Study in Germany | University Alliance Ruhr International Senior Fellowship 2026
If you are a senior researcher in the social sciences or humanities, this is an exciting opportunity you don’t want to miss. With a strong academic background and a passion for international collaboration, you can immerse yourself in one of Europe’s most dynamic research environments for six months.
This program not only offers the chance to expand your own knowledge and work alongside esteemed colleagues but also allows you to contribute to innovative projects that can have a significant impact on your field. The vibrant research setting fosters interdisciplinary dialogue, encourages the sharing of ideas, and provides access to valuable resources and networks.
Whether you’re looking to enhance your research portfolio, collaborate on groundbreaking studies, or simply experience a new cultural landscape, this opportunity promises to be both professionally rewarding and personally enriching.
About the Fellowship
The International Senior Fellowship Programme 2026/2027, organized by the College for Social Sciences and Humanities, which is part of the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr) in Germany welcomes distinguished international researchers to engage in their chosen research initiatives in collaboration with local faculty from the universities of Duisburg-Essen, Bochum, or Dortmund.
Fellowships start on either 1 March 2026 or 1 September 2026 and last for a duration of six months in Essen, Germany.
Funding Details
The program provides adaptable financial assistance depending on your job circumstances:
For Fellows Receiving Paid Leave from Their Home Institution:
- Monthly stipend: €3,050
- Family allowance (if applicable): €250
- Mobility allowance: €125
- All expenses for travel and visa will be completely reimbursed.
- Collaboration budget for the project: maximum of €7,500 (€1,250 per month).
For Fellows on Uncompensated Leave:
- Option 1: Salary comparable to W3 professorship (~€7,100/month before taxes)
- Option 2: Monthly fellowship stipend: €5,000 (before tax)
- Home institution substitute expenses might also be included.
Benefits of the Research Environment
- Committed workspace at the College equipped with contemporary amenities.
- Availability to Germany’s leading research centers, featuring connections with Max Planck, Leibniz Institutes, and EU research networks.
- Nearby cultural centers in Düsseldorf, Cologne, and the Netherlands.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, candidates need to:
- Maintain an association with an overseas university or research organization during the fellowship.
- Possess a PhD obtained no less than 6 years prior.
- Show a strong publication history in social sciences or humanities.
- Form a joint partnership with an R3+ level researcher at UA Ruhr prior to applying.
How to Apply
Application Deadline
The final deadline to submit applications for the International Senior Fellowship Programme 2026/2027 is 25 May 2025 (23:59 CEST). The selection procedure is scheduled for July 2025, at which point candidates on the shortlist might be called for video interviews. Those who are successful will receive notifications soon after the selection procedure ends in July. Chosen Fellows will have the choice to start their fellowship on either 1 March 2026 or 1 September 2026.
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