Weimar Fellowship | FAQ

The Weimar Fellowship is a joint programme of the Hertie Foundation, Institut Montaigne and the Polish Robert Schuman Foundation, in cooperation with the European Academy Berlin.

Please find below brief answers to the most common questions regarding the programme and application. Should you have any questions beyond these, please contact us under weimarfellowship@ghst.de.

About the Weimar Fellowship

What is the Weimar Fellowship?

The Weimar Fellowship is a year‑long leadership programme for politically engaged mid‑career professionals from Germany, France and Poland. It brings together a diverse cohort to deepen trust, strengthen cross‑border cooperation and develop joint initiatives within the Weimar Triangle and beyond. The programme combines peer exchange, strategic reflection and collaborative project work in a confidential, trust‑based setting.

Is this an academic or training programme?

No. The Fellowship is a peer‑based leadership programme rather than an academic course or a training scheme. It does not award a degree or formal qualification. Participants engage as peers, contribute their professional experience and jointly develop initiatives with practical relevance.

Which organisations are behind the Weimar Fellowship?

The Hertie Foundation is a German non‑profit foundation whose mission is to Study the Brain and Strengthen Democracy in Germany and Europe. The Paris-based Institut Montaigne is an independent, non‑profit think tank that develops research‑based public policy proposals on key challenges facing French and European societies. The Polish Robert Schuman Foundation is an independent civic organisation promoting European integration, democratic values and active citizenship through education and dialogue across Europe. The programme is implemented in cooperation with the European Academy Berlin, an independent institution for political education and international dialogue.

Who should apply? (Eligibility & profile)

Who is the Fellowship designed for?

The Fellowship is designed for politically engaged mid‑career professionals with a keen interest in European cooperation with at least ten years of professional experience who currently hold positions of significant responsibility. Participants typically work in politics, public administration, politically engaged civil society, media, policy units of companies or associations, or academia.

Is there an age limit?

There is no formal age limit. The reference range of typically 35–45 years of age serves as an orientation. What matters most is career stage, leadership responsibility and the ability to contribute actively to a demanding peer programme.

Which nationalities or countries of residence are eligible?

Since the programme is designed to foster cooperation within the Weimar Triangle, applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Germany, France or Poland.

Do I need to work at European level to apply?

No. While an interest in European cooperation is essential, extensive professional experience at European level is not required. Applications from candidates whose work has primarily focused on national, regional or local contexts are explicitly welcome.

What level of English is required?

The working language of the programme is English. Participants should be sufficiently proficient to engage in in‑depth discussions and collaborative project work. No formal language certificate is necessary.

Programme structure & time commitment

How is the Fellowship year structured?

The Fellowship runs from September 2026 to July 2027 and consists of three in‑person modules in Germany, Poland and France, which build on each other thematically and methodologically. After completing the programme, participants become part of the active Weimar Fellowship alumni network.

When and where do the modules take place?

Are all three in‑person modules mandatory?

Yes. Full participation in all three modules is mandatory. Please clarify your availability with your employer before applying. Upon accepting the Fellowship after selection, participants make a binding commitment to attend all modules.

How much time does the Fellowship require between modules?

Between the in‑person modules, Fellows are expected to participate in virtual team meetings, advance their joint projects and remain engaged with the cohort. The expected workload is approximately three to five hours per month, depending on the project.  

Projects & outcomes

What role do joint projects play in the Fellowship?

Joint projects are a central pillar of the Fellowship. Participants work in transnational teams to develop concrete initiatives addressing political and societal challenges at local, national or European level. Projects are expected to generate tangible follow‑up beyond the Fellowship year.

What will the joint projects be about?

The projects should focus on concrete questions with a clear European dimension and relate to the inaugural year’s theme “Europe in a More Volatile World – Trust, Cooperation and New Initiatives in the Weimar Triangle”, as set out in the Call. Projects do not need to operate at European level and may be situated at local, regional, national or European level, provided they engage with European perspectives and cross‑border cooperation. Participants will be matched into trilateral working groups. Projects may take different forms—such as pilot initiatives, policy proposals, implementation roadmaps, toolboxes or new formats for institutional cooperation—and should aim to generate tangible outcomes beyond the Fellowship year.

Do I need to submit a fully developed project proposal when applying?

No. Applicants are asked to submit initial ideas for a topic, policy question or initiative they could imagine working on. These ideas serve as a starting point and do not have to be fully developed. Fellows are not required to work on the exact idea submitted with their application.

Is there support for projects during or after the Fellowship?

The project partners have set aside limited funds to support participants’ projects during and after the Fellowship year. They strive to support promising initiatives subject to availability and selection criteria. In addition, the programme offers coaching, peer feedback and access to relevant networks and decision‑makers.

Application & selection process

What does the application involve?

Applicants submit an online application in English, including responses to several questions on motivation, professional background and project ideas.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for applications is 30 April 2026. Selected applicants will be informed in May 2026.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed in a competitive, structured selection process by a selection committee. The aim is to compose a diverse and balanced cohort across countries, sectors and perspectives. Selection takes into account leadership responsibility, motivation, openness to peer learning and interest in trilateral European cooperation.

Can I reapply if I am not selected?

Yes. Applicants who are not selected may apply again in a future year, provided they meet the eligibility criteria at that time.

Costs, logistics & accessibility

What costs are covered?

Participation in the Weimar Fellowship is free of charge. All programme‑related costs are covered, including travel to and from module locations, accommodation and meals during programme days. The Fellowship is not a form of employment and is not remunerated.

How are travel and accommodation organised?

Travel and accommodation for the in‑person modules are covered by the programme and organised by European Academy Berlin.

Can the programme accommodate accessibility or other needs?

The programme strives to accommodate accessibility requirements, caring responsibilities, dietary needs or other individual circumstances wherever possible. Applicants are encouraged to indicate any needs early in the application process. Disclosing such needs has no negative impact on the selection decision.

Confidentiality, communications & after the Fellowship

What confidentiality rules apply?

To enable open and candid exchange, the Fellowship operates under Chatham House Rules. Participants may share insights from discussions, but not attribute statements to specific individuals.

Will the programme be photographed or filmed?

Photos may be taken during programme activities. Participants can indicate in advance if they do not wish images of them to be used. Personal data are handled in accordance with applicable European data protection regulations and the Data Protection Statement that is part of the application form.

What happens after the Fellowship ends?

After completing the Fellowship year, participants join an active alumni network. Planned follow‑up formats include alumni gatherings, thematic workshops and continued opportunities for exchange and collaboration, as well as project work spanning different cohorts. The Fellowship’s goal is to establish a sustainable community of experienced leaders working closely together for the future of a democratic Europe.

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