Kohli Fellowships for Sociology at Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) 2025/2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 16
- 3 min read
If you are an early-career sociologist who has recently obtained your PhD and are looking to build up your publication record, establish international collaborations, and work on a new research project in a rich, academically inspiring environment, the Kohli Fellowship for Sociology is now open. This fellowship offers a two-year postdoctoral stay at one of Europe’s top research institutions—WZB Berlin Social Science Center or European University Institute in Fiesole/Florence. Here’s everything you need to know to apply.
🎓 Fellowship Summary
Location: Berlin, Germany (WZB) or Fiesole / Florence, Italy (European University Institute - EUI)
Host Institution(s):
WZB Berlin Social Science Center
European University Institute (EUI), Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies
Level: Postdoctoral research fellowship — a two-year stay to work on an independent research project, publish, collaborate, and engage in academic life.
Target Group:
Researchers of all nationalities who have recently completed their doctoral degree (within a defined time window) in sociology or related fields.
Preference in some cases for those whose work aligns with themes such as life-course, generational issues, though other topics are also considered.
Also the Foundation particularly welcomes applications from women and scholars from under-represented academic backgrounds.
Value & Coverage:
Monthly stipend: approx €2,500 per month.
Additional allowances: ~ €100 research allowance; subsidy toward private (travel) health and liability insurance ~ €70/month.
Duration: 24 months (2 years), with possible extensions only in exceptional cases (e.g. serious health issues etc.).
Application Deadline: 16 November 2025 for the WZB track.
Start Date: 1 October 2026
🧭Kohli Fellowship Overview
The Kohli Fellowship provides a fully funded, 2-year postdoctoral position where fellows work on a research project of their own design.
At WZB, fellows become part of a host research unit, have a staff contact or mentor, engage in internal seminars, attend national/international conferences, organize workshops, and participate in the scholarly life of the center.
At EUI, fellows join the Max Weber Programme, are assigned a faculty advisor, engage in fieldwork (if relevant), attend training programmes, conferences, organize events, and collaborate with other postdocs.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Competitive monthly funding ensuring financial stability during the fellowship. (€2,500 + allowances)
Support for research-related costs (allowances for research, health & liability insurance) included.
Institutional support: mentorship, access to facilities, research networks, seminars, conferences, workshop organization.
Opportunity to build up publications, broaden collaborative networks, increase visibility in academia.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all of the following:
Have completed (or defended) their doctoral degree before the fellowship starts.
Must be within 5 years of PhD completion (or have submitted and/or defended thesis within a certain date range) at the time of application. Some allowances if career interruptions (parental leave, illness, military service) apply.
Research project should align with the host institution’s research programme (at WZB or EUI). Topics like life-course / generational issues are especially encouraged, but other topics are welcome.
Applicants of all nationalities.
Must not hold full-time employment or another conflicting full-time position during the fellowship period.
Expected level of English proficiency (CEFR level C1 or equivalent evidence via publications or studies in English) for non-native English speakers. Native speakers are often exempt.
📝 Application Procedure
Access the Kohli Foundation for Sociology official site
Prepare the application package including project proposal, CV, etc.
Submit by the stated deadline; selection involves review of the proposal, academic record, references, interview (in person or via video) with the host institution.
🗂️ Documents Required:
Curriculum Vitae, with list of publications.
Academic Career Statement — describing the applicant’s trajectory, goals.
Research Proposal — clear plan of the postdoc project.
Names of 2-3 academic referees + at least two letters of reference.
Proof of PhD degree (or evidence of defense) and date.
Evidence of English proficiency (for non-native speakers), either via publications in English, prior studies, or explicit certificate if required.
Any supporting documents for career interruptions (if applicable) like parental leave, illness etc.
ℹ️ Important Dates & Additional Notes
The WZB track for the Kohli Fellowship has a deadline in some calls of 16 November 2025.
The fellowship period for that track begins on 1 October 2026.
The Kohli Fellowship alternates annually between WZB and EUI—meaning in some years the fellowship is hosted by WZB, in others by EUI. Applicants must check which host is open in the current call.