About This Opportunity
CATS Fellowship 2026 in Germany – fully funded research fellowship in Berlin
Introduction
The CATS Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded international research opportunity for scholars, professionals, and policy experts. Offered by the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies and hosted at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, this fellowship provides an excellent platform for independent research in the field of international relations and policy studies.
The program is based in Berlin and is designed for researchers who want to contribute to academic and policy discussions on Turkey, Europe, and global affairs.
About CATS Fellowship 2026
The CATS Fellowship 2026 allows selected fellows to conduct independent, high-quality research while engaging with leading experts in international politics and security studies. The fellowship supports academic freedom and encourages innovative policy-oriented research.
Fellows will be hosted at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, one of Europe’s leading think tanks focused on foreign and security policy analysis.
Duration and timeline
The fellowship duration ranges from six to twelve months, depending on the research proposal and academic needs of the applicant. The program is expected to begin in September 2026, offering flexibility for international researchers to plan their stay in Berlin.
Key features of the fellowship
The CATS Fellowship 2026 is designed to support high-impact research and international collaboration. Key features include:
* fully funded research fellowship
* no application fee
* independent research opportunity
* access to leading policy experts
* based in Berlin, Germany
Research focus areas
The fellowship primarily focuses on Turkey, European politics, and international relations. Research themes may include:
* foreign policy and diplomacy
* regional security and conflict studies
* EU-Turkey relations
* migration and social policy
* global governance and international cooperation
These topics are highly relevant to current global political and security challenges.
Who can apply
The CATS Fellowship 2026 is open to international applicants from all countries. Ideal candidates include:
* postdoctoral researchers
* academic scholars
* policy professionals
* think tank researchers
* experienced professionals in international affairs
Applicants should demonstrate strong research skills, academic background, and a clear proposal aligned with the fellowship’s focus areas.
Benefits of CATS Fellowship 2026
This fully funded fellowship offers a wide range of benefits, making it highly attractive for researchers worldwide.
Key benefits include:
* monthly stipend (fully funded support)
* research funding and resources
* access to academic networks and policy experts
* opportunity to work in a leading European think tank
* international research exposure in Berlin
These benefits allow fellows to focus entirely on their research without financial stress.
Why choose CATS Fellowship
The CATS Fellowship stands out as a unique opportunity for researchers interested in international policy and security studies. Hosted by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, it provides direct access to influential researchers and policy discussions in Europe.
Key advantages include:
* collaboration with top experts in international affairs
* exposure to real-world policy-making processes
* opportunity to publish and present research
* strong professional networking opportunities
* contribution to global policy debates
Skills and experience gained
Participants in the CATS Fellowship 2026 gain valuable academic and professional skills, including:
* advanced research and analytical skills
* policy writing and publication experience
* critical thinking in international relations
* interdisciplinary academic collaboration
* engagement with global policy communities
These skills are highly valuable for careers in academia, think tanks, government institutions, and international organizations.
How to apply
The application process for the CATS Fellowship 2026 typically includes:
* submitting an online application form
* providing a detailed research proposal
* submitting CV and academic documents
* letters of recommendation
* selection based on academic excellence and research relevance
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure their proposal aligns with the fellowship’s thematic focus areas.
Why this fellowship is important in 2026
In a rapidly changing global environment, research on international relations and regional politics is more important than ever. The CATS Fellowship 2026 provides researchers with the opportunity to contribute meaningful insights into global policy challenges.
By working in Berlin at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, fellows become part of a high-level research environment that shapes international policy discussions.