Einstein Fellowship 2027 in Germany: A Funded Research Stay for Outstanding Young Thinkers
- Country
- Germany
- Level
- Research
- Funding
- Fully funded
The Einstein Fellowship is one of the more unusual and inspiring opportunities in Germany, and it is not a typical scholarship. Offered by the Einstein Forum in cooperation with the Wittenstein Foundation, it invites outstanding young thinkers from around the world to spend several months living and working at Albert Einstein's summerhouse in Caputh, near Potsdam and Berlin, while pursuing a bold project in a field different from their own.
Here is a clear guide to what the fellowship provides, who qualifies, the deadline to plan around, and how to apply. This one rewards originality over conventional academic output, so understanding its spirit matters as much as ticking the eligibility boxes.
At a glance
- Offered by: The Einstein Forum, with the Wittenstein Foundation
- Location: Einstein's summerhouse cottage in Caputh, Brandenburg, Germany
- Duration: About five to six months
- Stipend: 10,000 euros, plus free accommodation and travel reimbursement
- Who it's for: Outstanding thinkers under 35 from any country
- Deadline: 15 May (for the following year's residency)
What the fellowship provides
This is a genuinely funded fellowship. Selected fellows receive free accommodation for roughly five to six months in the garden cottage of Einstein's own summerhouse, a stipend of 10,000 euros intended to cover both living and project expenses, and reimbursement of their travel to Germany. Your family may join you during the fellowship, although their travel is not covered.
The setting is part of the appeal: the cottage sits a short distance from the universities and academic institutions of Potsdam and Berlin, giving you both a quiet place to think and easy access to a rich intellectual community. In return, fellows are expected to live in Caputh for the fellowship period and to present their project in a public talk at the end.
Who can apply
- You are under 35 years old
- You hold a university degree in the humanities, the social sciences, or the natural sciences
- You are ready to pursue a project in a field different from your previous work
- Your project is not part of a dissertation or thesis
- You are open to all nationalities (there is no language-test requirement)
The selection is highly competitive, drawing applicants from leading universities worldwide, so the strength and originality of your proposal is what sets you apart.
How to apply
- Develop a bold project idea in a field outside your usual expertise, something you can make real progress on in about six months.
- Prepare your documents: a CV, a two-page project proposal, and two letters of recommendation.
- Submit your application through the official Einstein Forum route (referees can send their letters directly).
- Send everything before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
- Await the decision, and if selected, plan your residency in Caputh and your closing public talk.
Deadlines
The application deadline is 15 May, for a residency in the following year. Because dates and details can change slightly from year to year, always confirm the current deadline and requirements on the official Einstein Forum website before you apply.
Apply and confirm the details
Read the full criteria, current deadline, and application instructions on the official page: Einstein Fellowship, Einstein Forum.
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Disclaimer: FoundScholar is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Einstein Forum or the Wittenstein Foundation. Details change each year, so always confirm on the official source before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Einstein Fellowship provide?
It provides free accommodation for about five to six months in the garden cottage of Einstein's summerhouse in Caputh, near Potsdam and Berlin, a stipend of 10,000 euros to cover living and project costs, and reimbursement of your travel expenses. It does not cover travel costs for family members.
Who is eligible for the Einstein Fellowship?
Outstanding young thinkers who are under 35 and hold a university degree in the humanities, the social sciences, or the natural sciences. Applicants of all nationalities are welcome, and there is no IELTS or TOEFL requirement.
Is it a degree scholarship?
No. It is a short research fellowship, not a degree programme. You propose a project in a field different from your previous work, and it must not be part of a dissertation or thesis. Fellows are expected to reside in Caputh and present their project in a public talk.
When is the deadline and how do I apply?
Applications are due by 15 May for the following year's residency. You submit a CV, a two-page project proposal, and two letters of recommendation, via the official Einstein Forum application. Always confirm the current deadline on the official site.