CATS Fellowships Research in Berlin Germany 2026

The Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin invites applications for its fully funded research fellowship program for the 2026–2027 term.

This opportunity is open to post‑doctoral researchers, think tank members, and practitioners working on Turkey‑related issues. Researchers who have not yet completed their PhD but have a strong publication record in Turkey studies are also eligible.

Fellows receive a monthly grant of €3,000, a research budget, travel coverage, and additional support for families. If you are looking for similar funded opportunities in Europe, explore fully funded scholarships in Germany for international students.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Institution: Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at SWP, Berlin

• Duration: 6 to 12 months (starting September 2026 at the earliest)

• Monthly Grant: €3,000

• Additional Benefits: Research trip budget, travel costs to/from Berlin, family support if accompanied by children

• Language: English or German

• Application Deadline: 30 April 2026

• Application Fee: None

Research Fields

For 2026–2027, CATS offers fellowships in four priority areas:

1. Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Examine Turkey’s digital strategy, AI capabilities, defence industry transformation, domestic governance, and economic impacts.

2. Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) – Explore Turkey’s CRM policies, geoeconomic positioning, foreign policy implications, and political economy of extraction.

3. Energy Transition and Climate Change – Investigate Turkey’s energy roadmap, climate commitments, state‑society relations, water governance, and EU‑Turkey cooperation.

4. Turkish Foreign and Security Policy amid Geopolitical Turmoil – Analyse Turkey’s strategic priorities, maritime security, Black Sea dynamics, and engagement with the South Caucasus and Caspian energy.

For researchers interested in similar policy‑focused fellowships in other countries, check latest scholarships in United Kingdom for all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

• You are a post‑doctoral researcher, think tank member, or practitioner with experience in Turkey‑related issues OR a researcher who has not yet completed your PhD but have a strong publication record in Turkey studies.

• You can demonstrate extensive research experience and significant academic publications.

• You are ready to live full‑time in Berlin during the fellowship.

• No nationality restrictions – the program is open to qualified candidates from all countries.

What the Fellowship Offers

• A monthly grant of €3,000 for the entire fellowship period

• A dedicated budget for research trips and fieldwork

• Full coverage of travel costs to and from Berlin at the beginning and end of the fellowship

• Additional financial support if you bring children with you

• The opportunity to collaborate with researchers at CATS and SWP

• Publication of results in peer‑reviewed CATS and SWP outputs

For those seeking other postdoctoral opportunities in North America, see financial aids for students in USA.

How to Apply

Prepare a single PDF file in English or German containing the following documents in this exact order:

1. Cover letter

2. Research proposal (maximum 5 pages, 2 cm margins, 1.5 line spacing, 12pt Times New Roman). Your proposal must include:

   • Research topic, questions/objectives, and academic/policy relevance

   • Overview of the state of research in the field

   • Theoretical and methodological approaches

   • Bibliography

3. CV with a full list of academic publications

4. Copies of academic transcripts and/or diplomas (no translation needed)

Email the complete PDF to: catsapplication@swp-berlin.org

Incomplete applications will not be considered. The selection committee evaluates applications based on academic and professional merit, relevance to the research fields, coherence and feasibility, and public outreach potential. Preference is given to applicants who have not previously received CATS funding.

For queries, contact: CATS@swp-berlin.org

For additional research funding options in Asia, explore list of all open scholarships in Asia.

Final Thoughts

The CATS Fellowships offer a unique chance to conduct cutting‑edge research on Turkey in the heart of Berlin. With a generous monthly stipend, research budget, and family support, you can focus entirely on your project while engaging with a network of experts at one of Germany’s leading foreign policy institutes. The deadline is 30 April 2026 – prepare your proposal and apply today.

Apply Now for CATS Fellowships 2026–2027