Stiftung Mercator Fellowship Programme 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — Stiftung Mercator
Not every valuable fellowship in Germany is built around a university department. Stiftung Mercator’s own fellowship programme funds exploratory research and practical projects for experienced professionals, open to any nationality and almost any field.
About the Fellowship
Based in Essen, Stiftung Mercator runs a fellowship programme aimed at outstanding individuals from both academia and practice, funding exploratory research or practical project work rather than a formal degree. Fellowships run for a minimum of three months and up to twelve, and fellows can complete their project independently or embedded within an established host institution, either in Germany or abroad.
The foundation concentrates its funding around specific thematic priorities, including digitized society, Europe’s global role, climate protection, and social participation and cohesion, so fellows typically design projects connected to one of these themes.
Fellowship Benefits
- A stipend covering project costs for the fellowship duration
- Flexibility to work independently or within a host institution, in Germany or abroad
- Funding aligned with current, policy-relevant thematic priorities
- Access to Stiftung Mercator’s network of fellows and project partners
- Recognition as a Mercator fellow, which can support future funding or professional opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
- Private individuals of any nationality and academic or professional discipline
- Relevant experience and qualifications in the proposed subject area
- Not eligible for bachelor’s or master’s students, since the fellowship is not a standard study scholarship
- Not structured as a doctoral, habilitation, or final degree scholarship
- A clearly defined exploratory research or practical project proposal connected to one of the foundation’s thematic priorities
Fields of Study Covered
The foundation’s thematic priorities cover digitized society, Europe’s role in the world, climate protection, and participation and social cohesion, drawing applicants from fields including political science, environmental studies, media and communications, sociology, and public policy.
Required Documents
- A project proposal explaining the exploratory research or practical work planned during the fellowship
- Curriculum vitae demonstrating relevant professional or academic experience
- A clear explanation of how the project connects to one of the foundation’s thematic priorities
- Any relevant references or letters of support
- Details of the proposed host institution, if the project will be based there
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Review the foundation’s current thematic priorities to confirm your project idea fits one of them
- Develop a clear project proposal explaining the exploratory research or practical work you intend to carry out
- Decide whether you will work independently or seek a host institution, and secure that arrangement if needed
- Prepare a CV and any supporting references demonstrating relevant experience
- Submit the application, since applications are accepted on an ongoing basis rather than a single annual deadline
- Respond to any requests for clarification during the foundation’s review process
Selection Process
Stiftung Mercator reviews applications for the relevance of the proposed project to its thematic priorities, the applicant’s professional or academic qualifications, and the overall feasibility of the proposed research or practical work within the requested timeframe.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Make the connection between your project and the foundation’s specific thematic priorities explicit and well argued
- Keep the project proposal realistic for the three to twelve month timeframe
- Highlight relevant practical or professional experience clearly, since the fellowship is not limited to traditional academics
- Apply when your project idea is fully developed, since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis rather than against a single fixed deadline
- If your interests lean toward a specific academic field with a university-based structure instead, compare this with the Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students apply for this fellowship?
No, bachelor’s and master’s students are not eligible, since the fellowship is designed for experienced professionals and researchers.
Is this fellowship open to applicants from any country?
Yes, it is open to private individuals of any nationality and discipline.
Is there a fixed application deadline?
No, applications are accepted on an ongoing basis rather than against a single annual deadline.
How long does the fellowship last?
Fellowships run for a minimum of three months and a maximum of twelve months.
Do I need a PhD to apply?
No, the fellowship is not a doctoral scholarship, so a PhD is not required, though relevant expertise in the proposed subject area is expected.
Can the fellowship be completed outside Germany?
Yes, fellows can base their project in Germany or abroad, depending on what suits the specific research or practical work.
What themes does the foundation currently prioritize?
Digitized society, Europe’s role in the world, climate protection, and participation and social cohesion are the foundation’s current focus areas.
Is this fellowship suitable for practitioners, not just academics?
Yes, it is explicitly open to individuals from both academia and practice, not only traditional researchers.