Kohli Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 in Germany

Kohli Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 invites applications from outstanding international scholars eager to pursue advanced research in sociology and related fields. This prestigious fellowship, supported by the Kohli Foundation for Sociology, provides a transformative opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to refine their academic ideas, initiate new research projects, and build lasting global collaborations. Fellows can choose to conduct their independent research at either the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) in Germany or the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy, making it one of Europe’s most sought-after postdoctoral programs.

Established in honor of Professor Martin Kohli, a pioneering sociologist known for his influential work on life course and generational studies, the fellowship aims to nurture the next generation of researchers committed to advancing sociological thought. Successful applicants will receive full support for a two-year postdoctoral stay, during which they will engage in academic activities, participate in professional development workshops, and contribute innovative research to their respective institutions. This fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars to enhance their academic careers on an international stage.

Benefits

Kohli Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 in Germany will provide following benefits:

• Beyond just financial assistance, the Kohli Fellowship offers a disciplined academic setting where researchers can flourish and elevate their profile in the global academic community.
• Successful applicants gain access to research infrastructure, institutional affiliation, mentorship from seasoned academics, and chances to work together on ongoing projects during the two-year fellowship.
• The fellowship is intended to give the researcher the most freedom for their own work while guaranteeing access to the host institution’s professional and intellectual resources.
• Fellows are urged to make the most of their time by turning their research into publishable articles, attending conferences around the world, and setting up workshops to share their results.
• By participating in talks, seminars, and cooperative events, they are also expected to support the host institution’s intellectual community.
• Candidates leave the fellowship as active members of the international sociological community in addition to being experts in their field of study.

Eligibility Criteria

• All nationalities are eligible to apply for the Kohli Fellowship if they have finished their doctoral studies in sociology or a similar field within the last five years.
• Before the fellowship starts, candidates must have successfully defended their dissertation.
• Candidates whose work relates to the WZB or EUI thematic focus are of special interest to the selection committee; in particular, those who study life course research, generational dynamics, or the sociology of social change. But we also welcome creative work from other branches of sociology.
• Because of the program’s dedication to diversity and inclusion, women and scholars from underrepresented academic backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

Documents Required for Kohli Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

Applicants have to prepare following documents to apply for Kohli Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship:

• Online Application Form
• Transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Passport or birth certificate
• Research Proposal
• Curriculum vitae/resume

Academic Destinations

The Berlin Social Science Center (WZB), Germany

One of the biggest non-university research institutes in Europe, the WZB Berlin Social Science Center serves as a center for multidisciplinary social science research. It focuses on examining social and political change in contemporary nations, tackling topics including democracy, inequality, governance, and the evolution of the labor market.

• Joining WZB as a Kohli Fellow will allow you to join a thriving intellectual community made up of scholars from around the world who are studying a variety of sociological, political, and economic subjects.
• Fellows are assigned to the specialized research unit at WZB that best suits their proposed project and academic background.
• You will have the opportunity to attend national and international conferences, undertake fieldwork, take part in internal seminars, and plan your own workshops or academic events while receiving the fellowship.

The European University Institute (EUI), Italy

A premier center for cutting-edge research in the humanities and social sciences, the European University Institute (EUI) is situated in Fiesole, a charming neighborhood with a view of Florence. The largest postdoctoral training program in Europe, the Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies, welcomes Kohli Fellows housed at EUI.

• Every fellow at EUI is paired with a faculty advisor who serves as a mentor for their career and scientific advancement.
• The vast scholarly resources, multidisciplinary seminars, and training workshops offered by EUI are all accessible to fellows.
• They also plan their own academic activities, conduct fieldwork, and attend conferences. Scholars can develop as autonomous thinkers and contributors to the global social debate in the academically diverse and culturally rich environment of the EUI fellowship.

Selection Procedure of Kohli Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

• The Kohli Fellowship is awarded through a competitive, merit-based selection procedure.
• Applications are reviewed academically by faculty and research committees at the host schools following an initial eligibility screening.
• Candidates who make the short list are invited to interviews, which might take place online or in person.
• Candidates talk about their academic background, research plan, and reasons for applying during these interviews.
• The WZB, EUI, and Kohli Foundation for Sociology work together to make the final choices.
• Since only one fellow is chosen each year, the selected researcher is guaranteed to receive substantial attention, institutional support, and mentorship.
• It is anticipated that successful applicants will live in Berlin or Florence for the term of the fellowship and actively engage in the host institution’s academic life.

How to Apply ?

• Visit the official Kohli Foundation website and carefully review all eligibility criteria and program details.
• Gather your application materials, including a detailed CV, research proposal, motivation letter, copies of your academic certificates, and two reference letters.
• Fill out the online application form accurately, making sure all information is complete and correct.
• Upload all required documents in the specified format and file size mentioned on the website.
• Submit your application before the deadline: 16 November 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• Keep an eye on your email for any updates or interview invitations from the Kohli Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Kohli Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers early-career sociologists of any nationality a fully funded two-year research stay at the WZB in Berlin or the EUI in Italy. Applicants must hold a PhD obtained within five years, submit a proposal and CV, and apply by 16 November 2025 to join in October 2026.