The CATS Fellowships 2026–2027 in Germany offer a highly competitive, research-focused opportunity for postdoctoral scholars, policy experts, and practitioners working on Turkey-related topics. Hosted by the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) in Berlin, this fellowship provides a €3,000 monthly stipend, travel support, and research funding for international applicants. If you are an early-career or experienced researcher aiming to contribute to policy-relevant research in Europe, this fellowship offers a strong platform to publish, collaborate, and build international academic visibility.

CATS Fellowships in Germany 2026-Overview

Host Country: Germany
Host Organization: Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS), SWP Berlin
Fellowship Level: Postdoctoral / Early Career Researchers / Practitioners
Duration: 6 to 12 months
Funding Type: Fully Funded (Monthly Stipend + Travel + Research Budget)
Start Date: From September 2026
Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
Eligible Applicants: International researchers and professionals

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Available Research Areas for Germany Fellowships 2026

Applicants must align their proposal with one of the following thematic areas:

1. Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI governance and national strategies
Digital infrastructure and public administration
AI in defence and cyber resilience
Economic and labor impacts of digital transformation

2. Critical Raw Materials (CRMs)

Resource governance and extraction strategies
Geopolitics of critical minerals
EU–Turkey cooperation in raw materials
Industrial and economic transformation

3. Energy Transition and Climate Change

Energy policy and transition roadmap
Climate governance and societal impact
Water scarcity and environmental security
EU–Turkey climate cooperation

4. Turkish Foreign and Security Policy

Geopolitical strategy and regional influence
NATO relations and strategic autonomy
Black Sea and South Caucasus dynamics
Energy security and infrastructure geopolitics

These topics reflect high-priority global policy areas, making the fellowship particularly relevant for applicants in international relations, political science, energy policy, and security studies.

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Eligibility Criteria for CATS International Fellowships

To apply for the CATS Fellowships 2026–2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Hold a PhD or demonstrate strong research experience (PhD candidates with strong track records may apply)
Have significant publications and academic contributions
Show expertise in Turkey-related research topics
Demonstrate policy relevance and research impact
Be proficient in English or German (working languages)
Ability to reside in Berlin during the fellowship period

Selection is based on academic merit, research relevance, feasibility, and public impact.

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Application Process for CATS Research Fellowship in Germany

Follow these steps to apply for fellowships in Germany for international researchers:

Step 1: Visit the official CATS Fellowships 2026 page and Carefully review research themes and eligibility

Click Here to Visit the Call for Applications: CATS Fellowships 2026/2027 for Research Jobs in Germany

Step 2: Prepare the following application documents for CATS Fellowships to study in Germany scholarships and Compile everything into a single PDF file

Cover letter
Research proposal (max. 5 pages)
Academic CV with publications
Academic transcripts/diplomas

Step 3: Submit the CATS think tank fellowships application in Europe via

email to: catsapplication@swp-berlin.org

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Benefits of CATS Fellowships 2026–2027

Selected fellows will receive:

€3,000 monthly stipend
Research funding budget for fieldwork and travel
Travel costs covered (to and from Berlin)
Opportunity to publish in peer-reviewed SWP/CATS outputs
Access to top-tier policy research networks in Europe
Additional family support (if applicable)

This fellowship is ideal for researchers seeking policy engagement and international exposure.

Why This Fellowship Is Highly Competitive

The CATS Fellowship stands out due to:

Strong affiliation with SWP Berlin, a leading European policy institute
Focus on geopolitics, AI, energy, and global security
Limited fellowship slots with high funding
Direct access to policy-making and research networks

Applicants must present a clear, impactful research proposal aligned with European policy priorities.

Apply Now- Research in Germany

The CATS Fellowships 2026–2027 in Germany provide an exceptional opportunity for researchers to work at the intersection of academia and policy. With a generous stipend, research funding, and access to top European institutions, this program is ideal for scholars focusing on Turkey’s role in global affairs. If your research aligns with digitalisation, energy, geopolitics, or critical materials, this fellowship can significantly elevate your academic and professional trajectory.

Click Here for Official Call for Applications: CATS Germany Fellowships in Europe 2026/2027

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