Application Deadline: 1 February 2026 (12:00 CET)
Applications are currently being accepted for the prestigious 2026 Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships, designed to support emerging researchers from developing regions. This initiative offers up to eight (post-)doctoral scholarships for an on-campus research tenure at the Zukunftskolleg in Konstanz, Germany. The fellowship duration is typically three months, with the possibility to extend to four months if a strong justification is provided. Complementing the physical research stay, fellows will also engage in a 12-month digital affiliation starting from 1 August 2026, while the preferred commencement for the on-site fellowship is 1 October 2026.
The Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships aim to empower early-career scholars originating from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, whose research aligns with any of the thirteen departments at the University of Konstanz. This fellowship presents a valuable opportunity to broaden your academic network and familiarize yourself with the vibrant research community at the University of Konstanz, all while retaining your current academic position in your home country.
Recognizing the importance of fostering connections to the German and broader European academic landscape, doctoral candidates in their final year are encouraged to apply. Please note that the Zukunftskolleg does not provide employment contracts for ZUKOnnect Fellows.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must have been born in and currently work in a country located in Latin America, Asia, or Africa.
- You hold a doctoral degree awarded after 15 February 2024, with a maximum of two years elapsed since graduation, or you are a doctoral candidate in your final year.
- Your PhD was or will be completed at a university based in one of the aforementioned regions.
- You should not hold a permanent professorship, nor possess a habilitation or an equivalent qualification (Venia legendi).
- Your proposed research project must correspond to one of the disciplines represented at the University of Konstanz.
Application Tracks
- Track A: Applicants are asked to name a prospective collaborator from the University of Konstanz, though prior contact is not mandatory.
- Track N: Candidates must be nominated by a (Junior) professor affiliated with the University of Konstanz.
Preference will be given to applicants who intend to collaborate with existing Zukunftskolleg Fellows or contribute to the interdisciplinary Clusters “Politics of Inequality” or “Collective Behaviour.” Additionally, priority may be extended to candidates from countries that have not yet been represented within the fellowship community.
Fellowship Benefits
- A monthly stipend during the on-site research period: €1,300 for doctoral candidates and €2,000 for postdoctoral researchers, aligned with DAAD guidelines.
- Coverage of standard travel expenses for one economy-class round trip to Konstanz.
- Participation in Zukunftskolleg-organized events and seminars.
- Access to University of Konstanz’s extensive library and IT infrastructure.
- Support services for research activities through the university’s dedicated Research Support team.
- Upon request, a research allowance of up to €750 to assist with project-related expenses.
- Option to arrange a Research Return Visit, wherein a University of Konstanz representative travels to your home institution to facilitate knowledge exchange.
- A digital affiliation lasting 12 months in total, enhanced by a lump sum of up to €900 to support virtual collaboration.
- Availability of German language courses, both online and on-site (subject to confirmation for 2026).
- The Career Kit Plus program, a weekly series of workshops and seminars conducted by university staff and external experts, focusing on topics such as open access publishing, academic writing best practices, career development, funding opportunities, and cultural excursions (program details for 2026 to be finalized).
- “Fellows go Local” initiative, offering social and academic integration opportunities with fellows, staff, and doctoral students in Konstanz. This welcome program is supported by the Universitätsgesellschaft Konstanz.
How to Apply
All application materials must be submitted in English as separate PDF documents through the online application portal. Please quote the reference number 2025/251 in your submission. The application dossier should include the following components:
- A motivation letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining your goals for the research stay at the Zukunftskolleg and demonstrating how your project integrates with the research environment at the university.
- A concise summary of your current research project (up to 3 pages including references).
- A detailed work and timeline plan for your proposed on-campus research activities (maximum 2 pages).
- Your curriculum vitae.
- Supporting documentation, which can either be a doctoral degree certificate or, if still completing your doctorate, a letter from your supervisor confirming your current status.
- For Track A applications: one academic recommendation letter on official letterhead, signed by the referee.
- For Track N applications: a nomination letter from a (Junior) professor at the University of Konstanz will be submitted directly to the Zukunftskolleg.
Please note that any additional documents uploaded beyond those specified will not be considered and will be removed during the eligibility review process.
Further Details
For comprehensive information and updates about the fellowship program, please Visit the Official Webpage of the Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships.
