Germany Leo Baeck Fellowship 2026
The Leo Baeck Fellowship Program has officially opened applications for its 2026 cohort, offering exceptional opportunities for doctoral students specializing in German-Jewish history and culture. This prestigious fellowship provides comprehensive financial and academic support for emerging scholars conducting research on one of modern civilization’s most influential cultural traditions. With applications accepted until February 1, 2026, this competitive program enables doctoral candidates to advance their research while engaging with an international academic community across leading European institutions.
Comprehensive Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive extensive financial and professional support:
- Monthly living allowance of €1,650 for twelve months
- Additional €100 monthly research stipend
- Health insurance subsidy covering 50% of costs (up to €100 monthly)
- Supplementary support for fellows with dependent children
- Enhanced allowance for research conducted outside the home country
- Tuition fee assistance up to €10,000 annually for international study
- Travel and conference funding for academic presentations
- Participation in two intensive workshops in Germany and the United Kingdom
- Membership in an interdisciplinary international research network
- Limited part-time work permission (25% research/teaching or 5 hours weekly)
Eligibility Requirements
Prospective applicants must satisfy these essential criteria:
- Excellent academic record with a completed university degree
- Most recent degree completion after February 2022
- Formal eligibility for doctoral studies or current PhD enrollment
- Research project focused specifically on German-Jewish history or culture
- Willingness to participate in two mandatory in-person workshops
- Proficiency in German and/or English for academic work
- Open to doctoral candidates of all nationalities and universities
- No concurrent scholarship funding during the fellowship period
Application Timeline and Process
The application deadline is February 1, 2026. Follow this strategic approach:
- Document Preparation: Gather all required materials in advance
- PDF Compilation: Create a single PDF containing application documents
- Recommendation Coordination: Arrange separate letter submissions
- Complete Submission: Submit through the designated application portal
- Interview Preparation: Prepare for April/May 2026 video interviews if shortlisted
Required Application Documents
Prepare these essential materials in English or German:
- Completed official application form
- One-page motivation letter outlining academic goals
- Comprehensive curriculum vitae
- University degree certificates with grades and rankings
- Research proposal (maximum five pages)
- Detailed research schedule for 2026/27, including travel plans
- PhD supervisor recommendation letter
- Second academic recommendation letter
- Additional supporting materials as relevant
Selection Criteria and Evaluation
The fellowship committee prioritizes candidates demonstrating:
- Academic excellence and research potential
- Clear alignment with the German-Jewish studies focus
- Feasibility and innovation of the research proposal
- Strong writing and analytical capabilities
- Potential for scholarly contribution to the field
- Interdisciplinary approach and collaborative spirit
- Commitment to workshop participation and community engagement
Program Institutional Support
The fellowship operates through collaboration between:
- Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes (German Academic Scholarship Foundation)
- Leo Baeck Institute London
- Leibniz Institute for Jewish History and Culture – Simon Dubnow
- International network of supporting universities and research centers
- Research Focus and Academic Community
The program emphasizes:
- Historical study of German-Jewish relations and culture
- Interdisciplinary approaches to Jewish studies
- Comparative cultural and historical methodologies
- Archival research and primary source analysis
- Contemporary relevance of historical scholarship
- International academic dialogue and exchange
Strategic Application Recommendations
Prospective applicants should consider:
- Early preparation of the research proposal and supporting documents
- Clear demonstration of the project’s significance to German-Jewish studies
- Specific plans for utilizing fellowship resources and workshops
- Strong recommendation letters from academic mentors
- Attention to application formatting and language requirements
- Preparation for potential interview scenarios and questions
- Program Expectations and Commitments
Selected fellows agree to:
- Full-time dedication to research during the fellowship year
- Active participation in both mandatory workshops
- Regular engagement with the fellowship community
- Acknowledgement of fellowship support in publications
- Compliance with program guidelines and reporting requirements
- Contribution to the intellectual life of the fellowship network
How to Apply
Conclusion
The Leo Baeck Fellowship 2026 represents a transformative opportunity for doctoral scholars to advance German-Jewish studies with comprehensive financial and academic support. We strongly encourage eligible candidates to begin their application preparations early, ensuring they develop compelling research proposals that demonstrate both scholarly rigor and innovative approaches to the field. This prestigious fellowship not only provides substantial financial assistance but also offers invaluable access to international research networks and academic resources that can significantly accelerate scholarly careers. Prospective applicants should consult the program’s official guidelines for detailed requirements and ensure they submit complete applications before the February 2026 deadline. The fellowship’s commitment to interdisciplinary exchange and international collaboration creates exceptional opportunities for emerging scholars to contribute meaningfully to the understanding of German-Jewish history and culture within global academic discourse.
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