Applications open for Einstein Fellowship 2026

The prestigious Einstein Fellowship, organized by the Einstein Forum, has officially opened applications for 2026. Designed for young scholars and researchers, the program offers a unique opportunity to pursue an independent project while residing in Germany for six months. The fellowship is funded by the Wittenstein Foundation. It was previously supported by the ZEIT Foundation Ebelin and Gerd Bucerius and the Daimler and Benz Foundation. The program aims to support outstanding young thinkers whose proposed projects demonstrate originality, quality, and feasibility, along with exceptional intellectual development.

What does the funding include?

Fellows will receive a stipend of €10,000. In addition, travel expenses to and from Germany will be reimbursed.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be under 35 years old
• Hold a university degree in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences

It is not required to have started or completed a PhD.

What does the program cover?

Selected fellows will:

• Live for six months in the garden cottage near Einstein's Summerhouse
• Benefit from proximity to major academic institutions in Potsdam and Berlin

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• A CV
• A two-page project proposal
• Two letters of recommendation
• (Optional) A cover letter

All documents must be submitted in PDF format. Alternatively, referees may send recommendation letters directly via email to fellowship@einsteinforum.de.

What is the schedule of the program?

• Application deadline: May 15, 2026
• Program duration: 6 months