CATS Fellowships 2025/2026 in Berlin – Fully Funded Research in Germany

CATS Fellowships 2025/2026 in Berlin, Germany – Fully Funded Opportunity for Global Scholars

Applications are now open for the CATS Fellowships 2025/2026, a prestigious and fully funded research opportunity in Germany. Hosted by the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) in Berlin, this international fellowship invites researchers, think tank members, policy professionals, and early-career scholars to undertake in-depth work on Turkey-related topics.

The fellowship offers a chance to live and research in Berlin for 6 to 12 months, starting as early as September 2025. It includes a monthly grant, travel support, research funding, and a child allowance, making it ideal for researchers with families.

Key Details of the CATS Fellowship

Host Country: Germany
Location: Berlin
Duration: 6–12 Months
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Deadline: 12 May 2025

What the Fellowship Covers

A monthly stipend of €2,800 to €3,000 (based on experience)
Travel costs to and from Germany
Funding for planned research trips
Child/family allowance, if applicable

Fellowship Focus & Importance

This fellowship targets scholars working on Turkey-related research across political, social, security, and regional dimensions. Turkey's strategic significance makes it vital for German and EU policymaking:

Acts as a bridge between Europe and Asia
Holds NATO membership
Maintains strong economic ties with the EU
Increasingly active in the Caucasus, Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia
A central hub for migration
Home to a large diaspora in Europe

Due to these factors and the complexity of its domestic and foreign affairs, CATS supports research that provides critical insights for both academia and policy circles.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants from any country can apply. The fellowship is open to:

Senior and early-career researchers
Think tank professionals
Policy analysts and practitioners
PhD candidates with a strong research record on Turkey

Required Documents

Applicants must submit a single PDF (in English or German) that includes:

Cover Letter (indicating preferred fellowship duration and start date)
Research Proposal (max. 5 pages) including:
- Title and relevance
- Research questions and methodology
- Overview of existing literature and bibliography
Curriculum Vitae (CV) with publication list
Academic transcripts and diplomas (translations not required)

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by CATS and SWP experts based on:

Research and publication quality
Relevance to Turkish and international affairs
Originality and feasibility of the proposal
Potential for public impact
Preference for applicants who haven’t previously received CATS funding

Application process

Email your complete application as a single PDF to: CATS@swp-berlin.org
Deadline: 12 May 2025

Note: Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Why Apply?

The CATS Fellowship is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant research community in Berlin while contributing to policy-relevant work on one of the most geopolitically significant countries in Europe’s orbit. With generous funding and institutional support, this program is tailored for researchers ready to make an impact.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply