🇩🇪 €25,000 in Funding: Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025 Now Open

Thinking about shaping Europe’s future?

If you’re a young researcher or policy innovator with bold ideas for a better European Union, the Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025–2026 is your opportunity to shine—and get paid for it.

   

Applications are now open for this prestigious one-year non-residential fellowship, which supports forward-thinking individuals across Europe with up to €25,000 in funding to develop and present innovative research projects.

What Is the Charlemagne Prize Fellowship?

Hosted by the European Charlemagne Prize Academy, this annual program empowers the next generation of European thinkers to tackle challenges affecting Europe’s political, social, economic, and cultural landscape.

Selected fellows join a diverse cohort of peers, work with top-tier mentors, and gain access to high-level networking opportunities. Whether you’re working in academia, civil society, or public service, this fellowship helps you bring your research to life—and into policy conversations.

Key Benefits at a Glance

• €25,000 grant to support your individual research or innovation project.
• High-level mentoring by experts in your field.
• Access to exclusive events, including the Charlemagne Prize Summit and award ceremony.
• Collaboration with top organisations across science, policy, and business.
• Personalised support to hit key research milestones.
• A platform to showcase your work to European stakeholders and global decision-makers.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship targets promising researchers, policy specialists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders who are:

• Younger than 35 years old.
• Holders of a postgraduate degree (preferably a Master’s or equivalent).
• Citizens of an EU member state or residing in Europe during the fellowship.
• Skilled in professional English (C1 level minimum).
• Capable of submitting a strong, original research proposal relevant to the annual theme.
• Able to identify a host institution (university, think tank, or organisation) to support the project.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The Academy seeks individuals who:

• Have academic or professional experience in political science, economics, law, public policy, cultural studies, or related fields.
• Are reliable, curious, and proactive in driving change.
• Want to dedicate a full year to developing a meaningful research project.
• Are interested in influencing real-world European integration and cooperation.

What Makes This Fellowship Stand Out?

This isn’t just a research grant—it’s a launchpad.

You’ll get time and resources to pursue an ambitious idea that might otherwise remain a dream. More importantly, you’ll get visibility, access to policymakers, and the kind of professional recognition that can reshape your career.

Plus, you become part of a growing Charlemagne Prize alumni network, filled with influential thinkers and doers working at the heart of Europe.

How to Apply (2025–2026 Intake)

✅ Application deadline: August 17, 2025
🗓 Application period: July 1 – August 17, 2025

You’ll need to submit the following documents (in English):

1. CV (PDF) – Required
2. Research Proposal (PDF) – Required
3. Supporting Documents (PDF, optional) – References, academic certificates, and endorsements

Apply Here

Learn more: Charlemagne Prize Fellowship Program

FAQs: Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025

Q1: Is this a full-time, in-residence program?
No, the fellowship is non-residential. You work from your host institution or home country while receiving support from the Academy.

Q2: Can non-EU citizens apply?
Only EU citizens or residents of European countries during the project period are eligible.

Q3: Can I propose a group project?
Yes. While individual applications are more common, well-defined collaborative proposals may also be considered.

Q4: What types of projects are accepted?
Your project should offer a fresh, impactful perspective on European integration, societal cohesion, governance, or innovation.

Q5: Is the €25,000 paid in one go?
The grant is typically disbursed in phases aligned with your project’s milestones, with the Academy offering ongoing administrative and academic support.mprove lives across the continent. That’s exactly what the Charlemagne Prize Fellowship is all about.

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