Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships 2026

The Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships 2026 are designed to support early career researchers from Africa, Asia, and Latin America by connecting them with the University of Konstanz in Germany.

📚 About the Fellowships

• Institution: University of Konstanz
• Target Audience: Early career researchers from Africa, Asia, and Latin America
• Purpose: To foster collaboration and support research projects in alignment with the University of Konstanz's academic departments.

🎁 Benefits

• Monthly Stipend:
  • €1,300 for doctoral students
  • €2,000 for postdocs
• Travel Expenses: One economy-class trip to Konstanz.
• Research Allowance: Up to €750 (on request).
• Digital Affiliation: Extends fellowship to 12 months, supported with a €900 lump sum.
• German Language Course: Available online or on-site.
• Career Kit Plus: Weekly seminars/workshops on academic writing, funding, career perspectives, etc.
• “Fellows go Local” Program: Assistance in adjusting to the region.
• Research Return Visit: A Konstanz member may visit the fellow’s home institution (on request).
• Access to library, IT, and research support services.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

1. Nationality and Location:
   • Must be born and working in Latin America, Asia, or Africa.
2. Academic Status:
   • Doctoral students in their final year, or
   • Postdoctoral researchers who completed their doctorate after 15 February 2024 (maximum of 2 years).
3. Doctorate Origin:
   • Must hold a doctorate from a university in Latin America, Asia, or Africa.
4. Restrictions:
   • Cannot hold a permanent professorship or habilitation.
5. Research Alignment:
   • Research project must align with one of the 13 departments at the University of Konstanz.
6. Application Tracks:
   • Track A: Collaborate with a Konstanz researcher.
   • Track N: Nomination by a Konstanz (junior) professor.

📝 Application Process

Applications must be submitted in English as separate PDF files via the online application portal. The reference number is 2025/251.

Required Documents:

• Letter of Motivation: Include objectives for the research stay and explain how your research aligns with the University of Konstanz (maximum 2 pages).
• Research Summary: Short summary of your current research project and an outlook on your project at the Zukunftskolleg (maximum 3 pages, including references).
• Work and Time Plan: Detailed plan for your on-campus research stay.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Certificates:
  • Doctoral certificate, OR
  • Letter from your doctoral supervisor confirming the status of your doctoral thesis.
• Track A: One academic letter of reference (on official letterhead and signed).
• Track N: Nomination letter by a Konstanz (junior) professor (sent directly to the Zukunftskolleg).

Note: Additional certificates and documents uploaded to the application platform will not be considered and will be removed during the eligibility check.

📅 Application Deadline

01 February 2026

🔗 Application Portal

• View detailed information about the University of Konstanz Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships.
• Apply directly via the online application portal.

• Monthly stipend:
  • €1,300 for doctoral students
  • €2,000 for postdocs
• Travel expenses for one economy-class trip to Konstanz.
• Access to library, IT, and research support services.
• Up to €750 research allowance (on request).
• Digital affiliation extending fellowship to 12 months, supported with €900 lump sum.
• German language course (online/on-site).
• Career Kit Plus: weekly seminars/workshops on academic writing, funding, career perspectives, etc.
• “Fellows go Local” program to help adjust to the region.
• Research return visit by a Konstanz member to fellow’s home institution (on request).