The Institute of Advanced Study at Central European University (IAS CEU) is inviting applications for its 2027/28 Global Invisible University Fellowship Program, offering an exceptional opportunity for scholars, researchers, writers and visual artists to pursue independent work within an international and interdisciplinary academic community.

Hosted primarily in Budapest, Hungary, the IAS CEU fellowship programme brings together highly accomplished senior academics, promising early-career scholars, threatened scholars, writers and visual artists whose work connects with some of the most pressing intellectual, political, social, environmental and institutional challenges facing societies today.

For the 2027/28 academic year, the Institute is offering several fellowship pathways, including the Junior and Senior Residential Fellowship, Artist in Residence Fellowship, Residential and Non-residential Fellowships for Threatened Scholars, and Residential Affiliated Fellowships.

Depending on the fellowship, successful applicants may spend between three and nine months at IAS CEU, while non-residential opportunities for threatened scholars can extend from six to 12 months.

The fellowships form an important part of the Global Invisible University (GIU), a wider CEU initiative that integrates research, teaching, mentoring and civic engagement while seeking new ways of responding to challenges affecting universities, scholars and access to knowledge around the world.

About the IAS CEU Global Invisible University Fellowship Program

The Institute of Advanced Study at CEU provides an intellectual environment in which fellows can concentrate on their individual research and creative projects while participating in a broader interdisciplinary community.

IAS CEU is seeking scholars who are interested not only in advancing their own research but also in contributing to conversations about new approaches to producing, sharing and transferring knowledge.

The fellowship programme is envisioned as the principal research arm of the Global Invisible University.

The initiative draws on approximately 15 years of institutional experience and practices developed by IAS CEU and combines this established research infrastructure with GIU’s broader ambition to rethink higher education in response to contemporary global challenges.

These include challenges arising from:

• War and armed conflict;
• Forced displacement;
• Autocratization and democratic decline;
• Restrictions on academic freedom;
• Political repression;
• Commercial pressures affecting higher education;
• Inequalities in the production and accessibility of knowledge;
• Threats faced by scholars and academic institutions; and
• Wider transformations affecting universities and research communities globally.

Through this programme, CEU aims to bring together researchers and creative practitioners who can contribute to an international academic environment centred on rigorous research, interdisciplinary exchange and new approaches to knowledge production.

What Is the Global Invisible University?

The Global Invisible University (GIU) is a strategic initiative intended to develop a new model of a “university for the future.”

Rather than approaching research, teaching and public engagement as entirely separate activities, GIU seeks to integrate them.

The programme combines university-level education, mentoring and research involving students and scholars, including academics affected by authoritarianism, war, displacement and other crises that constrain academic life.

The wider objective is to contribute to more resilient, democratic and open societies and academic institutions.

The 2027/28 IAS CEU fellowships therefore offer more than simply time away from normal professional responsibilities. Fellows are expected to become members of an experimental academic community in which independent research, intellectual collaboration and discussions about the future of knowledge and higher education can reinforce one another.

IAS CEU Fellowship Duration for 2027/28

Residential fellowships are available for different periods, allowing fellows to participate for between three and nine months depending on the fellowship type and approved arrangement.

Potential residential periods include:

1. Nine-month fellowship: October 2027 to June 2028.
2. Three-month short fall semester: October to December 2027.
3. Five-month fall semester: October 2027 to February 2028.
4. Six-month spring semester: January to June 2028.

Separate arrangements apply to some fellowship categories, particularly the Artist in Residence and Threatened Scholars programmes.

Applicants should therefore carefully review the individual call corresponding to the fellowship for which they intend to apply.

Types of IAS CEU Fellowships Available for 2027/28

There are several fellowship pathways within the IAS CEU programme. Candidates should select the opportunity that most closely corresponds to their academic background, professional situation and proposed project.

1. Junior and Senior Residential Fellowship

The Junior and Senior Residential Fellowship, also described as the core fellowship programme, is designed for scholars who want to spend between three and nine months in Budapest pursuing their own research.

Both junior and senior scholars are considered within this programme.

Core fellows are given an opportunity to work on their research while becoming part of the interdisciplinary intellectual community at IAS CEU.

Importantly, Junior and Senior Core Fellows receive:

• A fellowship stipend;
• Accommodation at the Raoul Wallenberg Guesthouse;
• An opportunity to pursue their own independent research;
• Access to the IAS CEU intellectual community;
• Research support and institutional resources; and
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange with other fellows and the wider CEU community.

Applicants should consult the dedicated Residential Core Fellowship call for the detailed eligibility criteria, financial terms and application requirements.

2. Artist in Residence Fellowship

IAS CEU also recognises creative practice as an important component of intellectual and societal engagement.

For 2027/28, the Institute offers two Artist in Residence opportunities:

• One Writer in Residence Fellowship
• One Visual Artist in Residence Fellowship

These fellowships are offered competitively to writers and visual artists whose work engages with the objectives of the Global Invisible University in innovative and convincing ways.

Eligible areas of creative practice may include, among others:

• Poetry;
• Prose;
• Drama;
• Screenwriting;
• Playwriting;
• Film;
• Digital applications; and
• Other forms of visual media.

Artist in Residence fellowships may last for up to five months, with a minimum residence period of three months.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their creative work connects meaningfully with the broader intellectual and societal aims of GIU.

3. Residential and Non-residential Fellowships for Threatened Scholars

An especially important component of the programme is dedicated to scholars facing serious threats to their ability to work, research or participate freely in academic life.

The Fellowships for Threatened Scholars are intended for scholars at risk because of circumstances including:

• Loss of employment;
• Harassment;
• Violence;
• Legal persecution;
• Political or civic positions of dissent;
• Identity;
• Critical scholarship;
• Exercise of academic freedom; or
• Immediate exposure to active military conflict.

The programme therefore recognises that academic freedom and the ability to conduct research cannot be taken for granted in many parts of the world.

Scholars living in or coming from areas affected by active military conflict may also qualify where the conflict directly affects them.

In addition to residential opportunities, IAS CEU provides non-residential fellowships exclusively for Threatened Scholars.

These non-residential fellowships are available for periods ranging from six to 12 months, during the period from August 2027 to July 2028.

Candidates interested in this pathway should carefully consult the specific Threatened Scholars fellowship call because eligibility is linked to the applicant’s circumstances as well as their scholarly work.

4. Residential Affiliated Fellowships

IAS CEU also welcomes a limited number of Affiliated Fellows each year.

These opportunities differ significantly from the funded core fellowships.

Affiliated Fellows typically have their own external fellowship or other funding and use that support to spend all or part of their research period at IAS CEU.

The minimum stay for an affiliated fellowship is three months.

Prospective applicants should note that:

• Affiliated Fellows do not receive a stipend from IAS CEU;
• Housing may or may not be provided by the Institute;
• Applicants typically rely on external fellowship funding or another independent source of financial support; and
• The fellowship allows researchers to become part of the IAS CEU academic environment during their research period.

Applicants requiring full financial support should therefore pay close attention to the differences between the Affiliated Fellowship and the funded fellowship categories.

Research Areas for the Global Invisible University Fellowships

A major component of the selection process is the relationship between an applicant’s proposed project and the intellectual priorities of the Global Invisible University.

Applicants are expected to connect their research or proposed work with at least one of eight key GIU thematic areas.

1. Democratization, De-democratization and Re-democratization

This thematic area addresses processes through which democratic systems emerge, weaken, transform or recover.

Projects may explore questions surrounding democratic institutions, political participation, authoritarian tendencies, democratic resilience and transitions between different political systems.

2. Politics of History, Memory and Culture Wars

This area encompasses the political use and interpretation of history and collective memory, as well as contemporary cultural conflicts.

Relevant work may examine:

• Historical narratives;
• Collective memory;
• Culture wars;
• Nationalist discourse;
• Transnationalist discourse; and
• The relationship between identity, politics, culture and interpretations of the past.

3. Political Economy and Global Inequalities

Researchers working on political economy, economic structures, inequality and related global challenges may find this thematic area particularly relevant.

Projects could address the relationships between political institutions, economic systems, distribution of resources and inequalities within or between societies.

4. Human Rights and Justice

This research priority focuses on human rights and justice in the context of international and comparative law.

Researchers may investigate legal institutions, rights protection, comparative legal systems, international law and broader questions surrounding justice and accountability.

5. Crisis of Multilateralism and Global Institutions

This area examines the changing role and effectiveness of international and regional institutions and alliances.

Potential research subjects may include:

• Multilateral organisations;
• International cooperation;
• Regional institutions;
• Global institutions;
• Political alliances;
• International governance; and
• Contemporary challenges facing multilateralism.

6. Politics of the Anthropocene, Climate Justice and Natural Resources

Environmental and climate-related research is another important GIU priority.

Relevant research may explore:

• The politics of the Anthropocene;
• Climate justice;
• Environmental governance;
• Natural resources;
• Political and social responses to climate change; and
• Inequalities associated with environmental change and resource distribution.

7. Old and New Media and Their Networks

This theme examines both established and emerging media environments and the networks through which information is created, circulated and contested.

Topics may include:

• Information warfare;
• Media networks;
• Digital communication;
• Safer use of media and digital systems;
• Securitization; and
• Transformations in information ecosystems.

8. Epistemological Problems of Social Sciences in the Digital Age

The eighth thematic area addresses fundamental questions about how knowledge and evidence are created and evaluated in an increasingly digital environment.

The programme specifically identifies areas such as:

• Evidentiary procedures;
• Truth claims;
• Archival practices;
• Digital transformations of research;
• Epistemological challenges in the social sciences; and
• “Forensic social sciences.”

Applicants do not necessarily need to address all eight areas. However, their proposed work is expected to demonstrate a meaningful relationship with at least one of these priorities.

Who Is IAS CEU Looking For?

IAS CEU describes its residential fellowships as opportunities for both highly accomplished senior scholars and promising younger scholars.

The programme is particularly relevant to individuals who want concentrated time to advance an independent research project while also participating in an interdisciplinary academic environment.

Depending on the specific fellowship, IAS CEU is seeking:

• Junior scholars;
• Senior and established scholars;
• Researchers in the social sciences;
• Researchers in the humanities;
• Scholars whose research addresses GIU thematic priorities;
• Writers;
• Visual artists;
• Scholars facing threats to their academic freedom or personal safety;
• Scholars affected by active military conflict; and
• Externally funded scholars interested in becoming Affiliated Fellows.

Applicants should not assume that general alignment with social sciences or humanities is sufficient. The proposed project should also demonstrate clear relevance to the broader goals and thematic priorities of the Global Invisible University.

Selection Process for the IAS CEU Fellowships

Applicants should be aware that admission to the IAS CEU fellowship programme is highly competitive.

Applications undergo a rigorous peer-review process, with the final decision made by an independent Selection Committee.

According to IAS CEU, major considerations include:

1. Excellence of the proposed research

   The intellectual strength and overall quality of the research proposal are central to the assessment.

2. Applicant’s track record

   The Selection Committee considers the applicant’s previous scholarly or professional accomplishments.

3. Thematic relevance

   Proposed research must demonstrate relevance to the broader objectives and research priorities of the Global Invisible University.

Because the fellowships are highly competitive, applicants should ensure that their proposals clearly communicate the importance, originality and feasibility of their proposed work rather than relying solely on academic credentials.

Why Budapest Is Important to the Fellowship Experience

Although Central European University’s main campus is located in Vienna, Austria, CEU maintains a significant research presence in Budapest, Hungary.

Several CEU research institutes, centres and resources operate in Budapest, including:

• The Institute of Advanced Study;
• CEU Democracy Institute;
• Blinken OSA Archivum;
• Center for Ethics and Law in Biomedicine;
• Artistic and cultural programmes;
• Non-degree educational programmes; and
• The Budapest branch of the CEU Library.

The fellowship programme is therefore situated within a broader intellectual ecosystem rather than functioning as an isolated research residency.

IAS CEU also views Budapest as an important environment for thinking about political and social transformation, including processes of re-democratization.

The programme aims to encourage new relationships and synergies not only among IAS fellows but also between fellows and educational and civil society organisations in Hungary and the broader region.

Benefits of Joining the IAS CEU Intellectual Community

While exact financial benefits depend on the fellowship category, participation in IAS CEU offers fellows an opportunity to become part of a multidisciplinary and international research environment.

Potential advantages include:

• Dedicated time to pursue independent research or creative work;
• Participation in an interdisciplinary community;
• Interaction with scholars working across social sciences and humanities;
• Engagement with CEU institutes, research centres and intellectual networks;
• Opportunities for scholarly exchange and collaboration;
• Access to research support infrastructure;
• Participation in conversations around research, teaching and civic engagement;
• An opportunity to explore new approaches to knowledge production and transfer; and
• Residence in Budapest for eligible residential fellows.

For Junior and Senior Core Fellows specifically, IAS CEU states that fellows receive a stipend and accommodation at the Raoul Wallenberg Guesthouse.

Benefits and financial conditions vary across fellowship categories, so candidates should review the individual call before applying.

Application Deadline for IAS CEU Fellowships 2027/28

Application deadlines vary according to the individual IAS CEU fellowship call.

The general programme information provided by IAS CEU directs applicants to its dedicated fellowship and open-call pages for the applicable application deadlines and detailed instructions.

Applicants should therefore check the official IAS CEU Open Calls page and the individual fellowship call before submitting an application, rather than assuming that all 2027/28 fellowships share one closing date.

Because individual fellowship programmes may have different requirements, funding arrangements and deadlines, prospective applicants should begin reviewing the appropriate call as early as possible.

How to Apply for IAS CEU Fellowships 2027/28

Candidates should apply through the official Institute of Advanced Study at Central European University fellowship portal and relevant fellowship call.

Official fellowship information and open calls are available through:

IAS CEU Fellowships:
https://ias.ceu.edu/fellowships-ias-ceu

Applicants should first identify which fellowship best matches their circumstances:

• Junior or Senior Residential Fellowship;
• Writer in Residence Fellowship;
• Visual Artist in Residence Fellowship;
• Residential or Non-residential Fellowship for Threatened Scholars; or
• Residential Affiliated Fellowship.

They should then open the corresponding official call and carefully review its eligibility requirements, application documents, financial conditions, residence requirements and deadline.

Given the competitiveness of the programme, applicants should allow sufficient time to prepare a strong research or creative proposal that clearly demonstrates both the quality of the proposed project and its relevance to the Global Invisible University.

Important Points Applicants Should Remember

Before applying for an IAS CEU fellowship for 2027/28, prospective candidates should keep several important points in mind:

• The programme is centred primarily on the social sciences and humanities.
• Proposed work should connect with at least one of the eight GIU thematic areas.
• Residential fellowship periods generally range from three to nine months.
• Artist in Residence fellowships are available for a minimum of three months and up to five months.
• Non-residential fellowships lasting six to 12 months are available exclusively to eligible Threatened Scholars.
• Junior and Senior Core Fellows receive a stipend and accommodation.
• Affiliated Fellows do not receive a stipend from IAS CEU.
• Housing for Affiliated Fellows is not guaranteed.
• Applications are assessed through rigorous peer review.
• Final decisions are made by an independent Selection Committee.
• Research excellence, applicant track record and thematic relevance are major selection considerations.
• The programme is highly competitive.
• Applicants should consult their specific fellowship call for exact application requirements and deadlines.

Conclusion

The IAS CEU Global Invisible University Fellowships 2027/28 provide an important opportunity for scholars, researchers, writers and visual artists seeking dedicated time and an interdisciplinary environment in which to advance ambitious research or creative projects.

Through its different fellowship pathways, the Institute of Advanced Study at Central European University accommodates applicants at different career stages and in different circumstances—from promising junior researchers and established senior academics to creative practitioners, threatened scholars and externally funded researchers.

At the heart of the programme is the Global Invisible University’s ambition to rethink how research, teaching, mentoring and civic engagement can respond to the profound pressures currently affecting higher education and knowledge production worldwide.

Applicants whose work examines democracy, history and memory, inequality, human rights, international institutions, climate justice, media, digital society or changing methods of knowledge production may find particularly strong alignment with the programme’s research priorities.

Because admission is highly competitive, prospective applicants should carefully identify the most appropriate fellowship, study its individual requirements and develop a compelling proposal demonstrating research excellence, a strong track record and clear relevance to the Global Invisible University.

Interested applicants should visit the official IAS CEU fellowship website for the individual 2027/28 calls, detailed eligibility conditions, application procedures and applicable deadlines:

Visit the OFY website for more Fellowship Opportunities.