The Einstein Forum and the Wittenstein Foundation are offering the prestigious Einstein Fellowship for 2026. The fully funded fellowship supports outstanding young thinkers who wish to pursue innovative projects outside their previous research fields. Inspired by Albert Einstein’s legacy of interdisciplinary curiosity, the fellowship seeks individuals who excel in their area of specialization but are also open to exploring new disciplines.
The fellowship provides an incredible opportunity to live and work in the serene garden cottage of Einstein’s own summerhouse in Caputh, Brandenburg. Located near Potsdam and Berlin, this environment fosters both reflection and academic engagement. The fellowship lasts five to six months and includes a stipend of EUR 10,000, along with reimbursement for travel expenses.
Candidates must be under 35 and hold a university degree in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences. The fellowship is designed to support original, high-quality projects that demonstrate intellectual excellence and creativity. Importantly, the proposed project should differ significantly from the applicant’s previous work and is not intended to support dissertation research.
At the end of the fellowship, recipients will present their projects in a public lecture at the Einstein Forum and the Wittenstein Foundation. This is a unique chance to showcase your work to an international audience of scholars and thinkers.
Quick Overview of Einstein Fellowship 2026
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Institution: Einstein Forum and the Wittenstein Foundation
- Deadline: May 15, 2025
- Programs: Open to projects in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences
- Value: EUR 10,000 stipend, travel reimbursement, and accommodation for 5-6 months
- Age Limit: Under 35
- Eligibility: University degree holders in relevant fields, with an original project different from previous research
Perks of Fully Funded Fellowships for International Students 2026
- Live in the historic garden cottage of Albert Einstein’s summerhouse, offering an inspiring and peaceful environment.
- Receive a EUR 10,000 stipend to support your living expenses during the fellowship.
- The program reimburses your travel expenses to ensure it covers your journey to Germany.
- Engage with vibrant academic communities in Potsdam and Berlin, expanding your professional network.
- Present your project at a public lecture at the Einstein Forum and the Wittenstein Foundation, showcasing your work to an international audience.
Benefits of Wittenstein Foundation Fellowships 2026
- Gain hands-on experience working on an interdisciplinary project that broadens your academic horizons.
- Enhance your academic profile by presenting your research to scholars, intellectuals, and thought leaders from around the world.
- Experience personal development in a unique historical setting that encourages creativity, independent thinking, and self-reflection.
- Immerse yourself in German culture, history, and academic traditions while living in Brandenburg, near Berlin.
- Develop new perspectives by exploring fields beyond your initial area of expertise.
Exclusions of Young Thinkers Fellowships in Germany 2026
- Not available for dissertation research
- Proposed projects must differ from prior academic work
- Family travel expenses are not covered
Eligibility Criteria of Germany Academic Fellowships 2026
- Applicants must be under 35 years old at the time of application.
- Hold a university degree in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences.
- Submit a project proposal that is significantly different from your previous academic work, showcasing creativity and innovation.
- Demonstrate superior intellectual development, originality, and feasibility in your proposed project.
- Applicants from all countries can apply, and they do not need to have a PhD or be enrolled in a doctoral program.
Important Dates of Einstein Fellowship 2026
- Application Deadline: May 15, 2025
- Fellowship Duration: 5-6 months (dates to be confirmed upon selection)
How to Apply for Einstein Fellowship 2026
- Prepare Your CV highlighting your academic achievements, work experience, and relevant skills.
- Write a Two-Page Project Proposal that clearly describes your project, its objectives, methodology, and how it differs from your previous work.
- Obtain Two Letters of Recommendation from referees who can attest to your intellectual abilities and the potential of your project.
- Ensure all documents are in PDF format.
- Apply online at https://www.einsteinforum.de/fellowship/ before the deadline.
- While not mandatory, a cover letter can provide additional context about your motivation and goals.
Required Documents for the Fully Funded Fellowship 2026
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two-page project proposal
- Two letters of recommendation
For more information and to apply, visit the official Einstein Forum website.
