The Philipp Schwartz Initiative Fellowship 2026-2027 at Universität Hamburg has once again emerged as one of Europe’s most critical academic protection programs, offering persecuted and at-risk researchers a fully funded pathway to continue their work in safety. Backed by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and supported by the German Federal Foreign Office and private foundations, this initiative is not just a fellowship—it is an academic sanctuary for scholars whose research careers have been disrupted by threats, conflict, or persecution.
For researchers forced to leave their home countries or unable to work safely, the Philipp Schwartz Initiative at Universität Hamburg provides a rare combination of financial security, institutional backing, and long-term career stabilization in Germany’s research ecosystem.
What Makes the Philipp Schwartz Initiative Fellowship at Universität Hamburg So Powerful?
This fellowship is designed specifically for researchers at risk who already hold a doctoral degree and need immediate academic protection. Successful fellows receive monthly financial support of up to EUR 2,870, or a full employment contract aligned with German public sector wage agreements, allowing them to work with dignity, stability, and long-term planning in mind.
Beyond personal funding, each hosted fellowship also includes a EUR 20,000 institutional support package, ensuring that researchers are fully integrated into academic life—covering everything from research materials and conferences to language training and career development activities.
With an initial funding duration of 24 months, and the possibility of an additional 12-month extension, the Philipp Schwartz Initiative at Universität Hamburg stands out as one of the longest and most secure protection fellowships available in Europe today.
Benefits of Winning the Philipp Schwartz Initiative Fellowship
Fellows selected under the Philipp Schwartz Initiative at Universität Hamburg receive comprehensive academic and professional support, including:
- Monthly scholarship of approximately EUR 2,670–2,870, depending on the funding line
- Alternatively, a full employment contract under German public sector salary regulations
- Up to 24 months of funding, with possible extension of 12 additional months
- Access to German language courses and intercultural training
- Funding for research materials, publications, and academic conferences
- Travel support related to research and academic interviews
- Structured career development and academic integration support
- A safe, internationally respected research environment in Germany
This combination of income stability, professional growth, and institutional protection makes the fellowship uniquely impactful for displaced scholars.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Requirements Explained Simply
This opportunity is specifically crafted for scholars facing real and documented risks. Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a doctorate or equivalent academic qualification (PhD, CSc, or comparable degree)
- Belong to a discipline offered at Universität Hamburg
- Demonstrate sufficient English or German proficiency to conduct research
- Have left their country of origin no more than five years before application
- Provide proof of at-risk status, including documentation from Scholars at Risk (SAR) or the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA), issued within the last 12 months
- Be unable to apply independently (applications must be submitted via the host institution)
This ensures that support reaches those who need it most, while maintaining academic excellence.
Application Deadline and Call Timeline
The Philipp Schwartz Initiative Fellowship at Universität Hamburg follows a biannual application cycle. Calls are typically issued twice a year, once in June 2026 for funding starting in January 2026, and once in December 2026 for funding beginning in July 2026. Candidates must coordinate with Universität Hamburg well in advance of these cycles, as the university submits nominations on behalf of selected researchers.