Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Deadline: February 1, 2026
The Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships 2026 offer an exceptional fully funded opportunity for early-career researchers from developing countries to advance their academic careers at the University of Konstanz, Germany.
The fellowship is designed to promote international research collaboration, support innovative scholars, and strengthen global academic networks. Fellows get the chance to conduct independent research, collaborate with world-class experts, and immerse themselves in one of Europe’s most intellectually stimulating academic environments.
Open to researchers across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and related fields, the fellowship supports individuals who demonstrate outstanding potential and a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in their disciplines.
Benefits
- During the on-campus research stay, a stipend of € 1,300/month for doctoral students and € 2,000/month for postdoctoral researchers (following DAAD guidelines).
- Standard expenses for one economy-class trip to Konstanz and back.
- The chance to participate in events organized by the Zukunftskolleg.
- Access to library resources.
- Access to IT services.
- Access to research support services (via Research Support).
- up to 750€ research allowance upon request
- Research Return Visit by a member of University of Konstanz to your home institution upon request.
- ZUKOnnect Fellows will benefit from a digital affiliation extending the total period to 12 months. The digital affiliation will be supported with up to € 900 (lump sum).
- German language course (online and on site to be confirmed for 2026).
- Career Kit Plus – weekly series of seminars and workshops offered by the University of Konstanz staff members or external trainers (e.g. open access, good practice in academic writing, career perspectives, funding opportunities, but also sight visits and other encounters) Programme for 2026 to be confirmed.
- “Fellows go Local” – ZUKOnnect meetings with fellows, staff, PhD students in town, helping to adjust in the local region supported by the Universitätsgesellschaft Konstanz.
SEE ALSO: TaiwanICDF International Higher Education Scholarship Program 2026 (Fully Funded for Undergraduate, Graduate & PhD Studies in Taiwan)
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants are generally required to:
- Be early-career researchers (typically within 2–7 years post-PhD or equivalent)
- Hold citizenship in a developing or transition country
- Demonstrate strong research potential and academic excellence
- Have a clear research proposal aligned with one of the University of Konstanz’s departments
- Not currently hold a permanent academic position
- Be ready to engage actively with the Zukunftskolleg community
Researchers from all disciplines supported at the university are welcome to apply.
Application Process and Documents Required
Please submit your application documents in English as separate PDF files via our online application portal. The reference number is 2025/251. Applications should include:
- A letter of motivation (including your objectives for the research stay at the Zukunftskolleg and an explanation of how your research ties in with the research landscape at the university; maximum 2 pages)
- Short summary of your ongoing research project (maximum 3 pages incl. references)
- A detailed work and time plan for your on-campus research project at the Zukunftskolleg (maximum 2 pages)
- Your curriculum vitae
- Relevant certificates (doctoral certificate OR a letter from your doctoral supervisor confirming the status of your doctoral thesis)
- Track A: One academic letter of reference, on official letterhead paper and signed by the respective reviewer
Track N: Nomination Letter by Konstanz (junior) professor will be sent directly to the Zukunftskolleg
Other additional certificates and documents uploaded to the application platform will not be considered and will manually be removed during the eligibility check.
Deadline: Submit your application by 1st February 2026.
