The ZUKOnnect Fellowships 2026 at the University of Konstanz are a prestigious, paid research fellowship opportunity designed for early-career scholars from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The fellowship supports (post-)doctoral researchers through a funded on-campus research stay in Germany combined with a 12-month digital academic affiliation, offering scholars the opportunity to strengthen international research networks while maintaining their academic positions in their home countries.
This new call for applications provides up to eight ZUKOnnect Fellowships, reinforcing the University of Konstanz’s commitment to international academic collaboration and inclusive research excellence.
About the ZUKOnnect Fellowships
The ZUKOnnect Fellowships are hosted by the Zukunftskolleg, the University of Konstanz’s Institute for Advanced Study (IAS). These fellowships support early-career researchers whose work aligns with one of the thirteen academic departments at the University of Konstanz. Scholars from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences are eligible to apply, provided their research connects meaningfully to the university’s research landscape.
The fellowship is structured to allow fellows to extend their research networks, gain exposure to the German and European academic systems, and engage in interdisciplinary academic exchange, all while retaining their professional affiliation at their home institution. Importantly, the Zukunftskolleg does not offer employment contracts under the ZUKOnnect Fellowship scheme.
The University of Konstanz is one of Germany’s eleven Universities of Excellence, and the Zukunftskolleg plays a central role in its institutional strategy. Funding for the fellowships is provided by multiple sources, including the Manfred Ulmer-Stiftung für Wissenschaft und Gesellschaft, the Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, and the Cluster of Excellence “The Politics of Inequality.”
Applicants may apply through two tracks:
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Track A (Free Application): Up to 4 fellowships
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Track N (Nomination): Up to 4 fellowships, based on nomination by a (junior) professor at the University of Konstanz
Program Details: Duration, Location, and Structure
The ZUKOnnect Fellowship combines an on-campus research stay with a digital affiliation, creating a blended academic engagement model.
On-Campus Research Stay
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Location: University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Duration: Up to 3 months, with justification for up to 4 months
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Preferred start date: 1 October 2026
Digital Affiliation
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Duration: Total affiliation period extends to 12 months
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Start date: 1 August 2026
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Financial support: Lump-sum support of up to €900
This structure allows fellows to engage with the Zukunftskolleg community both before and after their physical stay in Konstanz, strengthening long-term academic collaboration.
Financial Support and Fellowship Benefits
The ZUKOnnect Fellowships are fully funded stipends, following DAAD guidelines, and include extensive academic and logistical support.
Stipend
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Doctoral students: €1,300 per month
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Postdoctoral researchers: €2,000 per month
Additional Financial and Academic Support
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Standard expenses for one economy-class round trip to Konstanz
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Up to €750 research allowance upon request
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Research Return Visit by a University of Konstanz staff member to the fellow’s home institution (upon request)
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Access to:
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University library resources
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IT services
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Research support services
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Professional and Cultural Engagement
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Participation in Zukunftskolleg academic events
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German language course (online and on-site options to be confirmed for 2026)
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Career Kit Plus: Weekly seminars and workshops on academic writing, funding opportunities, open access, and career perspectives
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“Fellows Go Local” meetings to support cultural integration and community engagement in Konstanz
If budget conditions permit, financial support for accompanying family members may also be granted.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply
The ZUKOnnect Fellowships have clearly defined eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet all of the criteria below.
Nationality and Employment Location
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Applicants must be born and currently working in a country in Africa, Asia, or Latin America
Academic Qualifications
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Hold a doctoral degree awarded after 15 February 2024 (maximum 2 years post-PhD), OR
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Be a doctoral student in the final year of their PhD
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Doctorate must have been (or will be) completed at a university in Africa, Asia, or Latin America
Career Status
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Applicants must not:
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Hold a permanent professorship
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Hold a habilitation or equivalent qualification (Venia legendi)
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Research Alignment
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The proposed research project must align with one of the disciplines represented at the University of Konstanz
Application Tracks
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Track A: Applicant must name a University of Konstanz researcher for intended collaboration (no prior contact required)
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Track N: Applicant must be nominated by a (junior) professor at the University of Konstanz
Selection Preferences
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Preference for applicants collaborating with:
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Current Zukunftskolleg Fellows
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The Cluster “Politics of Inequality” or “Collective Behaviour”
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Preference for applicants from countries not yet represented in the Zukunftskolleg community
Fellow Responsibilities
ZUKOnnect Fellows are expected to actively engage with the academic community during both the digital and on-campus phases.
Key responsibilities include:
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Residing in Konstanz or nearby during the on-campus fellowship
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Active participation in interdisciplinary dialogue, including weekly Jour fixe meetings
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Interaction with relevant departments and researchers
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Delivering a seminar presentation or public lecture
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Acknowledging Zukunftskolleg support in resulting publications
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Submitting a short activity and achievement report within six months of completing the fellowship
Application Process: How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online and in English as separate PDF files.
Reference number: 2025/251
Required Documents
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Letter of motivation (maximum 2 pages)
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Summary of ongoing research project (maximum 3 pages, including references)
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Detailed work and time plan (maximum 2 pages)
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Curriculum vitae
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Relevant certificates:
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Doctoral certificate OR
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Supervisor letter confirming doctoral status
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Track A: One academic reference letter
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Track N: Nomination letter submitted directly by a Konstanz professor
Additional documents not listed will not be considered.
Important Dates and Deadline
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Application deadline: 1 February 2026 (12:00 CET)
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Digital affiliation start: 1 August 2026
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Preferred on-campus start date: 1 October 2026
The ZUKOnnect Fellowships 2026 at the University of Konstanz offer an exceptional opportunity for early-career scholars from Africa, Asia, and Latin America to advance their research through a paid, structured, and internationally recognized fellowship. By combining an on-campus research stay with a year-long digital affiliation, the fellowship fosters lasting academic collaboration and meaningful engagement with one of Germany’s leading research universities.