DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship Program 2026

📖 About the Program

The DAAD/American-German Institute (AGI) Research Fellowship Program, funded by a generous grant from the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), is designed to bring scholars and specialists working on key issues of central importance to the German-American relationship to AGI for research stays of up to six consecutive months.

Junior scholars and specialists are especially encouraged to apply.

During their tenure, DAAD/AGI Research Fellows will:

• Present their research results at a workshop to the broader Washington, DC, policy community.
• Produce a short analytical essay to be published on the AGI website and distributed via the Institute's newsletter, The AGI Advisor.
• Engage in organized scholarly interaction on their research (e.g., seminars or lectures at universities and research institutions). AGI will provide support for organizing these activities if required.

📅 Opportunity Details

• Date Published: August 13, 2025
• Application Deadline: September 5, 2025
• Category: Fellowship
• Opportunity Location: United States

🎁 Benefits

The DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship Program offers the following benefits:

• A monthly stipend of approximately €2,800 to €3,200 (depending on the seniority of the applicant).
• Transportation to and from Washington, DC.
• Financial support for research-related travel to institutions within the DAAD Center network (Centers for German and European Studies) in North America.
• Office space at the Institute.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be German or non-German working permanently in Germany or currently at one of the DAAD Centers for German and European Studies (for U.S. citizens: only if at DAAD Centers outside of the United States).
• Have completed or be currently working on a PhD.
• Submit all application materials in English by the deadline.
• Individuals who have received a grant or other support from DAAD within three years of the starting date of the fellowship are not eligible to apply (this does not apply to applicants affiliated with DAAD Centers for German and European Studies).

🛂 Visa Requirements

Selected fellows must:

• Be eligible for and obtain a J-1 visa from a U.S. consulate or embassy (unless they have work authorization for the U.S.).
• Be aware of the two-year rule for J-1 visas, which may prohibit individuals from returning to the U.S. on certain visa types for two years after completing their fellowship.

AGI will provide detailed information about the visa process once a fellow has been selected.

📝 Application Process

There is no formal application form. To apply, submit the following materials (in English) electronically, combined in one PDF file, to Susanne Dieper, Director of Programs and Grants, at sdieper@aicgs.org:

1. A brief cover letter, including your citizenship/eligibility and how you heard about the fellowship.
2. A curriculum vitae (CV), with a list of publications (if relevant).
3. A project proposal (5–7 pages, double-spaced) outlining:
   • The substantive thrust of the research and its relevance to the AGI mission.
   • Reasons for carrying out the research at AGI and in Washington, DC.
   • The timeframe of the fellowship, including dates and length (2–6 months).
   • A brief outline of organizations and individuals in the Washington, DC, region important for the research project.
   • Reasons for travel to a particular DAAD Center in North America (if applicable).
4. Two recent letters of reference (required for PhD students and recent PhDs, i.e., within five years of completing their PhD; optional for senior researchers).
5. Proof of English language proficiency.

Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, and AGI will conduct interviews (in person or via video conference) with select applicants.

📅 Key Dates

• Application Deadline: September 5, 2025

🌐 Learn More and Apply

For more details and to apply, visit the DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship Program page.

This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for researchers to contribute to the German-American relationship while advancing their academic and professional goals. Don't miss the chance to apply!

• AGI offers several fellowships, which include a monthly stipend between approximately €2,800 and €3,200 (depending on the seniority of the applicant);
• Transportation to and from Washington, DC;
• Financial support for research-related travel to institutions within the DAAD center network (Centers for German and European Studies) in North America;
• Office space at the Institute.