Wiko Early Career Fellowship in Germany 2027 – Humanities and Social Sciences

Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin

Fellowships
Germany
November 1, 2026

The Wiko Early Career Fellowship is a research opportunity offered by Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin in Germany. It welcomes early-career researchers from all countries who have a PhD in the humanities or social sciences. Selected researchers can spend 10 months in Berlin working on their own research projects and joining an international academic community.

Quick Details

Category	Details
Host Country	Germany
Host Institution	Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin
Fellowship Name	Wiko Early Career Call
Study Level	Postdoctoral Research
Eligible Applicants	Researchers from all countries
Research Areas	Humanities and Social Sciences
Fellowship Duration	10 months
Funding	Individual financial support
Accommodation	Furnished accommodation available
Deadline	1 September each year
Application Method	Online application

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Scholarship Benefits

The Wissenschaftskolleg offers financial and practical support to invited Fellows. The exact financial conditions depend on each researcher’s situation and agreement with the institute.

Financial Support: The institute may provide a stipend based on the researcher’s previous income.
Salary Support: Financial support may cover part of the salary difference during the fellowship.
Additional Allowance: Some eligible Fellows receive an additional €850 per month for local costs.
Accommodation: Furnished apartments are available for invited Fellows.
Housing Support: The institute covers part of the housing costs under its housing rules.
Travel Costs: The institute covers the Fellow’s arrival and departure expenses.
Family Travel: Eligible Fellows staying longer than three months may receive travel support for their partner and children.
Research Environment: Fellows can work on their own research projects in Berlin.
Academic Community: Fellows can meet researchers from different academic fields and countries.

Important: There is no single fixed stipend for every applicant. Financial support is decided through an individual agreement. The €850 allowance is also subject to specific conditions.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Nationality: Researchers from all countries can apply.
Academic Qualification: Applicants must hold a PhD in the humanities or social sciences.
PhD Date: The doctorate must have been obtained no earlier than five years before the fellowship starts.
Career Stage: Applicants must be early-career researchers.
Research Background: Applicants should have a strong academic background and relevant publications.
Research Project: Applicants must present a research project they plan to complete in Berlin.
Academic Publications: Applicants must meet the institute’s publication requirements.
Research Location: Applicants must be able to carry out their projects while living in Berlin.

Important: The institute may consider career breaks, care work, and part-time employment when calculating the five-year PhD limit. Applicants must provide supporting information.

Available Fields of Study

The fellowship accepts research projects from different subjects in the humanities and social sciences.

Examples include:

History: Historical events, societies, and cultures.
Political Science: Political systems, policies, and international relations.
Sociology: Social changes, communities, and human behaviour.
Philosophy: Philosophical ideas and questions.
Literature: Literary studies and cultural research.
Economics: Economic systems and social development.
Anthropology: Human societies and cultures.
Other Related Fields: Other academic subjects within the humanities and social sciences.

Language Requirements

English: Knowledge of English is required.
German: German is not listed as a compulsory language.
French: French is accepted for application documents.
IELTS/TOEFL: Not specified on the official source as compulsory certificates.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

Academic CV: A detailed curriculum vitae with a list of publications.
Research Proposal: A project description of approximately 500 words, including 10 references.
Recent Research Article: One recent article that represents the applicant’s academic work.
Motivation Letter: A letter explaining the applicant’s interest in the fellowship, approximately 200 words.
Publication Information: Details of at least three major academic publications, including at least one published in English.
Personal Information: Name, address, academic qualifications, and degree dates.

File Format: The four main documents must be uploaded as PDF files. Each file must not exceed 10 MB.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit their applications through the official online application platform.

Step 1 – Check Eligibility: Make sure your PhD and research background meet the requirements.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Research Project: Write a research proposal of approximately 500 words with 10 references.

Step 3 – Prepare Documents: Collect your CV, research article, motivation letter, and publication information.

Step 4 – Open the Application Portal: Visit the official Wissenschaftskolleg application platform.

Step 5 – Complete the Application: Enter your personal, academic, and research information.

Step 6 – Upload Documents: Upload all four required PDF documents.

Step 7 – Submit Your Application: Submit the complete application before the official deadline.

Apply Through the Official Application Portal

Application Deadline

Regular Deadline: The humanities and social sciences call runs annually from June 1 to September 1.
Current Status: As of November 1, 2026, the regular September 1 deadline has passed.
Next Application Round: The next official application dates have not yet been confirmed.
Late Applications: Incomplete or late applications cannot be considered.

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