Attention all aspiring sociologists! Here's a chance to take your academic journey to the next level. The Kohli Fellowships for Sociology 2026 is now open for applications, offering an incredible opportunity for early-career scholars to thrive in their field. This prestigious program, sponsored by the Kohli Foundation for Sociology, provides a two-year postdoctoral research journey at two esteemed institutions: the WZB Berlin Social Science Center in Germany and the European University Institute (EUI) in Florence, Italy. But here's where it gets controversial... these fellowships are not just about research; they're about creating an intellectually stimulating environment for young sociologists to flourish.
Let's dive into the details. The Kohli Fellowship at the EUI is an immersive experience. Fellows become part of the renowned Max Weber Programme, one of Europe's most competitive and interdisciplinary postdoctoral initiatives. Each fellow is affiliated with an academic department, which becomes their intellectual home, offering guidance and support. With a dedicated faculty mentor, fellows can conduct fieldwork, attend workshops and conferences, and organize academic events, all while benefiting from the structured offerings of the Max Weber Programme. It's a full integration into a dynamic scholarly community, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and international perspectives.
Now, let's talk about the Kohli Fellowship at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center. This world-leading research institution is known for its collaborative and interdisciplinary approach. Fellows are embedded in specific research units, becoming part of a vibrant academic environment. With a dedicated contact person, fellows are encouraged to pursue field research, attend seminars and conferences, and organize scholarly events. The WZB provides a flexible framework, allowing fellows to tailor their experience to their project's needs and long-term goals. Fellows are expected to actively contribute to the scholarly life of the WZB, engaging with its interdisciplinary mission and international networks.
The eligibility criteria are straightforward. The fellowship is open to scholars of all nationalities whose research aligns with the host institutions' academic focus. While projects related to the life course and generational change are encouraged, all areas of sociological inquiry are welcome. Applicants must have completed their PhD no more than three years before the fellowship start date. The application process requires a comprehensive CV, an academic career statement, a detailed research proposal, and academic references.
Fellows are selected in collaboration with the host institutions, based on scholarly excellence and the quality of their research proposal. Only one Kohli Fellowship is awarded annually, so the competition is fierce. Selected fellows are expected to reside in Berlin or Florence and actively participate in their host institution's academic life. The Kohli Foundation encourages applications from women and underrepresented backgrounds.
The application deadline for the WZB track is November 16, 2025, with interviews and selection taking place in Winter 2025/2026. The fellowship starts on October 1, 2026.
So, are you ready to take this leap and advance your academic career? The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology offers a unique and supportive environment for your research journey. Apply now and be part of this exciting opportunity!
For more information and similar opportunities, follow us on our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Telegram. Remember, Global South Opportunities is not the fellowship organization, so please direct all inquiries to the responsible organization. We wish you all the best in your academic pursuits!
