The Forum Transregionale Studien invites applications for 15 Fellowships in two tracks from October 2025 to July 2026 in Germany. This unique Fellowship program supports early-career scholars and practitioners working on democracy and the rule of law in Europe. Designed around Europe-wide mobility, interdisciplinary exchange, and a growing European Alumni Network, the program enhances critical debate and collaboration across academia and practice.

The Fellowships are offered in two tracks as follows:

• Track 1 (Full-Time): This track will offer 10 Fellowships for scholars and practitioners, with 6 months of mobility at two host institutions in different countries.
• Track 2 (Flexible Option): The second track offers 5 Fellowships exclusively for practitioners, with either 3 months of full-time or 6 months of part-time mobility at one host institution.

Both tracks offer a €2,500 monthly stipend during mobility periods and require participation in exchange meetings and research presentations. Fellows gain access to a diverse network of experts and institutions across Europe.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: April 3, 2025 (noon CEST)
• Result Announcement: Early July 2025
• Program Duration: October 2025 – July 2026
• Funding Type: Monthly stipend
• Organizer: Forum Transregionale Studien
• Eligible Countries: EU, non-EU EEA countries, EU candidate countries, Switzerland, and the UK
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: Early- and mid-career scholars, practitioners (lawyers, policymakers, journalists, researchers)
• Focus Areas: Democracy, rule of law, political science, legal studies
• Study Level: PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers
• Number of Opportunities: 15 Fellowships
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: European countries

Benefits and Financial Aids

The selected fellows will benefit from the fellowship program as follows:

• Stipend: Monthly stipend of €2,500 during mobility periods
• Research Freedom: Conduct independent research and publish on a chosen topic related to democracy and the rule of law in Europe.
• Funded Mobility: Collaborate with host institutions across the EU, non-EU EEA, EU candidate countries, UK, or Switzerland, with in-person and remote exchange opportunities.
• Interdisciplinary Exchange: Engage in debates with scholars, legal practitioners, and journalists in a dynamic, high-quality learning environment.
• Networking and Collaboration: Connect with leading experts and decision-makers, gaining diverse perspectives on democracy and the rule of law.
• Alumni Community: Join and shape a growing network for ongoing knowledge exchange and future collaboration.
• Institutional Support: Access a secure digital workspace and receive guidance from the coordination team.
• Career Development: Benefit from training courses to enhance interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and methodological skills.
• Broader Involvement: Participate in analytical work within the re: constitution program based on interests and availability.

Eligibility Criteria

Re: constitution fellowship invites early-career applicants residing in the EU, non-EU EEA, EU candidate countries in active or pending accession talks, Switzerland, and the UK. Applicants must meet the following track-specific requirements:

Track 1 (Full-Time Fellowship) – 10 Fellowships

• Application is open to scholars
• They must hold a PhD in law, political science, social science, philosophy, or related disciplines (or near completion within one year)
• They must have completed PhD within the last 10 years.
• Research must focus on democracy and the rule of law in Europe
• Must undertake 6 months of mobility at two host institutions in different countries

Track 2 (Part-Time Fellowship) – 5 Fellowships

• Open only to practitioners (lawyers, policymakers, journalists, government officials, NGO, think-tank legal and policy experts, and more.)
• No PhD required, but relevant professional experience is mandatory
• 3-month full-time or 6-month part-time mobility at one host institution

General Requirements

• Must be a resident (not necessarily a citizen) of eligible countries
• Must be available for exchange meetings and research stays

Fellowship Commitments

By accepting the Fellowship, applicants agree to:

• Conduct independent research on a topic relevant to re: constitution.
• Select and manage research stays (6 months) at two host institutions in academia and practice across the EU, non-EU EEA, EU candidate countries, UK, or CH.
• Attend Fellows’ Exchange Meetings (Sept 2025, Feb & June 2026).
• Participate in the Fellow Talk series to present and discuss research.
• Publish project results in a suitable format (e.g., academic papers, policy papers, op-eds, reports, essays, podcasts, or blog posts).
• Specify the preferred publication format in the application.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents via the online application portal:

• Curriculum vitae (2-3 pages), including a list of publications (if applicable)
• Project outline (max. 1,500 words)
• Short abstract of the project (max. 300 words)
• Two references from faculty members or relevant professionals
• List of potential host institutions for research stays

Note: Letters of recommendation are not required.

Selection Process

The submitted applications will be evaluated by an evaluation committee comprising experts in democracy and the rule of law. Successful applicants will be notified by early July 2025.

How to Apply?

Interested applicants must submit their applications via the official online application portal before the deadline:

Apply Here

 Important Notes:

• Select the correct Fellowship Track (1 or 2) when applying.
• Applications via email will not be accepted.

For more details, refer to the FAQ section or contact [email protected]. You can also refer to the official call for detailed information.

Check More Fellowships:

GRÓ Gender Equality Studies and Training Fellowship 2026 in Iceland

UNFCCC CAPACITY Fellowship 2025 for SIDS and LDC Countries

Columbia Global Emerging Scholars Fellowship 2025