Deadline: August 17, 2025
Are you a young European researcher, policy professional, or changemaker with a bold idea for strengthening the European Union? The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025-2026 is now open for applications, offering up to €25,000 in research funding, expert mentorship, and access to high-level European networks. This prestigious non-resident fellowship empowers emerging leaders to develop innovative projects that address critical issues facing Europe.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about the Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025-2026 and how to apply before the deadline.
About the Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025-2026
The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025-2026 is a one-year, non-resident fellowship programme hosted by the European Charlemagne Prize Academy. It supports forward-thinking individuals from diverse sectors—academia, civil society, business, government—who want to contribute to a stronger and more integrated Europe.
Successful fellows receive financial backing and mentorship to implement research projects that align with the Academy’s annual theme. The fellowship culminates in the publication and public presentation of each fellow’s findings.
Fellowship Benefits
Participants in the Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025-2026 receive:
- Funding up to €25,000 to implement their research project.
- A dedicated mentor with domain expertise.
- Administrative and logistical support from the Charlemagne Prize Academy.
- Networking opportunities at high-level events, including the Charlemagne Prize Summit and Award Ceremony.
- Publication of research in the Academy’s annual report.
- Visibility through collaborations with policy institutions, media, and decision-makers across Europe.
Key Dates and Timeline
- Application opens: July 1, 2025
- Application deadline: August 17, 2025
- Fellowship duration: Approximately late 2025 to autumn 2026
- Final presentation: At the 2026 Charlemagne Prize Summit
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025-2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be under the age of 35
- Hold at least a Master’s degree (or equivalent postgraduate qualification)
- Be a citizen or legal resident of an EU member state (or reside in Europe throughout the fellowship)
- Have C1-level English proficiency
- Submit an innovative, relevant research proposal
- Secure a host organisation within Europe (e.g. a think tank, university, or NGO)
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is ideal for:
- Early-career professionals in public policy, research, international relations, technology, arts, and civil society
- Researchers and analysts from universities, NGOs, think tanks, and media
- Innovators and advocates committed to shaping Europe’s future through bold ideas and empirical analysis
Applicants may apply individually or in small teams, but each fellowship grant is awarded per project.
What’s Expected from Fellows?
Fellows are required to:
- Clearly define their research objectives and align with the Academy’s annual theme
- Participate in quarterly progress check-ins and produce intermediate deliverables
- Publish a final research output, which may include:
- Academic papers
- Policy briefs
- Video essays
- Public presentations
- Attend and present findings at the 2026 Charlemagne Prize Summit
Application Requirements
To apply for the Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025-2026, candidates must submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (PDF)
- A compelling research proposal related to the annual theme
- Optional documents such as references or certificates, compiled into a single PDF
Deadline: August 17, 2025
🔗 Application Links
Final Thoughts
The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2026 is more than just a grant—it’s a platform for young European visionaries to contribute meaningfully to the future of the EU. Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, or advocate, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to gain support, visibility, and access to decision-makers across Europe.
Don’t miss this chance to elevate your work to a continental stage.
For proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.