If you are a doctoral student interested in advancing research in the humanities and social sciences with a focus on “Intellectual and Cultural Change in Central and Eastern Europe,” applications are now open for The Sylff Fellowships for Doctoral Research at Leipzig University. This prestigious fellowship, supported by the Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research and funded by the Nippon Foundation, aims to develop future leaders in international affairs, public life, and the private sector. Everything you need to know is in this article.
The Sylff Fellowships Summary
Location: Leipzig, Germany
Host Institution: Leipzig University
Target Group: Doctoral and postgraduate researchers
Study Level: Doctoral
Funding: Monthly fellowship of approximately 1200 euros
Duration: Up to three years (renewable annually based on satisfactory progress)
Application Deadline: May 30 each year
Start Date: For new nominees, typically aligned with the first year of doctoral studies
Fellowship Overview
The Sylff Fellowships support doctoral candidates conducting research in areas such as comparative literature, art history, philosophy, cultural and communication sciences, educational science, political science, economics, sociology, and the history of law. Applicants from other academic disciplines may also be considered if their research aligns with the theme “Intellectual and Cultural Change in Central and Eastern Europe.”
Fellowships are initially granted for one year, with the possibility of renewal up to a total of three years. Renewal is contingent upon satisfactory research progress and submission of an annual Sylff Fellowship Report. Fellows must present their research projects to the Sylff Committee for evaluation. The Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research makes the final funding decisions.
Fellowship Benefits
Monthly stipend of approximately 1200 euros
Funding duration of up to three years, regardless of the fellowship start year
Opportunity to develop leadership and social skills through academic activities
Support for high-quality research contributing to societal development
Fellowship recipients gain access to a global network of Sylff scholars
Eligibility Criteria
Outstanding academic performance in studies and degrees
Research relevance to the programme’s theme
Enrolled or recently admitted to Leipzig University as a doctoral candidate
Demonstrated leadership and social skills
Submission of official documents and reports in English
Application Procedure
To apply for a Sylff Fellowship, the following documents are required:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Degree certificates, including examination certificates
Letter of motivation (max. 1 page)
Project summary (max. 10 pages, detailing task, methods, work plan, and schedule)
Letter of recommendation from supervising professors
Supervision agreement
Proof of language skills (for projects abroad)
Additional information, to be submitted in English:
Short description of study/research (abstract)
Proposal of planned academic activities during the fellowship period
Examples of past leadership or future leadership potential
Fellows are required to provide proof of their admission to the respective faculty’s list of doctoral candidates.
Application Submission
Applications should be addressed to the following postal address:
Leipzig University
Department of Academic Administration
- Sylff Committee -
IPF 432411
04081 Leipzig
The documents can also be sent by e-mail to [stipendien@uni-leipzig.de].
For deliveries in person, the application can be deposited in the letter box for time-sensitive documents in the entrance area of Goethestraße 6, 04109 Leipzig.
🗓️ Application Deadline: May 30 (Of Each Year)
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
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