Applications are now open for the prestigious AIA NRW Fellowship Programme 2027/28 in Bonn, Germany. This international fellowship opportunity invites scholars, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to submit innovative project proposals addressing international politics, comprehensive security, resilience, governance, and emerging global challenges.
Hosted by the Academy for International Affairs NRW (AIA NRW), the fellowship programme focuses on the theme:
“Comprehensive Security for a Changing World: Building Strategic and Technological Resilience.”
The programme seeks to bring together experts from diverse academic and professional backgrounds to develop new ideas, conduct advanced research, and contribute to policy discussions surrounding security, resilience, international cooperation, democratic stability, and technological governance.
The fellowship period will run between April 2027 and March 2028, and selected fellows will reside in Bonn, Germany, while participating in research activities, events, publications, and interdisciplinary exchanges.
About the AIA NRW Fellowship Programme
The Academy for International Affairs NRW is an institution dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and innovative thinking on international politics and global affairs.
The fellowship programme creates a collaborative environment where:
- Researchers
- Policy experts
- Practitioners
- Academics
- International professionals
can engage in discussions and projects that address evolving geopolitical realities and global security challenges.
The programme particularly emphasizes:
- Strategic resilience
- Democratic stability
- Security cooperation
- Technological governance
- Economic resilience
- Emerging technologies
- Global governance frameworks
The fellowship supports projects that contribute to a deeper understanding of international politics and provide innovative policy-oriented solutions to current global challenges.
Official Website: Academy for International Affairs NRW (AIA NRW)
Fellowship Theme for 2027/28
The central focus of the fellowship call is:
“Comprehensive Security for a Changing World. Building Strategic and Technological Resilience.”
According to the fellowship announcement, Europe is currently experiencing major geopolitical transformations characterized by:
- Open international conflicts
- Intensifying global competition
- Weakening alliances
- Technological disruptions
- Security uncertainties
These developments have pushed issues of resilience and security to the center of global political debate.
The fellowship programme adopts a broad understanding of security that includes:
- Defence and military cooperation
- Democratic resilience
- Economic security
- Technological governance
- Critical infrastructure protection
- Supply-chain resilience
- Strategic foresight and risk analysis
The programme encourages interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative thinking to address interconnected global challenges.
Fellowship Tracks Available
Applicants may apply under one of two specialized tracks.
1. Academic Track
The Academic Track is designed for scholars and researchers pursuing academically grounded projects.
Projects submitted under this track should:
- Contribute to ongoing academic debates
- Advance scholarly understanding of international politics
- Present rigorous research methodologies
- Demonstrate originality and academic relevance
- Engage critically with contemporary global issues
Applicants for this track are expected to hold a PhD and possess a strong publication record.
2. Practitioner’s Track
The Practitioner’s Track is intended for professionals working in fields connected to international politics and global affairs.
Suitable applicants may include professionals from:
- Government institutions
- Diplomatic services
- International organizations
- Civil society organizations
- Security and defence sectors
- Think tanks
- Policy advisory institutions
Projects in this track should:
- Draw from professional and practical experience
- Provide policy-oriented insights
- Contribute to better understanding international politics
- Demonstrate relevance to current geopolitical realities
Research Areas and Topics of Interest
The fellowship welcomes innovative projects addressing topics such as:
- International security cooperation
- Defence and strategic studies
- Democratic resilience
- Governance frameworks
- Technological governance
- Emerging technologies
- Supply-chain security
- Economic resilience
- Strategic foresight
- Risk analysis
- International diplomacy
- Global governance
- Crisis response
- Geopolitical transformation
The programme encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple sectors and academic disciplines.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The AIA NRW Fellowship Programme offers a rare opportunity for international scholars and practitioners to:
- Conduct independent research in Germany
- Collaborate with global experts
- Engage in interdisciplinary dialogue
- Contribute to policy and academic discussions
- Build international networks
- Participate in research colloquia and public events
- Publish within the programme’s publication series
The fellowship is particularly valuable for professionals seeking to influence global policy discussions on security, resilience, and international governance.
Expectations from Fellows
Selected fellows will be expected to actively participate in the academic and intellectual life of the programme.
Key expectations include:
- Residing in Bonn during the fellowship period
- Avoiding extended absences during the fellowship
- Participating regularly in research formats and colloquia
- Attending programme events
- Contributing to publications
- Supporting societal transfer activities
- Engaging with social media and public communication initiatives
The programme emphasizes collaboration, visibility, and active intellectual exchange among fellows.
Fellowship Period
This fellowship call applies to fellowships taking place between:
April 2027 and March 2028.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Completed application form
- Letter of motivation
- Project proposal
- Short CV
Additional requirements apply depending on the chosen track.
Academic Track Additional Documents
Applicants under the Academic Track must also submit:
- Certified PhD certificate
- Complete list of publications
- Electronic copies of 2–3 recent journal publications in English
Details of the Project Proposal
The project proposal should not exceed five pages and must include:
- Abstract
- Guiding research questions
- Summary of the current state of research
- Work plan and timetable
- Expected outputs
- Added value of conducting the project at AIA NRW in Bonn
The proposal should clearly explain the project’s contribution to international politics and comprehensive security discussions.
Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated by the Academic Board.
Successful candidates will be informed by:
Mid-September 2026.
The evaluation process will focus on:
- Quality of the proposal
- Relevance to the fellowship theme
- Academic or professional excellence
- Interdisciplinary potential
- Contribution to international political debates
Application Deadline
All applications must be submitted before:
15 June 2026.
Late applications may not be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit the official application form and supporting documents through the fellowship application process.
Contact Information
Applicants with questions may contact:
Dr. Katja Freistein
Academic Coordinator, Fellowship Programme
Why International Applicants Should Consider This Opportunity
Germany continues to be one of the leading destinations for international research and policy fellowships due to:
- Strong academic infrastructure
- International collaboration opportunities
- Policy-oriented research culture
- Access to European institutions and networks
- Dynamic intellectual environment
The AIA NRW Fellowship provides direct engagement with contemporary geopolitical debates and positions fellows within influential international discussions on resilience, security, and global governance.
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
