DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship Program 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 14, 2025
- 3 min read
If you are a doctoral candidate or early-career researcher focused on German-American relations—and have wanted to advance your work in a vibrant hub for policy discourse—this is your moment. The DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship Program 2026 is now open for applications following a generous grant from the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD). This prestigious opportunity offers up to six months of fully supported research at the American-German Institute (AGI) in Washington, DC—designed to foster transatlantic engagement and scholarship.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Washington, DC, United States
Host Institution: American-German Institute (AGI), funded by DAAD
Level: Doctoral candidates and post-PhD researchers
Target Group: Junior scholars and specialists; also senior researchers
Fields of Focus: Transatlantic relations—particularly policy, politics, economics, law, education, social sciences, and humanities
Coverage: Monthly stipend of approximately €2,800–€3,200 (dependent on seniority); transportation to/from Washington, DC; research-related travel support to DAAD Centers in North America; office space at AGI
Duration: Up to six consecutive months
Application Deadline: September 5, 2025
Start Date: Calendar year 2026 (subject to funding availability)
Eligible To:
German nationals who are doctoral candidates or PhDs affiliated with academic, think tank, or policy institutions
Non-Germans who are doctoral candidates or PhDs working permanently in Germany
German and non-German doctoral candidates/PhDs affiliated with current or former DAAD Centers for German and European Studies (Note: U.S. citizens are only eligible if at DAAD Centers outside the U.S.)
⭐ Fellowship Overview
The DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship Program facilitates research stays (2–6 months) in Washington, DC, for scholars investigating pivotal transatlantic themes. Fellows will:
Present their research at a workshop attended by the DC policy and scholarly community
Write a concise analytical essay for publication on the AGI website and distribution via The AGI Advisor newsletter
Engage in organized scholarly interaction—seminars, lectures, or similar—at universities or research institutions, with AGI support for event organization
The fellowship’s implementation for 2026 is contingent upon securing funds from the German Federal Foreign Office via DAAD .
🎁 Benefits
Financial Support: Generous monthly stipend (€2,800–€3,200), travel to/from DC, research travel to DAAD Centers, office space at AGI
Academic & Policy Engagement: Public workshop presentation, essay publication, seminars or lectures at external institutions
Networking & Mentoring: Access to AGI’s professional environment, mentoring from senior staff, connections with policy experts, scholars, and officials in DC and beyond
Transatlantic Dialogue: Supports mutual understanding and cooperation between the U.S. and Germany across historical, cultural, political, and economic areas
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Must be a doctoral candidate or have completed a PhD
Must be:
A German national active at an academic, think tank, or research institution, or
A non-German national living permanently in Germany, or
A (German or non-German) doctoral candidate or PhD affiliated with a DAAD Center for German and European Studies (with specific rules for U.S. citizens)
All application materials must be submitted in English
Applicants who received DAAD support within the past three years are not eligible—except those affiliated with DAAD Centers
📝 Application Procedure
No formal online form. Submit a single PDF via email to Susanne Dieper, Director of Programs and Grants at AGI, using the address sdieper@aicgs.org
PDF must include:
Cover letter (include your eligibility, citizenship, and where you learned about the fellowship)
Curriculum Vitae (with publications, if applicable)
Project Proposal (5–7 pages, double-spaced), which outlines:
The substantive focus and relevance to AGI’s mission
Why the project is suited to AGI and Washington, DC
Proposed timeframe (2–6 months, with dates)
Relevant institutions or individuals in DC
Justification for travel to DAOAD Centers in North America
Two letters of reference (Required for current PhD candidates or those who earned PhDs within the last five years; optional for senior researchers)
Evidence of English proficiency
Applications reviewed by a selection committee; shortlisted candidates may be interviewed in person or via video
🚀 Ready to Proceed?
If your research lies at the intersection of transatlantic relations—particularly in the realms of policy, politics, economics, law, education, the social sciences, or the humanities—this fellowship offers a powerful platform. From policy outreach to publication and professional networking, the DAAD/AGI Research Fellowship can elevate your scholarship in Washington’s vibrant policy ecosystem.
