Scholarships

CATS Fellowships In Berlin 2026 (Fully Funded)

20th April 20250 Comment0

Are you a researcher, think tank member, or policy practitioner seeking a fully funded Turkey research fellowship in Berlin? The Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at the Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) is now accepting applications for its prestigious CATS SWP Turkey policy fellowship 2025/2026. Situated at one of Europe’s leading foreign policy institutes, this Berlin think tank fellowship provides a unique platform to analyze Turkey’s domestic politics, societal changes, and strategic role in NATO, the EU, and beyond.

Over six to twelve months, CATS Fellows collaborate with SWP experts, produce policy‑relevant publications, and gain unparalleled access to Germany’s capital as a hub for international relations and security studies. With a monthly grant of €2,800–€3,000, travel budgets, and family support options, this program ensures you can focus fully on your research project in one of the world’s most dynamic policy environments.

About the CATS Fellowships

The Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at SWP in Berlin offers fellowships to:

Established researchers and think tank professionals
Practitioners with solid policy experience on Turkey
Advanced doctoral candidates with a strong research track record in Turkey-related issues

Fellowship Duration & Location

Duration: 6–12 months (starting September 2025 at the earliest)
Location: Berlin, Germany (residency required throughout, except during approved research trips)

Working Languages

English and/or German, depending on your project’s scope and publication plans.

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Why Apply?

Turkey’s geostrategic importance — from its NATO membership and EU economic ties to migration dynamics and expanding influence across Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East — makes it a critical focus for European policymakers. Yet divergent interests and perspectives can erode trust. As a CATS Fellow, you will:

Shape European policy through rigorous, policy‑oriented research

Publish in SWP’s peer‑reviewed journals and CATS briefing papers

Network with leading academics, diplomats, and civil society actors in Berlin

Enhance your career prospects in academia, government, or international organizations

Fellowship Benefits

Monthly Grant: €2,800 (junior candidates) or €3,000 (senior candidates)

Research Travel Budget: Funding for field trips pertinent to your project

Travel Allowance: Round‑trip airfare to and from Berlin covered by CATS

Family Support: Additional assistance if accompanied by children

Workspace & Resources: Full access to SWP and CATS facilities, libraries, and events

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be researchers, think tank professionals, or advanced doctoral candidates with expertise in Turkey‑related topics.
Demonstrate extensive research experience and a record of significant publications.
Propose a project linking academic rigour with actionable policy recommendations.
Commit to residing in Berlin for the fellowship period (excluding planned research trips).

Preference is given to candidates who have not previously received CATS funding.

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How to Apply

Submit a single PDF (in English or German) containing, in this order:

Cover Letter (1 page) — preferred start date and duration
Research Proposal (max. 5 pages; 12 pt Times New Roman; 1.5 line spacing; 2 cm margins) covering:
- Project title, objectives, and policy relevance
- Literature review and current research landscape
- Theoretical/methodological approach
- Bibliography
Curriculum Vitae — including a publication list
Academic Transcripts & Diplomas — no translation required