For young European visionaries prepared to influence Europe’s future, the European Charlemagne Prize Academy has formally opened applications for its prestigious Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025–2026, an exciting one-year non-resident research opportunity. For early-career changemakers, this fellowship provides a potent career-launching platform that includes a generous €20,000 research stipend, networking opportunities with prominent European leaders, and participation in the prestigious Charlemagne Prize Award Ceremony.

What is the purpose of the fellowship?

The Charlemagne Prize Fellowship is a one-year program that provides funding for creative, independent research projects that address important societal issues in Europe. Young scholars, policy specialists, inventors, and aspiring leaders under 35 from EU nations or those residing in Europe are eligible. With the help of a host institution and a mentor of their own choosing, fellows will be able to carry out their research either alone or in collaboration.

Benefits of the Charlemagne Fellowship

The exciting benefits of the Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025–2026 are intended to improve your research and increase your influence throughout Europe. With a generous €20,000 stipend to support their individual or group research project, each chosen fellow has complete creative control over which host institution and mentor best suit their goals.

Who Should Apply?

The Charlemagne Fellowship is open to:

• University graduates or young professionals with a postgraduate degree (preferably a master’s)
• Individuals under 35 years of age
• Citizens of an EU Member State or residents in Europe during the fellowship
• Applicants with professional-level English (minimum C1)

Apply: https://www.karlspreis.de/de/academy/application.

Dates and Timeline for Processing Applications

Starting on July 1 and ending on August 17, 2025, the Charlemagne Prize Fellowship 2025–2026 application period officially opens. The final selections will be made shortly after the shortlisted candidates are invited to attend interviews in September 2025. On November 5–6, 2025, the Fellowship will formally begin with a vibrant two-day event where Fellows will get to know peers, mentors, and program leaders. From December 2025 to August 2026, the organized research process takes place over three quarters, with significant turning points highlighted at each stage.