The Wiko Early Career Humanities and Social Sciences Fellowship 2027/2028 is now open for applications. Offered by the Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin (Institute for Advanced Study), this fully funded fellowship is designed for early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. The program welcomes applications from scholars of all nationalities who want to spend ten months pursuing an independent research project in Berlin, Germany.
The fellowship provides researchers with the freedom to focus on their own academic work in an interdisciplinary environment. Fellows will live and work at the Wissenschaftskolleg from September 2027 to June 2028, collaborating with researchers from different disciplines. Unlike many research programs, there are no teaching or administrative responsibilities. Fellows are only expected to reside at the institute, participate in the academic community, attend the weekly colloquium, and join daily shared meals that encourage intellectual discussion.
The Wiko Early Career Fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for researchers seeking international academic experience and collaboration. Fellows will benefit from access to a world-class research environment, networking opportunities with leading scholars, and dedicated time to advance their research projects.
WhatsApp ChannelQuick Overview of Wiko Early Career Humanities and Social Sciences Fellowship
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institution: Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin (Institute for Advanced Study)
- Fellowship Duration: 10 months (September 2027 to June 2028)
- Eligible Nationalities: All nationalities
- Eligible Fields: Humanities and Social Sciences
- Application Deadline: 1 September 2026
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Benefits of the Wiko Early Career Fellowship
Selected fellows will receive several benefits during their residency in Berlin, including:
- Opportunity to conduct independent research for ten months.
- Membership in an international interdisciplinary academic community.
- Time dedicated exclusively to research without teaching obligations.
- Access to seminars, weekly colloquia, and academic discussions.
- Opportunities to collaborate with leading international scholars.
- Professional networking and long-term academic partnerships.
- Supportive research environment at one of Germany’s leading institutes for advanced study.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Applications are open to candidates of all nationalities.
- Applicants must hold a PhD in a humanities or social sciences discipline.
- The doctorate must have been awarded no earlier than five years before the fellowship begins.
- Career breaks, care responsibilities, part-time employment, and similar circumstances may be considered when calculating the five-year eligibility period.
- Applicants must satisfy the general fellowship requirements of the Wissenschaftskolleg.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents through the online application portal:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (including publication list)
- Research project proposal (approximately 500 words, including up to 10 references)
- One recent academic article in German, English, or French
- Motivation letter (approximately 200 words)
- Personal and institutional information
- Project title
- Short biography
- Bibliographic information for at least three major publications (including at least one publication in English)
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Academic qualifications
- Research achievements and publication record
- Quality and originality of the proposed research project
- Suitability of the project for the fellowship
How to Apply for the Wiko Early Career Humanities and Social Sciences Fellowship 2027/2028?
Applicants must submit their applications online through the official Wiko application portal before the deadline. All required documents should be uploaded in PDF format. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Before applying, candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements and prepare all supporting documents according to the application guidelines.
Application Deadline: 1 September 2026
Official Website: https://www.wiko-berlin.de/en/becoming-a-fellow/wiko-early-career-calls/early-career-call-humanities-and-social-sciences
