Deadline: February 1, 2026
Are you an early-career researcher from Africa, Asia, or Latin America seeking international research collaboration in Germany? The Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships 2026 at the University of Konstanz offer an excellent opportunity to connect, research, and grow your academic career in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
About the Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships 2026
The Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships 2026 are designed to support promising early-career researchers from Africa, Asia, and Latin America who wish to enhance their research experience by collaborating with researchers at the University of Konstanz, Germany.
This prestigious fellowship is hosted by the Zukunftskolleg – the University’s Institute for Advanced Study – which promotes international academic exchange and fosters innovative research. The fellowship aims to bridge global research communities and strengthen international collaboration between young scholars and the academic network at Konstanz.
The Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships 2026 are not employment contracts but funded research opportunities that allow recipients to stay temporarily at the University of Konstanz while maintaining ties with their home institutions.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will enjoy a range of financial and academic benefits during the fellowship period, including:
- Monthly stipend: €1,300 for doctoral students and €2,000 for postdoctoral researchers.
- Travel support: Coverage of one economy-class round trip to and from Konstanz.
- Research allowance: Up to €750 (available upon request) for project-related expenses.
- Digital affiliation: A 12-month digital connection to the Zukunftskolleg, with a lump sum of up to €900 to support the online component.
- Access to research infrastructure: Fellows will have access to the University’s library, IT services, and academic resources.
- Professional development opportunities: Participation in workshops, training, and seminars, including those offered through the “Career Kit Plus” program, focusing on academic writing, career development, and funding strategies.
- German language course: Fellows may take part in an online or on-site language course.
- Integration support: The “Fellows Go Local” program helps fellows integrate socially and academically during their stay in Konstanz.
Duration and Timeline
- Application deadline: February 1, 2026 (12:00 CET)
- Start date: October 1, 2026
- The fellowship includes both an in-person research stay at the University of Konstanz and a subsequent digital affiliation.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must have been born and currently working in Africa, Asia, or Latin America.
- Must hold a doctoral degree (completed after February 15, 2024) or be a doctoral candidate in the final year of studies at a university in one of the eligible regions.
- Must not hold a permanent professorship or equivalent position.
- The proposed research project must align with one of the 13 departments at the University of Konstanz.
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic track record and a compelling motivation to collaborate with researchers at Konstanz.
Application Process
The fellowship has two tracks:
- Track A: Applicants independently propose a collaboration with a researcher at the University of Konstanz.
- Track N: Applicants are nominated by a (junior) professor at the University of Konstanz.
Required application documents:
- Motivation letter
- Project summary and detailed work plan
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Doctoral certificate or a confirmation letter from the supervisor
- Reference or nomination letter (depending on the application track)
Preference is given to applicants from countries not yet represented among current fellows and to research projects that align with the university’s priority clusters such as Politics of Inequality and Collective Behaviour.
Who Should Apply
The Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships 2026 are ideal for:
- Early-career researchers from Africa, Asia, or Latin America
- Scholars completing or having recently completed a PhD
- Academics interested in international collaboration and interdisciplinary research
- Researchers aiming to broaden their networks and gain access to advanced academic resources in Germany
Why Apply
This fellowship offers a unique platform to strengthen your research profile, engage in intercultural exchange, and gain visibility within a global academic network. By participating, fellows not only advance their careers but also contribute to bridging academic communities across continents.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
Fellowship Start Date: October 1, 2026
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