RIFS Fellows Program in Germany 2026 | Fully Funded

RIFS Fellows Program in Germany 2026 | Fully Funded

Are you an academic, professional, or practitioner passionate about sustainability and global transformation? The RIFS Fellows Program 2026 in Germany is now accepting applications for its fully funded fellowship at the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) in Potsdam. This prestigious international research opportunity welcomes applicants from all fields — including science, public administration, business, civil society, media, and the arts.

The fellowship program provides an intellectually stimulating environment to develop innovative solutions for sustainability challenges. Hosted by the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, fellows will engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with top researchers and like-minded peers from across the globe.

RIFS Fellowship 2026 Summary

• Host Country: Germany
• Host Institution: Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS)
  
• Fellowship Location: Potsdam (GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences)
• Duration: 6–12 months (extendable to 24 months in exceptional cases)
• Application Deadline: June 9, 2025
• Funding Status: Fully Funded
• Application Mode: Online
• Official Link: Apply Now 

Key Benefits of the RIFS Fellows Program 2026

The RIFS Fellowship offers comprehensive support to ensure your research and stay in Germany are productive and enriching:

• Monthly Stipend: Based on experience and family circumstances
• Travel Reimbursement: Round-trip travel costs for fellows and their families
• Relocation Assistance: Coverage of moving expenses
• Housing Support: Help with accommodation in Berlin/Potsdam (especially for non-Europe residents)
• Visa & Insurance Support: Guidance for visa processing, school placements, and health insurance
• Research Access: Opportunity to work with leading sustainability researchers in Germany
• Networking: Build national and international partnerships across sectors

Eligibility Criteria for the RIFS Fellowship Program in Germany

The RIFS Fellows Program 2026 is open to a wide range of individuals with demonstrated commitment and experience in sustainability-related work. Specific eligibility includes:

For Academic Applicants:

• Must hold a PhD or have equivalent research experience before the fellowship starts.

For Non-Academic Applicants:

• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in a field relevant to the proposed research project.

General Requirements:

• Applicants from any nationality or background are encouraged to apply.
• Project proposals must align with at least one of RIFS’s three core research themes.
• Applicants must identify at least one research group at RIFS they wish to work with.

How to Apply for the RIFS Fellows Program 2026

Step-by-Step Application Guide:

1. Visit the official RIFS application portal.
2. Complete the online application form with personal and contact information.
3. Upload the required documents:
   • Updated CV with achievements
   • Passport (ID page)
   • Letter of motivation
   • Research project proposal
   • Certificates or academic records
   • Optional: publication list, portfolio, or relevant work samples
4. Indicate how you heard about the program.
5. Agree to the data protection terms.
6. Click ‘Send Application’ to complete the submission.

Want to apply for a UNICEF Internship Program 2025? Check the UNICEF Internship Program 2025.

Why Apply for the RIFS Fellows Program?

This is not just a fellowship — it’s a platform to co-create the future of global sustainability. Whether you come from academia, policy, or practice, the RIFS Fellowship empowers you to lead change, develop forward-thinking solutions, and deepen your global impact.

Join an inclusive international community of thinkers, researchers, and changemakers shaping a better world.

Deadline to Apply: June 9, 2025
Click Here to Apply