Application
What is the application deadline for the Fellowship programme?
The application phase tor the Fellowship programme 2023/24 is set to start on July 24 and end September 1, 2023. Apply now!
Are think tanks or institutes eligible to apply?
We do not support institutions, associations, NGOs or think tanks. Our Fellowship, however, is addressed at their employees, junior researchers, research assistants, founders, or volunteers. The organisation can thereby be named as the hosting institution for the Fellow.
Do I need a hosting institution?
You should be able to clearly indicate where your workplace will be during the research year. We recommend choosing a thematically and professionally relevant institution that can support the implementation of your project. We are happy to discuss possible placement options for the project implementation.
I would like to apply as part of a research group or team. What do I have to consider?
When applying as a group or team, it is important that although the application is submitted by one person, all other members are named and indicated when uploading the CV's (in one pdf). The funding amount is not different compared to individual applicants.
Do I need to propose a mentor during my application?
We strongly recommend that you have already identified experts who could accompany the project in terms of content. Please indicate them during your application. We are happy to discuss possible mentoring options for the project implementation if you have not identified experts yet.
I am older than 35 at the time of my application. Am I still eligible to apply?
While the programme is directed at young academics and junior researchers under 35, the main selection criteria remain the quality and the relevance of the research proposal as well as your previous career path. You are welcome to apply to the programme if you minimally exceed the age limit but meet all other application criteria.
I have not graduated yet. Am I still eligible to apply?
You will need a completed Master's degree or equivalent by the day the Fellowship starts. This means that you can apply if you have not received your diploma yet, though you need to ensure that you have finished your studies and have received the diploma by September 2023.
I have a different postgraduate degree than a Master's degree. Am I eligible to apply?
You must have finished a postgraduate programme after your first educational path (Bachelor's degree, apprenticeship, ...) to be eligible to apply for the Fellowship. We accept vocational trainings or technical education programmes as postgraduate studies.
What is the role of the annual focus topic?
The submitted project proposal should be thematically based on the annual focus topic. You should present the respective connection in your project proposal. You can find the annual focus topic here.
Do I have to be a citizen of an EU member state in order to apply for the Fellowship?
The Fellowship is open to all postgraduates with a citizenship of an EU member state as well as to everyone planning to reside in Europe during the implementation of the project.
For example:
You are eligible to apply,
- if you have a German citizenship, living and conducting your research in Germany,
- if you have a Spanish citizenship, living and conducting your research in the United States,
- if you have a Moroccan citizenship, implementing your project at a research institute in Italy,
You are not eligible to apply,
- if you have a British citizenship, living and conducting your research in China.
Do I have to study social sciences in order to apply for the Fellowship?
The Fellowship is open to all postgraduates from all (academic) disciplines and fields. You can but must not work in academia to be eligible to apply for the Fellowship.
Uploads
Which information should be stated in the Cover Letter and which information should be stated in the Research Proposal?
The cover letter is a formal document in which you should state your motivation to apply for the Charlemagne Prize Fellowship programme. You may also introduce yourself in the cover letter. The research proposal should focus on your research question, your research goals, your timeframe, and your plan to implement your research project. The research proposal leaves no space for an individual presentation of yourself. Generally, both documents together should picture a clear presentation of who you are and what you would like to achieve personally and scientifically.
Which documents should I attach as 'certificates and references'?
You may include letters of recommendation and previous awards or validations of your experience in your specific research field in this section, which would be a beneficial addition to your general application documents. While the main selection criteria will focus on your previous experience and the quality and relevance of the research proposal, you can use this section to add aspects that you think should also be considered during the selection procedure. Please note that it is not compulsory to attach your academic diplomas yet, though they will be requested in case of your selection as a Fellow.
Do I need a language certificate?
A language certificate is not compulsory for your application. However, English language skills (C1) will be indispensable for this programme. We will assess your language skills based on the quality of your proposal and, if you are selected for the second application round, during the short selection interview.
Interviews and Selection
How does the selection process work?
After submitting your application, the Charlemagne Prize Foundation will pre-screen the application to check if all application criteria have been met. Afterwards, the selection committee will shortlist the best candidates who will then be invited to short online interviews. The interview will last 10-15 minutes and will take place mid-September. The final decision is made by the Foundation's Board of Directors by the end of September.
How can I prepare for the online interview?
In this interview we would like to gain a brief insight into your personality, your motivation, your ideas and your presentation style. We will therefore ask you 5 questions about yourself and your project one after the other, which you're asked to answer briefly and precisely.
When will I get informed about the final selection?
We will get back to all applicants by October 2023. If you have been selected as a Fellow, we will provide you with a detailed onboarding and an invitation to our kick-off event in November 2023.
Is diversity and gender balance respected during the selection process?
Yes. We attach great importance to our Fellowship programme reflecting the diversity in Europe with regard to origin, background, political interests, special attributes, and gender. Since women are still underrepresented in academia, we particularly encourage young women to apply.
Programme Schedule
When does the programme officially start?
Our Fellowship Programme runs from November of the application year to October of the following year. The starting date is the awarding of the fellowship certificate in Aachen. By this time, the grant agreements must be signed, the project goals defined and the host institution and mentor appointed.
What kind of travelling will I have to do?
We start and end the Fellowship with an event where attendance is compulsory. Within the year, there will of course always be the opportunity to participate in networking events and Charlemagne Prize events. We look forward to your active participation and to anticipating these trips in advance.
Is the full research grant paid out by the beginning of the year?
The research grant is paid out in 5 tranches and is linked in each case to the fulfilment of predefined milestones.
How flexible am I in the implementation of the project?
The goals and intermediate steps of the project should already be clearly defined in the research project. It is also important that the project brings added value and network expansion. In terms of time allocation, methodology and implementation, however, we leave a lot of leeway in order to promote projects and results that are as individual and creative as possible.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via academy@karlspreis.de.