CATS Fellowship Programs 2026 in Germany: Fully Funded Opportunity for International Researchers on Turkey Studies

April 16, 2026

Are you a scholar, policy expert, or practitioner passionate about Turkey’s evolving political, economic, and social landscape? The CATS Fellowship Programs 2026 in Germany offer a prestigious, fully funded platform to advance your research while shaping real-world policy discussions in Europe. Hosted by the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin, this fellowship is open to international applicants from all nationalities.

Whether you’re exploring Turkey’s internal dynamics, its shifting relations with Europe and NATO, or its role in regional geopolitics, the CATS Fellowship 2026 provides an exceptional chance to conduct high-impact, policy-relevant research in one of Europe’s leading think tanks. Applications are invited for the 2026–2027 academic year, with fellowships running for 6 to 12 months starting as early as September 2026.

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Official Announcement: Call for Applications – CATS Fellowships 2026/2027 (includes full PDF details).

This program stands out for its focus on bridging academic excellence with practical policy influence. CATS, as the curator of the wider CATS Network, delivers timely analysis to policymakers, media, and the public across Germany and Europe. As a fellow, you’ll collaborate directly with SWP and CATS researchers, gain access to Berlin’s vibrant international research community, and have your work published in peer-reviewed outlets.

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CATS Fellowship Programs 2026 Details

Offered by: Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), Berlin
Duration: 6–12 months (starting September 2026 or later)
Fellowship Coverage: Fully funded
Eligible Nationalities: All nationalities (international students and researchers welcome)
Host Country: Germany
Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
Working Languages: English and/or German

Fellows must reside in Berlin during the fellowship (except for approved research trips) and contribute to CATS’ mission of informing EU-Turkey policy debates amid growing regional complexities.

Financial Benefits of the CATS Fellowship 2026

The program is designed to remove financial barriers so you can focus entirely on impactful research. Benefits include:

Monthly Stipend: €3,000 (fixed amount for all selected fellows)
Research Travel Budget: Dedicated funding for field research and conference travel
Round-Trip Travel Costs: Covered for your journey to and from Berlin
Family Support: Additional assistance if you are accompanied by children
Networking & Collaboration: Direct partnership with SWP and CATS research teams
Publication Opportunities: Peer-reviewed articles in CATS/SWP journals
Berlin Research Ecosystem: Full access to one of Europe’s most dynamic policy and academic communities

These supports make the CATS Fellowship 2026 one of the most comprehensive fully funded opportunities for Turkey-focused researchers worldwide.

Research Themes for 2026–2027

The fellowship prioritizes innovative, policy-oriented projects in four key areas:

Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Turkey’s digital strategy, AI in defence, governance, economy, and society
Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) – Turkey’s role in global supply chains, extraction policies, and geopolitical positioning
Energy Transition and Climate Change – Turkey’s roadmap toward sustainability, COP hosting, and implications for EU relations
Turkish Foreign and Security Policy amid Geopolitical Turmoil – NATO ties, strategic autonomy, regional activism in the Black Sea, MENA, and beyond

Your research must demonstrate clear academic rigor and strong policy relevance to decision-makers in Germany and Europe.

Eligibility Criteria for CATS Fellowship Programs 2026

This opportunity is ideal for:

Post-doctoral researchers, think tank experts, and practitioners with a proven track record on Turkey-related topics
Early-career scholars and PhD candidates who have already made significant contributions to Turkey studies (a completed PhD is not mandatory)
Candidates eager to connect scholarly work with practical policy impact

Strong publication records and a clear commitment to policy-relevant research are highly valued. Previous CATS fellows are welcome to apply, though preference may be given to new applicants in case of equal merit.

Documents Required

Prepare your application as a single PDF file in English or German. Required documents (in this order):

Cover Letter (maximum 1 page) – Include your preferred start date and fellowship duration
Research Proposal (maximum 5 pages, 1.5 line spacing, 12pt Times New Roman, 2 cm margins) covering:
- Research title, objectives, and policy relevance
- Literature review and current state of research
- Theoretical and methodological framework
- Bibliography
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Including a full list of academic publications
Scanned Academic Transcripts/Diplomas (no translations required)

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to Apply for CATS Fellowship Programs 2026

Compile all documents into one single PDF.
Email your complete application to catsapplication@swp-berlin.org by 30 April 2026.
For general queries, contact CATS@swp-berlin.org.

Important Note: SWP will store, process, and share your data with the selection committee. You may object to data processing at any time by emailing cats@swp-berlin.org. Full privacy policy is available on the official SWP website.

Selection is based on academic merit, policy relevance, feasibility of the project, and potential for public outreach.

Why the CATS Fellowship 2026 is a Game-Changer for Your Career

Living and working in Berlin offers unparalleled access to European policy circles, international conferences, and a multicultural research environment. Past fellows have published influential work, built lasting networks, and advanced to leadership roles in academia, think tanks, and government advisory positions. This fellowship not only funds your research but equips you with real-world policy influence—exactly what today’s global challenges demand.

Application Tips for Success

Align your proposal tightly with one of the four priority themes.
Clearly articulate both academic value and policy implications.
Highlight your track record in Turkey-related research.
Proofread thoroughly—clarity and coherence matter.
Submit early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

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Final Reminder: The deadline for the CATS Fellowship Programs 2026 in Germany is 30 April 2026. Prepare your documents, craft a compelling proposal, and take this transformative step toward advancing your research and policy impact.

Apply now and become part of Europe’s leading network on Turkey studies. For the latest scholarships, visa guidance, and study abroad resources, keep following ScholarsRoad.org—your trusted partner for global academic opportunities.

Note: Always verify the latest details on the official CATS website before applying.

Muqadas Hameed

Muqadas Hameed is a scholarship researcher and education writer who specializes in international scholarships, fellowships, and study-abroad opportunities. She helps students discover fully funded programs, application strategies, and academic opportunities worldwide.

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