Fully Funded CATS Fellowships 2025/2026: Research Opportunities on Turkey-EU Relations in Berlin

Omran Aburayya
Apr 17
2 min read

If you are a researcher, think tank member, or practitioner focusing on Turkey-related issues, applications are now open for the prestigious CATS Fellowships 2025/2026. Hosted by the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to engage in in-depth research on Turkey's political landscape, societal developments, and foreign policy orientations. Successful applicants will collaborate with leading experts, contribute to policy-relevant publications, and be part of a vibrant international network.

🗒️ Fellowship Summary

Location: Berlin, Germany
Host Institution: Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at SWP
Academic Level: Postgraduate researchers, including those without a PhD
Target Group: Researchers, think tank members, and practitioners working on Turkey-related issues
Fields of Focus: Political and social dynamics in Turkey, Turkey's role in EU and transatlantic relations, regional influence in MENA, Caucasus, Central Asia, and Africa
Funding: Monthly stipend of €2,800–€3,000, research trip budget, travel costs to/from Berlin, additional support for fellows with children
Duration: 6 to 12 months
Application Deadline: May 12, 2025
Start Date: September 2025 (earliest)
Eligible to: Applicants worldwide with a focus on Turkey-related research

🎓 Fellowship Overview

The CATS Fellowship Program aims to deepen understanding of Turkey's strategic importance to Europe and the EU. Fellows will conduct independent research, engage with SWP and CATS experts, and contribute to publications that inform policymakers and the public. The program emphasizes the academic and policy relevance of research projects, encouraging innovative approaches and public outreach.

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support: Monthly stipend between €2,800 and €3,000, depending on seniority.
Research Funding: Budget for research trips and project-related expenses.
Travel Coverage: Reimbursement of travel costs to and from Berlin at the beginning and end of the fellowship.
Family Support: Additional assistance for fellows accompanied by children.
Professional Development: Opportunities to publish research findings and collaborate with a network of experts.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should be researchers, think tank members, or practitioners with a focus on Turkey-related issues.
PhD candidates with a strong research background are eligible.
Demonstrated academic and professional merit through publications and work experience.
Research proposals must be relevant to the fellowship's focus areas and exhibit innovativeness and feasibility.
Preference given to applicants who have not previously received CATS funding.

📝 Application Procedure

Applicants must submit the following documents in a single PDF file, in English or German, to [cats@swp-berlin.org] with the subject line "CATS Fellowship Application 2025/2026":

Cover Letter: One page indicating the desired duration and preferred start date of the fellowship.
Research Proposal:.Up to five pages detailing the research topic, questions, objectives, relevance, literature overview, theoretical and methodological approaches, and a bibliography.
Curriculum Vitae: Including a list of academic publications.
Academic Transcripts/Diplomas: Copies of relevant documents (translations not required).