[American Academy in Berlin](https://www.americanacademy.de)

September 2026 (Full application) | September 2026 (Letters of recommendation)

$5,000/month stipend, plus airfare, accommodation, partial board; four-month residency

Prestigious fellowships for outstanding US scholars, writers, artists, journalists, and policy experts to conduct independent work and foster US-German cultural exchange in Berlin.

--- ## Description The Berlin Prize Fellowships, offered by the American Academy in Berlin, support approximately two dozen individuals each year for semester-long residencies in Berlin. The program is designed for leading and emerging scholars, writers, artists, journalists, and policy experts from the United States to pursue advanced independent work in the arts, humanities, social sciences, law, journalism, and public policy. Fellows join an interdisciplinary residential community, engage with German institutions and the public, and contribute to transatlantic dialogue through lectures, readings, and other public events. The Academy welcomes projects addressing contemporary issues such as democracy, technology and society, climate change, sustainability, contemporary China, American political economy, Jewish studies, and public health. --- ## Due Dates - September 2026 (anticipated): Full application deadline - September 2026 (anticipated): Letters of recommendation deadline *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Fellows receive a monthly stipend of $5,000. - Additional support includes roundtrip airfare, accommodation at or near the Hans Arnhold Center, partial board, and access to library and networking resources. - The residency lasts one academic semester (four months), with fall and spring terms available. --- ## Eligibility - Open to US citizens and permanent residents only. - Applicants must be established or emerging scholars (PhD required for emerging scholars with a strong record beyond the dissertation), writers (at least one published book with a reputable press), journalists, artists, or policy experts with significant publication or production records. - Projects in mathematics or the natural sciences are not accepted. - Visual artists and composers are invited via separate, nomination-based competitions. - Applicants must explain how a Berlin residency would benefit their work. - Collaborative project proposals are accepted, but each participant must apply individually. - Previous Berlin Prize fellows are generally not eligible to reapply, except under exceptional circumstances. - Fellows must reside in Berlin for the full semester; most apartments can accommodate couples or families (limited availability). --- ## Application Process - Complete the online application form (via SlideRoom EU platform). - Required materials (all in English): - Project proposal (1,500–1,750 words) plus short bibliography (max 1 page) - Curriculum vitae (max 10 pages) - Two writing samples (max 60 pages combined) - Names and contact info for three referees (letters submitted via SlideRoom or dossier service) - Letters of recommendation are due by the same anticipated deadline as the application. - Notification of competition results is typically sent in late March following the deadline; recipients are announced in May. --- ## Additional Information - Stipends are considered taxable income; recipients receive IRS Form 1099. - Institutional overhead/indirect costs are not allowed if stipend is paid to a home institution. - Pets are not permitted in Academy accommodations. - The Academy encourages re-applications from previously unsuccessful candidates, with updated materials. --- ## External Links - [Program & Application Details](https://www.americanacademy.de/apply/apply-for-a-fellowship/) - [Funder Home Page](https://www.americanacademy.de) - [Fellowship FAQs](https://www.americanacademy.de/apply/apply-for-a-fellowship/#content) - [Application Portal (SlideRoom EU)](https://review.slideroom.eu/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------| | Thomas Castañeda | Coordinator, Fellows Selection | [tc@americanacademy.de](mailto:tc@americanacademy.de) | +49-30-80483 121 | | Christianne C. Hardy | Director, Fellows Selection & Alumni Affairs | [cch@americanacademy.de](mailto:cch@americanacademy.de) | +49-30-80483 0 | | General Inquiries | | [info@americanacademy.de](mailto:info@americanacademy.de) | +49-30-80483 0 | | Contact Form | | [Contact Page](https://www.americanacademy.de/contact/) | |

Berlin Prize Fellowships - American Academy in Berlin

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