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Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026

Last verified 21 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026 offers up to 3 fully funded positions for second- or third-year doctoral researchers from underrepresented regions and communities, integrating them into the Berlin Graduate School for Global and Transregional Studies (BGTS) at Freie Unive

Provider
Freie Universität Berlin / Cluster of Excellence "Contestations of the Liberal Script (SCRIPTS)"
Host country
Germany
Deadline
To be confirmed for the 2027 intake
Region
Europe
Official source Track this application

Topics

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
Applicants must be doctoral researchers from underrepresented regions/communities in their second or third year of PhD studies, enrolled in a PhD program outside Germany for the full fellowship duration, and have research relevant to the SCRIPTS agenda. They must be available for a 12-month fellowship starting September 2026. All countries outside Germany are eligible, with priority for underrepresented regions and communities.
Funding
Fully Funded
Study level
PhD
Deadline
To be confirmed for the 2027 intake

Key eligibility criteria

  • Applicants must be doctoral researchers from underrepresented regions/communities in their second or third year of PhD studies, enrolled in a PhD program outside Germany for the full fellowship duration, and have research relevant to the SCRIPTS agenda. They must be available for a 12-month fellowship starting September 2026. All countries outside Germany are eligible, with priority for underrepresented regions and communities.

Recorded funding information

  • Fully Funded

About the Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026 (2026)

## Overview The Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026, hosted by the Cluster of Excellence “Contestations of the Liberal Script (SCRIPTS)” at Freie Universität Berlin, is a prestigious opportunity designed for doctoral researchers from underrepresented regions and communities in academia. This 12-month fully funded fellowship aims to integrate selected fellows into the vibrant academic environment of the Berlin Graduate School for Global and Transregional Studies (BGTS). The program is specifically crafted to accelerate academic growth, expand research networks, and position PhD research within critical global debates concerning liberalism and societal contestations. With up to three positions available, this fellowship represents a significant investment in diversifying academic perspectives and fostering inclusive global scholarship. ## Benefits Successful fellows will receive comprehensive support designed to foster both their academic and personal development: * **Monthly Stipend:** A generous stipend of €1,800 per month for the entire 12-month duration of the fellowship. * **Child Allowances:** Possible additional support for fellows with children. * **Academic Mentorship:** Formal academic mentoring arrangements with leading scholars within SCRIPTS. * **Training and Development:** Access to tailored theoretical and methodological training, enhancing research skills and approaches. * **Professional Growth:** Opportunities for professional development, intercultural learning, and extensive networking within an international academic community. * **Colloquia and Events:** Active participation in biweekly colloquia and various fellowship events, fostering intellectual exchange and collaboration. * **Full Integration:** Complete integration into the academic life of SCRIPTS in Berlin, providing a rich and stimulating research environment. ## Eligibility This fellowship is open to a select group of promising doctoral researchers who meet the following criteria: * Applicants must be **doctoral researchers** from **underrepresented regions/communities** in academia. * Candidates should be in their **second or third year of PhD studies**. * Applicants must be enrolled in a **PhD program outside Germany** for the entire duration of the fellowship (September 2026 – August 2027). * The applicant's PhD research must be directly relevant to the **SCRIPTS research agenda**, focusing on global contestations of liberal models of society, resilience, and their consequences. This includes interdisciplinary fields connected to political science, sociology, history, law, economics, and global studies. * Applicants must be available for the full **12-month fellowship period, starting September 2026**. * **All countries outside Germany are eligible**, with a strong priority given to candidates from underrepresented regions and communities in academia. ## Required documents To apply for this esteemed fellowship, candidates must prepare and submit the following documents, combined into a single PDF file: 1. **Cover Letter:** A maximum of 2 pages, clearly explaining: * How the applicant's goals align with the fellowship objectives. * Why the Berlin Graduate School for Global and Transregional Studies (BGTS) is an optimal environment for their training. * The fit of their PhD project with the SCRIPTS agenda. * 2–3 suggested mentors from SCRIPTS Principal Investigators. 2. **PhD Thesis Outline:** A detailed three-page outline of the applicant's PhD thesis. 3. **Curriculum Vitae (CV):** A comprehensive CV detailing academic and professional experience. 4. **Proof of Enrollment:** Official documentation confirming enrollment in a PhD program. 5. **Letter of Reference:** One letter of reference from a supervisor or professor. 6. **Academic Certificates:** Copies of all relevant academic certificates. 7. **Travel Document:** A copy of a valid travel document. ## Application steps Follow these steps carefully to ensure a complete and successful application: 1. **Prepare Documents:** Gather all required documents as listed above. 2. **Combine into Single PDF:** Consolidate all documents into one single PDF file. 3. **Email Submission:** Send the complete PDF file via email to **irc@scripts-berlin.eu**. 4. **Adhere to Deadline:** Ensure your application is submitted within the specified application period: **January 20 – February 28, 2026**. ## Key dates * **Application Period:** January 20 – February 28, 2026 * **Application Deadline:** February 28, 2026 * **Fellowship Duration:** 12 months (September 2026 – August 2027) * **Fellowship Start Date:** September 2026 ## Selection criteria Applicants will be rigorously evaluated based on the following criteria: * **Academic Merit:** The overall quality and originality of the applicant's academic record and research proposal. * **Alignment with SCRIPTS Research Agenda:** The relevance and direct connection of the PhD research to the SCRIPTS focus on global contestations of liberal societal models. * **Strength of Application Documents:** The clarity, completeness, and compelling nature of the submitted materials. * **Diversity and Inclusivity:** A strong emphasis is placed on selecting candidates who contribute to the diversity and inclusivity goals of the program, particularly those from underrepresented regions and communities in academia. ## Tips * **Tailor your Application:** Clearly articulate how your PhD project aligns with the SCRIPTS research agenda and why Freie Universität Berlin is the ideal environment for your studies. * **Strong Cover Letter:** Use the cover letter to highlight your motivations, research fit, and potential impact. Do not underestimate the importance of suggesting mentors that align with your research within SCRIPTS. * **Detailed Thesis Outline:** Provide a clear, concise, and compelling outline of your PhD thesis, showcasing its originality and scholarly contribution. * **Seek Strong Recommendation:** Ensure your letter of reference from your supervisor or professor speaks to your academic capabilities and research potential. * **Early Application:** While the deadline is February 28, 2026, it is always advisable to submit your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical issues. * **Review Official Source:** Always refer to the official call for applications for the most accurate and up-to-date information. ## Official source For further details and to access the complete call for applications, please visit the official webpage: [Official Call for Applications: Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026 – Freie Universität Berlin](https://www.fu-berlin.de/international/news-events/news/CfA-Academic-Accelerator-Fellowships_EXC-SCRIPTS.pdf)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • Fully Funded

Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026 eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Applicants must be doctoral researchers from underrepresented regions/communities in their second or third year of PhD studies, enrolled in a PhD program outside Germany for the full fellowship duration, and have research relevant to the SCRIPTS agenda. They must be available for a 12-month fellowship starting September 2026. All countries outside Germany are eligible, with priority for underrepresented regions and communities.

Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026 document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://www.fu-berlin.de/international/news-events/news/CfA-Academic-Accelerator-Fellowships_EXC-SCRIPTS.pdf to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: Applicants must be doctoral researchers from underrepresented regions/communities in their second or third year of PhD studies, enrolled in a PhD program outside Germany for the full fellowship duration, and have research relevant to the SCRIPTS agenda. They must be available for a 12-month fellowship starting September 2026. All countries outside Germany are eligible, with priority for underrepresented regions and communities.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026 deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      To be confirmed for the 2027 intake

      Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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    Editorial verification note

    Imported from afterschoolafrica.com editorial listing.
    Last checked 5/21/2026

    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026?+

    Applicants must be doctoral researchers from underrepresented regions/communities in their second or third year of PhD studies, enrolled in a PhD program outside Germany for the full fellowship duration, and have research relevant to the SCRIPTS agenda. They must be available for a 12-month fellowship starting September 2026. All countries outside Germany are eligible, with priority for underrepresented regions and communities.

    What funding does the Academic Accelerator Fellowship 2026 offer?+

    Listed funding: Fully Funded. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://www.fu-berlin.de/international/news-events/news/CfA-Academic-Accelerator-Fellowships_EXC-SCRIPTS.pdf to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Applicants must be doctoral researchers from underrepresented regions/communities in their second or third year of PhD studies, enrolled in a PhD program outside Germany for the full fellowship duration, and have research relevant to the SCRIPTS agenda. They must be available for a 12-month fellowship starting September 2026. All countries outside Germany are eligible, with priority for underrepresented regions and communities.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: To be confirmed for the 2027 intake. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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