American Academy in Berlin Berlin Prize Fellowship 2027–2028 in Germany | Fully Funded Fellowship for Scholars, Journalists, Writers and Public Policy Professionals

Applications are now open for the prestigious American Academy in Berlin Berlin Prize Fellowship 2027–2028, a fully funded international fellowship that brings outstanding scholars, writers, journalists, legal experts, and public policy professionals to Berlin for a semester-long residency.

The American Academy in Berlin is one of the leading transatlantic institutions dedicated to strengthening intellectual and cultural ties between the United States and Germany. Each year, the Academy selects approximately 25 exceptional individuals through a highly competitive process and awards fellowships that allow recipients to pursue independent projects while engaging with Germany’s vibrant intellectual and cultural community.

Fellows reside at the historic Hans Arnhold Center, located on the shores of Lake Wannsee in Berlin, where they become part of an interdisciplinary community of scholars and practitioners. In addition to receiving generous financial support, fellows participate in lectures, discussions, readings, and other public programs that contribute to transatlantic dialogue.

The deadline for applications is September 25, 2026.

 

About the American Academy in Berlin

The American Academy in Berlin is an independent, nonprofit institute for advanced study that supports distinguished individuals working in:

• Arts
•  Humanities
•  Social Sciences
• Law
•  Journalism
•  Public Policy

The institution’s primary mission is to strengthen intellectual, academic, and cultural connections between the United States and Germany.

Through its flagship Berlin Prize Fellowship, the Academy provides a unique opportunity for experts and thought leaders to advance their work in a stimulating international environment while building meaningful professional connections across disciplines.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive fellowship package that includes:

Monthly Stipend

Fellows receive a generous monthly stipend of **$5,000** throughout their residency.

Roundtrip Airfare

The Academy covers roundtrip travel expenses between the fellow’s home location and Berlin.

Accommodation

Recipients are provided accommodation at or near the Academy’s historic **Hans Arnhold Center** on Lake Wannsee.

Partial Board

The fellowship includes partial meal support during the residency period.

Library and Research Resources

Fellows receive access to the Academy’s in-house library services and research support.

 Professional Networking Opportunities

Participants become part of an influential network of academics, policymakers, journalists, writers, and public intellectuals.

Public Engagement Opportunities

Fellows present their work through:

•  Public lectures
• Readings
•  Panel discussions
•  Film screenings
•  Performances
•  Academic events

Fields and Disciplines Eligible for the Fellowship

The Academy welcomes applications from individuals working in:

• Humanities

Including history, philosophy, literature, religious studies, and related fields.

•  Social Sciences

Including sociology, political science, anthropology, economics, and related disciplines.

•  Law

Projects examining legal systems, public policy, governance, and justice.

•  Journalism

Investigative journalists, reporters, editors, and media professionals.

•  Public Policy

Professionals and researchers working on policy development and implementation.

• Specialized Fellowship Areas

The Academy also offers dedicated support for projects in:

• Jewish Studies
• German Studies
•  Public Health
• Biotechnology

 

 Priority Themes

Although projects do not need to focus specifically on Germany, applicants are encouraged to explain how a residency in Berlin would enhance their work.

The Academy particularly welcomes projects addressing pressing global issues such as:

•  Democracy
• Security
• Technology and Society
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Climate and Energy
• International Relations
•  Global Order
•  Public Health

 

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is intended for individuals who demonstrate excellence in their respective fields.

Eligible applicants include:

• Scholars
•  Researchers
•  Writers
•  Journalists
•  Legal Experts
•  Public Policy Professionals
•  Public Intellectuals

Applicants should possess a strong record of professional achievement and a compelling project proposal.

 

Who Cannot Apply?

According to the Academy’s guidelines:

•  Visual artists must apply through separate nomination-based competitions.
•  Composers are selected through separate nomination processes.
•  Project proposals in mathematics and the natural sciences are generally not accepted.

 

Residency Experience in Berlin

Fellows live and work in Berlin while becoming part of an active intellectual community.

The residency offers:

•  Time and space for focused research and writing.
•  Interaction with scholars and experts from different disciplines.
•  Opportunities to engage with German institutions and organizations.
•  Access to cultural and academic events.
•  Participation in media and public engagement activities.

The fellowship experience is designed to encourage meaningful exchange between American and German intellectual communities.

 

Application Process

Interested applicants should complete the online application before the deadline.

Applicants should prepare all required application materials, including project information and supporting documentation as outlined in the official application portal.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

 

Why You Should Apply

The Berlin Prize Fellowship is one of the most respected international fellowship programs available to scholars, journalists, writers, and policy professionals. The combination of financial support, accommodation, research time, public engagement opportunities, and access to Berlin’s dynamic intellectual environment makes this an exceptional opportunity for professionals seeking to advance impactful projects.

For those interested in contributing to international dialogue while benefiting from a world-class academic and cultural environment, the American Academy in Berlin Fellowship offers a transformative experience.

Conclusion

The American Academy in Berlin Berlin Prize Fellowship 2027–2028 provides an outstanding opportunity for scholars, journalists, writers, legal experts, and public policy professionals to spend a semester in Germany pursuing meaningful projects while engaging with an influential international community. With a monthly stipend of $5,000, accommodation, airfare, networking opportunities, and access to exceptional intellectual resources, the fellowship offers the ideal environment for advancing innovative ideas and impactful work. Interested applicants should submit their applications before September 25, 2026.

Discover more fellowship opportunities like this on the OFY Webpage .