The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology supports outstanding early-career researchers who have recently completed their doctoral studies with distinction. Funded by the Kohli Foundation for Sociology, the fellowship provides a two-year postdoctoral research stay to advance publications, develop new research projects, and build international collaborations.

For the 2026 cycle, the selected Kohli Fellow will be hosted at the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB), one of Europe’s leading institutes for social science research. The WZB offers an interdisciplinary environment that brings together scholars from sociology, political science, economics, and law. Fellows will actively participate in the institute’s intellectual life and will have opportunities to conduct fieldwork, attend training seminars, organize workshops, and collaborate with resident researchers.

The fellowship begins on October 1, 2026, and runs for 24 months, with a monthly stipend of €2,500 (subject to revision). Eligible applicants must have completed their PhD within the past five years and demonstrated excellence in sociological research.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: November 16, 2025
• Fellowship Intake: Winter 2025/2026
• Interview, Selection, and Notification: October 1, 2026
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Organizer: Kohli Foundation for Sociology
• Partner: Berlin Social Science Center (WZB)
• Eligible Countries: All nationalities
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Postdoctoral researchers in Sociology and related social sciences
• Focus Areas: Sociology, life course research, generational studies, and social change
• Number of Opportunities: One fellow
• Duration: 24 months (two years)
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Germany (WZB, Berlin) or Italy (EUI, Florence)

Benefits

The fellowship benefit details are as follows:

• Monthly Stipend: €2,500 per month for 24 months.
• Research Allowance: €100 per month to support project-related expenses.
• Insurance Subsidy: €70 per month toward private travel, health, and liability insurance.
• Transparency on Additional Income: Any additional earnings above €520/month must be reported; larger incomes may reduce or affect fellowship payments.

Notes:

• Regular Payment Schedule: Fellowship funds are transferred monthly (typically on the 1st day) to a SEPA bank account.
• Research Travel Flexibility: Absences for conferences, fieldwork, or archive visits do not affect fellowship payments.
• Allowance Conditions: Fellows must remain at the host institute for at least 11 months per year to maintain full funding.

Fellows Placements

Kohli Fellow at the EUI: As a Kohli Fellow at the European University Institute (EUI), you will join the Max Weber Program for Postdoctoral Studies, working under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Fellows pursue independent research, conduct fieldwork, attend training sessions and conferences, and may organize their own workshops. The program fosters collaboration with an international community of postdoctoral researchers.

Kohli Fellow at the WZB: At the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB), Kohli Fellows become part of a dynamic research community and receive support from an assigned mentor. Fellows engage in fieldwork, seminars, and conferences, and can organize workshops related to their research. The WZB provides an intellectually stimulating environment and tailored career development support for each fellow’s project.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply?

• Applicants of all nationalities are eligible.
• Must have completed a PhD within the last five years (by the fellowship start date).
• Research must align with the host institution’s program and the Kohli Foundation’s sociological focus.
• Must demonstrate strong academic excellence and research potential.
• Must reside in Berlin or Florence during the fellowship period.
• Preference for research focusing on life course, generational, or comparative sociology topics.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

• Letter of motivation.
• Curriculum Vitae (including names of two referees).
• Research proposal (maximum 3,000 words).
• Graduation certificates (PhD degree).
• Completed application form, specifying preferred research unit at WZB.
• Optional: Academic Career Statement or publication list.

Selection

Candidates are selected based on academic excellence, research proposal quality, and an interview (in person or online). Fellows are expected to reside in Berlin or Florence and engage actively in institute life. The fellowship welcomes applications from women and underrepresented scholars. Only one fellow is selected each year.

How to Apply?

• Prepare all application materials listed above.
• Combine all documents into a single PDF file.
• Submit via the official Kohli Foundation online portal using the link below.
• Ensure submission before November 16, 2025.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews in Winter 2025/2026.
• Fellowship begins October 1, 2026, at WZB in Berlin.

Apply Now

Further details are available on the official website of the Kohli Foundation.

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