IAS CEU Core Fellowships 2026–2027: Advancing Global Scholarship in Social Sciences and Humanities

The Institute for Advanced Study at Central European University (IAS CEU), located in Budapest, Hungary, invites applications for its Junior and Senior Core Fellowship Program for the academic year 2026–2027. These fellowships are open to scholars across all disciplines within the social sciences and humanities. The program offers selected fellows a unique opportunity to pursue independent research in a highly stimulating and interdisciplinary environment.

Each year, IAS CEU welcomes approximately 20 fellows following a rigorous selection process, which includes pre-screening, peer review, and final evaluation by an independent international committee. The goal of the program is to foster cutting-edge research and generate impactful scholarly contributions, aligning with CEU’s broader vision of academic freedom and transnational intellectual cooperation.

Explore the 2026–2027 Core Fellowships offered by the Institute for Advanced Study at Central European University (IAS CEU) in Budapest. Designed for both junior and senior scholars in the social sciences and humanities, this prestigious program supports innovative research through generous funding, interdisciplinary exchange, and international collaboration.

Program Overview

Fellowship Categories and Duration

Fellowships are offered in two categories:

• • Junior Fellowships: For early-career researchers who received their PhD in 2018 or later.

  • Senior Fellowships: For established academics who obtained their PhD before 2018.

Applicants can choose from the following fellowship durations:

These flexible timeframes are designed to accommodate varying research needs and academic schedules.

Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support

• • Senior Fellows: €2,600 per month (net)

  • Junior Fellows: €1,500 per month (net)

Housing

All fellows and their immediate family members are provided with accommodation at the Raoul Wallenberg Guesthouse, located near CEU’s Budapest site. Utility expenses are covered by the fellows.

Research Environment

Fellows benefit from access to CEU facilities, including:

• • Libraries and archival resources

  • Seminar and conference spaces

  • IT and administrative support

IAS CEU also facilitates interaction with CEU Vienna and broader academic networks in Central and Eastern Europe, enhancing the fellows’ engagement through joint lectures, public events, and collaborative projects.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• • Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field of social sciences or humanities.

  • Demonstrate a strong record of publications in internationally recognized academic outlets.

  • Communicate fluently in English (CEU’s working language).

  • Meet the specific eligibility windows:

    • Junior Fellows: PhD awarded in 2018 or later.

    • Senior Fellows: PhD awarded before 2018.

Ineligibility Conditions

• • CEU full-time employees and students (until 5 years post-affiliation).

  • CEU part-time/temporary staff (until 1 year post-affiliation).

  • Former IAS CEU fellows (ineligible for 7 years, exceptions rare).

  • Applicants may only apply three times within a five-year period.

Applicants from all nationalities are welcome, though visa requirements for Hungary will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application Guidelines

Key Dates

• • Call Opens: July 2025

  • Application Deadline: 20 September 2025

  • Result Notification: February to April 2026

  • Fellowship Start: October 2026

Application Components

All documents must be compiled into a single PDF file (max. 12 MB). The filename should include your name and fellowship category, e.g., Doe_Jane_SeniorCore.pdf.

Required documents:

1. 1. Letter of Intent (max. 1,500 words): Include views on academic freedom and scholars at risk.

   2. Abstract of research project (max. 150 words)

   3. Full Research Proposal (1,000–2,500 words)

   4. Curriculum Vitae (max. 5 pages)

   5. Publication List: Up to 5 items (Junior), up to 15 items (Senior)

   6. References: Only for Junior Fellows (2 referees’ contact details)

Applications must be submitted via the IAS CEU application portal: See Below

Note: The application form must be completed and submitted in one session. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted submissions will not be reviewed.

Selection Process

Applications undergo a competitive review involving:

• • Administrative pre-screening

  • Academic peer review

  • Final selection by an interdisciplinary committee

Only the most promising candidates whose research aligns with the Institute’s mission and potential for significant scholarly contributions will be selected. The IAS CEU does not provide feedback or individual evaluation results to applicants.

Strategic Vision: The Global Invisible University

Aligned with CEU’s evolving academic mission, the fellowship contributes to the broader Global Invisible University initiative. This platform supports academic freedom and transnational collaboration, with special emphasis on scholars and students at risk from regions such as Ukraine, Southeast Europe, and Southeast Asia. It aims to redefine the relationship between research, education, and civic engagement in increasingly autocratic environments.

Final Thoughts

The IAS CEU Core Fellowship Program 2026–2027 is an exceptional opportunity for early-career and senior scholars seeking a rigorous and supportive environment to pursue transformative research. With generous financial support, access to world-class academic resources, and integration into vibrant intellectual networks, this fellowship empowers scholars to advance knowledge with global impact.

Program Summary

Review Cycle: Update annually in July based on the official call.

Call to Action

If you’re a scholar seeking to shape the future of social sciences or humanities, now is the time to prepare your application. Explore the IAS CEU fellowship to elevate your research, grow your global academic network, and contribute to meaningful interdisciplinary dialogues. Visit the official website to learn more and apply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)