Application Information
Advanced graduate students whose work demonstrates a strong interest in critical theory are invited to submit applications to participate in Northwestern’s Berlin Program in Critical Theory. Under this Program, a limited number of fellowships will be available for Northwestern students who wish to spend the academic year pursuing a research project in Berlin, Germany. To qualify for these grants, Northwestern students should, as a rule, have completed their course requirements and be in their fourth, fifth, or sixth year of study for the duration of the fellowship. (Students should work with their home department to confirm their current year of study to determine their eligibility.) Students at other institutions are invited to apply for affiliation in the Program but must provide their own financial support.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026-27 COHORT ARE NOW CLOSED.
For those interested in the program for the 2027-28 academic year, please visit this page again in late 2026, early 2027.
Applications for the 2026-27 fellowship year were due March 5, 2026.
All candidates should submit an application via the online Smartsheet form (no longer active), along with:
- A two page description of the research project to be pursued during the year spent in Berlin, including scholars you wish to work with, resources to consult, etc. The research project will in most cases be related to the student’s dissertation.
- Current C.V.
- A transcript of graduate coursework
- Proof of competence in German is encouraged but not required
- The name of at least one recommender who will write you a letter:
- Your recommender should email their letter of recommendation directly to Denise Meuser, dmeuser@northwestern.edu.
Please combine your project description, current C.V., and transcript into one PDF.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for all other appropriate grants. For external grants, see the information available at the Office of Fellowships site.
Questions or issues with the application should be addressed to Denise Meuser: dmeuser@northwestern.edu