International Fellowships 2027 in Germany for Postdoctoral Researchers

Applications are now open for the KWI International Fellowships 2027, offering outstanding early-career postdoctoral researchers from around the world the opportunity to conduct interdisciplinary research in Germany with a monthly allowance of €3,000.

Hosted by the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) in Essen, the six-month fellowship supports scholars working in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences whose research aligns with the institute’s interdisciplinary agenda.

About the KWI International Fellowship

The Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) is an interdisciplinary research institute located in Essen, Germany. Operating in the tradition of international institutes for advanced study, KWI provides researchers with the freedom to pursue innovative projects while encouraging collaboration across academic disciplines.

The institute’s current research priorities include:

• Science studies.
• Visual literacy.
• Aesthetic practices.
• Constellations of historical impact.
• Dialogues between cultural studies and social sciences.

KWI also hosts the Academy in Exile, which supports scholars whose academic freedom is under threat by providing a safe environment for research and intellectual exchange.

Fellowship supports independent research

The KWI International Fellowship Programme welcomes scholars whose research contributes to the institute’s ongoing academic discussions and interdisciplinary research themes. Rather than requiring teaching duties, the fellowship allows researchers to focus on advancing their own projects while participating in KWI’s vibrant intellectual community. Researchers may use the fellowship period to:

• Complete a book manuscript.
• Finalise a journal special issue.
• Develop a major research proposal.
• Establish a new research group.
• Build collaborations with universities within the Ruhr Alliance.
• Expand interdisciplinary research networks.

Fellowship duration and funding

Selected fellows will receive support for six months under a fellowship contract. The programme includes:

• Fellowship period: 1 April – 30 September 2027.
• Monthly allowance: €3,000 (pre-tax).
• Partial reimbursement of travel expenses for arrival and departure.
• Office space and research facilities.
• Technical and administrative support.
• Library services.
• Event and research management assistance.
• Communication support throughout the fellowship.

The monthly allowance is intended to cover accommodation, insurance, and living expenses during the fellowship.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a PhD in the humanities or social sciences.
• Have up to six years of postdoctoral research experience (R2 level under the European Framework for Research Careers).
• Have completed their PhD in 2021 or later.

Career breaks, including those related to caregiving responsibilities or circumstances affecting scholars at risk, may be explained in the cover letter and will be considered during the eligibility assessment.

International applicants encouraged

The fellowship is open to researchers worldwide. German nationals may also apply, provided they are currently employed by an institution outside Germany. Applications are accepted from individual researchers only. Group or team applications are not eligible.

Fellowship expectations

Successful fellows are expected to actively engage with the KWI research community throughout the programme. Participants should:

• Dedicate their fellowship to research connected to KWI’s academic agenda.
• Be present at the institute for at least three days each week.
• Participate in entry and exit interviews.
• Attend colloquia, lectures, conferences, reading groups, and academic events.
• Contribute an article to the KWI Blog.
• Acknowledge KWI in publications resulting from research conducted during the fellowship.

Selected fellows may also have the opportunity to organise an academic workshop, depending on available resources and scheduling. Teaching is not required, although fellows are welcome to contribute to seminars or lecture series at nearby universities.

English is the working language

Applicants are not required to speak German. The fellowship operates primarily in English, making it accessible to international researchers from diverse backgrounds.

Opportunities for academic collaboration

The fellowship offers access to one of Germany’s largest research networks through the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr), which brings together:

• University of Duisburg-Essen.
• Ruhr University Bochum.
• TU Dortmund University.

Researchers will also have opportunities to collaborate with nearby institutions, including universities in Düsseldorf, Cologne, Münster, and Bielefeld, as well as the renowned Folkwang University of the Arts. The Ruhr region’s proximity to Belgium and the Netherlands also provides opportunities for international collaboration and cross-border research initiatives.

Living in the Ruhr Area

Located in western Germany, the Ruhr Area is one of Europe’s largest metropolitan regions, home to more than five million people. Once known for its industrial heritage, the region has evolved into a major cultural and research hub featuring:

• World-class universities.
• Museums and cultural institutions.
• Green spaces and outdoor attractions.
• Strong international transport connections.
• Easy access to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

How to apply

Applicants must submit one PDF file (maximum 20 MB) containing:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• List of publications.
• PhD certificate.
• Research proposal of up to 5,000 characters describing the proposed KWI project.

Applications must be written in English and submitted electronically. Incomplete applications, proposals exceeding the character limit, or submissions sent after the deadline will not be considered.

Application deadline

Key dates for applicants include:

• Application deadline: 17 August 2026 (midnight CET).
• Fellowship period: 1 April – 30 September 2027.
• Location: Essen, Germany.

The KWI International Fellowships 2027 provide early-career postdoctoral researchers with a valuable opportunity to advance independent research, build international collaborations, and join one of Germany’s leading interdisciplinary humanities research communities while receiving financial support throughout the six-month programme.