UNIVERSITY ALLIANCE RUHR (COLLEGE FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES)
UA Ruhr International Senior Fellowship
full · phd
- Full support (~€3,000+/month, est.)Fellowship funding
- 3 partner universitiesUniversity Alliance Ruhr
- R4 senior researchersCareer level
- PhD held 6+ yearsExperience required
- Tandem partner requiredCollaboration condition
- ~25 May 2026, 23:59 CEST (est.)Application deadline
At a glance
full
Funding
—
Max amount
May 25, 2027
Deadline
All countries (applicants must be affiliated with an institution outside Germany)
Country
University Alliance Ruhr (College for Social Sciences and Humanities)
Provider
The UA Ruhr International Senior Fellowship supports senior international researchers carrying out independent research at the College for Social Sciences and Humanities in Essen, Germany, for the 2026/2027 cycle. The College was established in 2021 and operates as an Institute for Advanced Study within the University Alliance Ruhr, an alliance of 3 universities: the University of Duisburg-Essen, Ruhr University Bochum, and TU Dortmund University. The fellowship provides full financial support for the duration of the stay, institutional affiliation with a UA Ruhr university, and access to senior academics and research infrastructure in one of Europe's largest academic and industrial regions. It is aimed at researchers preferably at R4 level who completed their PhD at least 6 years before applying, hold an active affiliation outside Germany, and have a strong international publication record in the humanities or social sciences. A confirmed UA Ruhr tandem partner is required before submission, and the deadline falls around 25 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST. Because the funding amount, eligibility details, and closing date are reviewed each cycle, confirm the current-cycle figures on the official UA Ruhr page before applying.
What's covered
- Financial support — Full financial support for the duration of the fellowship; the exact stipend (typically around €3,000 or more per month, est.) is set by the host call.
- Institutional affiliation — Affiliation with one of the three UA Ruhr universities for the fellowship period.
- Research infrastructure — Access to senior academics, libraries, and research infrastructure across the UA Ruhr alliance.
- Academic programme — Participation in seminars, workshops, and high-level academic discourse at the College for Social Sciences and Humanities.
- Collaboration — Opportunities to initiate or strengthen international research collaborations with the tandem partner and other UA Ruhr researchers.
- Research environment — A culturally rich base in Essen, in the Ruhr metropolitan region, for independent research during the stay.
How to apply
Applications are submitted via the official UA Ruhr application portal after securing a tandem partner.
- Identify a tandem partner — Contact and confirm a tandem partner from one of the three UA Ruhr universities before you start your application.
- Read the official call — Review the current call on the official UA Ruhr page to confirm eligibility, funding, and the exact deadline.
- Prepare your materials — Assemble your CV, publication list, research plan, and PhD certificate, and confirm your affiliation outside Germany.
- Submit via the portal — Complete and submit your application through the official UA Ruhr application portal before the deadline.
- Await review — The selection committee assesses applications and notifies candidates of the outcome.
Eligibility
Career levelSenior-level researchers, preferably at R4 level.
DoctorateA PhD awarded at least six years before the application date.
AffiliationActive affiliation with a university or research institution outside Germany.
Tandem partnerA confirmed UA Ruhr tandem partner must be secured before submitting the application.
A strong international publication record in the humanities or social sciences is required. The tandem partner ensures productive academic collaboration during the fellowship.
Eligible countries
All countries (applicants must be affiliated with an institution outside Germany)
Deadlines
2026/2027 fellowship cycle~25 May 2026 (est.)
Selection
A selection committee evaluates applications on the quality and international standing of the applicant's publication record, the strength and feasibility of the proposed research, and the fit with the tandem partner and the College's interdisciplinary agenda. Candidates are notified of the decision after review.
Verified sources
- University Alliance Ruhruaruhr.deofficial
- College for Social Sciences and Humanitiesuaruhr.deofficial
About the provider
The University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr) is a strategic partnership of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Ruhr University Bochum, and TU Dortmund University. Its College for Social Sciences and Humanities, established in 2021, operates as an Institute for Advanced Study promoting interdisciplinary, international research in Essen, Germany.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Who can apply for the UA Ruhr International Senior Fellowship?
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Senior international researchers, preferably at R4 level, with a PhD awarded at least six years earlier and an active affiliation with an institution outside Germany.
What does the fellowship provide?
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Full financial support for the stay, institutional affiliation with a UA Ruhr university, and access to senior academics and research infrastructure.
Where is the fellowship based?
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At the College for Social Sciences and Humanities in Essen, Germany, within the Ruhr metropolitan region.
Which universities form UA Ruhr?
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The University of Duisburg-Essen, Ruhr University Bochum, and TU Dortmund University.
What fields are eligible?
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Research in the social sciences and humanities.
Do I need a tandem partner?
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Yes. You must confirm a tandem partner from one of the UA Ruhr universities before submitting your application.
How long must I have held my PhD?
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Your PhD must have been awarded at least six years before the application date.
Can researchers based in Germany apply?
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No. You must be actively affiliated with a university or research institution outside Germany.
How do I submit my application?
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Through the official UA Ruhr application portal, after securing your tandem partner and preparing your documents.
When is the deadline?
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Around 25 May 2026 at 23:59 CEST (est.) for the 2026/2027 cycle; confirm the date in the official call.
What publication record do I need?
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A strong international publication record in the humanities or social sciences.
Where can I confirm the official details?
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On the official UA Ruhr website, which publishes the binding call, funding details, and application portal for each cycle.