Applications for the RIFS Fellows Program 2026 are now available. The Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) runs a top international fellowship. They pick up to 20 people every year. These fellows work on exciting new sustainability projects. The program happens in lively Potsdam, Germany. Fellows join a team research setting. They build new ideas over 6 to 12 months flexible time. The fellowship pays for everything. This means travel, housing and research costs. Fellows get strong money help and support. There is no fee to apply. You do not need an IELTS test. Fellows become part of a big active network. This network has over 300 past fellows. They come from more than 50 countries. This helps make long term work friends around the world.
Key Points:
- Fully Funded: All costs are covered travel and housing and research.
- Duration: 6 months or 12 months.
- Global Eligibility: Open to people from everywhere any background.
- No Additional Costs: Zero application fee and no IELTS needed.
- In-Person Experience: Research happens in busy Potsdam.
- Vibrant Community: Connect with 300 plus former fellows from over 50 countries.
RIFS Fellows Program Summary
| Fellowship In | Germany |
| Available For | Internationals |
| Fellowship Type | Fully Funded |
| Fellowship Location | Postdam |
| Last Date to Apply | June 9th, 2026 |
Also Check: British Council Research Fellowships in UK: University of Edinburgh
Fellowship Benefits
The RIFS Fellow Programme gives many good things to people picked including:
- Financial Support Fellows get money help This money is based on experience and family size.
- Relocation Assistance Travel costs for fellows and their family might be paid back.
- Housing Support Apartments in Potsdam for fellows not from Europe Plus help to find housing.
- Networking Opportunities Fellows join a worldwide group focused on sustainability.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration Fellows work with many different experts This helps them see things differently.
Eligibility Criteria
Anyone can apply from all parts of society like
- Academia Scientists with PhDs or similar know-how.
- Private Sector, Public Administration, Civil Society, Media, and Arts (At least 3 to 5 years working in that area)
- Your research idea or project must fit RIFS research topics
- You must work with one Research Group there
Focus Areas
The fellowship research must complement RIFS’s sustainability work and connect with at least one Research Theme. Possible areas include:
- Scientific investigation.
- Policy recommendations.
- Public discourse and debates.
- Art, education, and outreach.
- Business models related to sustainability.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit all documents in English in PDF format and max size 5MB each:
- Letter of Motivation Max 2 pages
- Say why you want this fellowship
- Name your Research Theme
- Name Research Groups for your project
- CV & Achievements Max 3 pages total
- Your career story max 2 pages
- Your big successes 1 page
- Project Proposal Max 5 pages
- Title and short summary max 300 words
- Full plan your results your activities
- Your timeline your budget
- No your name or details inside for fair review
- Optional Annex Max 10MB size
- Your past work extra papers your portfolio
Application Process For The RIFS Fellows Program 2026
- You must apply online using the official application portal.
- Review Stages
- Internal Review: Initial screening.
- Then External Review: short ideas go through double blind review experts dont know your name.
- Next Interviews: chosen finalists talk with RIFS.
- Last Final Decision: results come out November or December 2025.
- Starting Date
- Fellowships begin around Spring 2026.
- The earliest start is 1st April 2026.
Apply Now For The RIFS Fellows Program 2026 Germany