The CATS Fellowship Programs 2026 offer a fully funded research opportunity in Germany for international scholars, policy experts and researchers focusing on Turkey-related studies. Hosted in Berlin, this fellowship supports in-depth, policy-relevant research while connecting fellows with one of Europe’s leading policy institutes.
The program is organized by the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), a well-established institution advising policymakers in Germany and across Europe.
What is the CATS Fellowship Program?
The CATS Fellowship is a 6 to 12-month research program designed for individuals working on topics related to Turkey’s politics, society, economy and international relations. It emphasizes policy-oriented research, helping bridge the gap between academic work and real-world decision-making.
Fellows contribute to ongoing discussions about EU–Turkey relations, regional security and global policy challenges, making this program highly relevant for researchers in international affairs.
CATS Fellowship Programs 2026 Overview
- Host Country: Germany
- Location: Berlin
- Duration: 6–12 Months
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Eligible Applicants: All Nationalities
- Deadline: 30 April 2026
Why Choose the CATS Fellowship?
This fellowship is particularly valuable for researchers aiming to influence policy discussions:
- Work within a leading European think tank
- Collaborate with experts at SWP and CATS
- Publish research in peer-reviewed formats
- Engage with policymakers and academic networks
- Access Berlin’s global research community
Financial Benefits
The CATS Fellowship provides a comprehensive financial package:
- Monthly stipend of €2,800 – €3,000 (based on experience)
- Travel costs to and from Berlin
- Research travel budget
- Family support (if applicable)
- Access to institutional resources and networks
Research Themes
The fellowship supports innovative research in key areas related to Turkey and its global role:
- Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence
- Critical Raw Materials (CRMs)
- Energy transition and climate policy
- Turkish foreign and security policy
- Regional geopolitics and EU–Turkey relations
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Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the CATS Fellowship Programs 2026, candidates must:
- Be researchers, policy experts, or think tank professionals working on Turkey-related topics
- Early-career academics (including PhD candidates) with a strong research record can apply
- Demonstrate the ability to connect academic research with policy impact
- Have a clear and relevant research proposal
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare the following:
- Cover Letter (1 page with preferred start date and duration)
- Research Proposal (max 5 pages, including objectives, methodology & references)
- Academic transcripts
- Updated CV or resume
Application Deadline
- Last Date to Apply: 30 April 2026
Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.
How to Apply CATS Fellowship Program?
Follow these steps to submit your application:
- Prepare all required documents in a single PDF file
- Ensure your research proposal aligns with CATS themes
- Email your application to the official CATS email address
- Submit before the deadline
