The KWI International and Thyssen@KWI Fellowships 2027 support postdoctoral researchers pursuing independent projects in the humanities, cultural studies and social sciences. Both six-month fellowships take place at the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities in Essen, Germany, from 1 April to 30 September 2027. Applications must be submitted by 17 August 2026.
Programme Snapshot
Programmes: KWI International Fellowships and Thyssen@KWI Fellowship
Category: Postdoctoral research fellowships
Host: Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities
Country: Germany
Location: Essen
Duration: Six months
Fellowship Dates: 1 April–30 September 2027
Application Deadline: 17 August 2026
About the KWI International and Thyssen@KWI Fellowships 2027
The Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities, known as KWI, supports interdisciplinary research across the humanities and social sciences. The 2027 call covers two separate fellowship tracks with different postdoctoral experience and nationality requirements.
Fellows pursue independent research connected to KWI’s programme. Possible project formats include completing a book or special issue, finalising a research proposal, establishing a research group or developing collaboration with universities in the University Alliance Ruhr.
KWI’s current research areas include:
• Science studies
• Visual literacy
• Aesthetic practices
• Constellations of historical impact
• Dialogues between the cultural and social sciences
Applicants should ensure that their proposed project has a clear connection to the institute’s research agenda.
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KWI International Fellowships
The KWI International Fellowships are designed for researchers from the humanities, cultural studies and social sciences who are in the earlier stages of their postdoctoral careers.
Applicants must:
• Have completed a PhD
• Normally have no more than six years of postdoctoral experience
• Propose a project aligned with KWI’s research programme
• Apply as an individual researcher
• Be available for the full fellowship period in Essen
Researchers from around the world may apply. German nationals are eligible only when they are currently employed by an institution outside Germany.
KWI may consider applicants who exceed the six-year postdoctoral limit in certain circumstances. Examples mentioned in the official FAQ include research-related professional employment, parenthood and being a scholar at risk.
Thyssen@KWI Fellowship
The Thyssen@KWI Fellowship is integrated into KWI’s wider international fellowship programme and is supported by the Fritz Thyssen Foundation.
It is intended for researchers who:
• Have completed a PhD
• Have gained several years of postdoctoral research experience
• Demonstrate international research contacts and professional experience
• Propose an advanced project connected to KWI’s research areas
• Submit a project that differs from their doctoral research
The Thyssen@KWI Fellowship does not set the same six-year postdoctoral limit as the KWI International Fellowships. Researchers of all nationalities may apply, including German nationals who can demonstrate strong international research engagement.
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Fellowship Support and Research Environment
Selected fellows receive access to KWI’s research environment throughout the six-month residency.
Confirmed support includes:
✓ Modern research infrastructure
✓ Office space
✓ Technical support
✓ Library services
✓ Research and event management
✓ Administrative support
✓ Communication support
✓ Opportunities to engage with researchers in the University Alliance Ruhr
Travel expenses for the fellow’s arrival at and departure from KWI may be partially reimbursed. However, the fellowship does not provide an additional family allowance or reimburse travel expenses for accompanying relatives. A parent-child office is available and may be booked by fellows with children.
Required Application Documents
Applications for both fellowship tracks must be prepared in English and submitted as one PDF file.
The application must contain:
• Curriculum vitae
• List of publications
• Digital copy of the PhD certificate
• Proposal outlining the proposed KWI project
• Project proposal of no more than 5,000 characters, including spaces
The complete PDF must not exceed 20 MB. Applications submitted as multiple files, Word documents or links to external file-sharing platforms will not be accepted.
Applicants should verify that every required document is included before submission. Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
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How to Submit an Application
Applications must be sent electronically to the official fellowship email address provided by KWI.
Applicants should:
• Choose the appropriate fellowship track
• Prepare all documents in English
• Combine the complete application into one PDF
• Confirm that the PDF does not exceed 20 MB
• Submit the application by email before 17 August 2026
• Use the required subject line for the selected fellowship
For the KWI International Fellowships, the email subject line must be:
KWI INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS
For the Thyssen@KWI Fellowship, the email subject line must be:
THYSSEN@KWI-FELLOWSHIP
Applicants may submit an updated version during the application period if they identify an error. However, KWI does not accept corrections after the evaluation process has started or after the deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for both fellowship tracks is:
17 August 2026
The fellowship residency will run from 1 April to 30 September 2027. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Apply Here
Read the official announcement carefully and follow the stated application instructions.
➤ Read the Official KWI International and Thyssen@KWI Fellowships Announcement
