If you are a second- or third-year PhD researcher looking for a fully funded academic breakthrough in Europe, this is the kind of opportunity that can redefine your research journey.
The Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026 has officially opened applications, offering doctoral researchers from underrepresented regions and communities the chance to spend 12 months in Berlin at one of Germany’s most prestigious research environments.
Hosted by the Cluster of Excellence “Contestations of the Liberal Script (SCRIPTS)” at Freie Universität Berlin, this fellowship is not just funding — it is an academic accelerator designed to strengthen your skills, expand your network, and push your PhD research into the global spotlight with structured mentorship and professional development.
With a generous €1,800 monthly stipend, training support, and access to Berlin’s vibrant academic ecosystem, this is one of the most exciting PhD mobility fellowships available for 2026.
What the Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026 Offers?
Winning the Academic Accelerator Fellowship is more than receiving financial support — it is an invitation into an elite academic community built for future global scholars.
Selected fellows will be integrated into the Berlin Graduate School for Global and Transregional Studies (BGTS) and will receive structured opportunities that accelerate academic growth, research depth, and international visibility.
The offerings include:
- A monthly stipend of €1,800 for up to 12 months
- Possible child allowances for eligible fellows
- A formal academic mentoring arrangement
- Tailored theoretical and methodological training
- Professional development, intercultural learning, and networking
- Participation in biweekly colloquia and major fellowship events
- Full integration into the academic life of SCRIPTS in Berlin
This fellowship is designed to strengthen your academic profile while positioning you within one of Europe’s leading interdisciplinary research clusters.
Eligibility Requirements (Who Can Apply?)
This fellowship is targeted at doctoral researchers who are ready for a major academic step forward and whose work connects with global debates around liberalism and societal contestations.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be a doctoral researcher from regions or communities underrepresented in academia
- Must be in the second or third year of PhD studies
- Must be enrolled in a PhD program outside of Germany for the full fellowship duration
- PhD research must align with the SCRIPTS research agenda
- Must be available for a 12-month fellowship starting September 2026
This program is built specifically for emerging scholars who want world-class training in an inclusive, excellence-driven environment.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply for the Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026 is February 28, 2026. Applications are accepted during the official application period from January 20, 2026 to February 28, 2026, and late submissions will not be considered.