The University of Erfurt proudly announces the Herzog Ernst Scholarships and Hiob Ludolf Fellowships 2026, designed to support researchers exploring the Gotha Collections. With funding available for doctoral candidates, postdocs, and senior scholars, the program promotes interdisciplinary and globally oriented studies.

The scholarship program is open to doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and senior scholars from around the world. Eligible applicants should propose projects that require research in the Gotha Collections and align with fields such as history, history of knowledge, history of science, literary and media studies, art and visual studies, anthropology, ethnology, political science with a historical focus, or transdisciplinary studies on collecting practices.

The University of Erfurt is one of the country’s oldest universities, originally founded in 1379 and re-established in 1994 located in Thuringia, Germany. It is known for its strong focus on the humanities, social sciences, education, and religion, while also fostering interdisciplinary and international research. The university hosts renowned research centers such as the Gotha Research Centre and the Centre for Transcultural Studies, which attract scholars from around the world.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: University of Erfurt

• Department: Gotha Research Centre & Centre for Transcultural Studies

• Course Level: Doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and senior scholars

• Award: Research grants (scholarship or reimbursement)

• Access Mode: Online application (via email)

• Number of Awards: NA

• Nationality: International and domestic applicants are eligible

• The award can be taken in: Gotha, Germany

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: Open to applicants worldwide

• Acceptable Course or Subjects: Fellowships support projects in history, history of knowledge, history of science, literary studies, media studies, art and visual studies, political science (historical approach), ethnology, anthropology, and transdisciplinary research related to collecting practices, postcolonial studies, and global perspectives.

• Admissible Criteria:

  • Doctoral candidates, postdocs, and established senior scholars are eligible.

  • Applicants must propose a project requiring research in the Gotha Collections.

  • Residency in Gotha is required during the fellowship.

  • Applications must include a clear outline (3–5 pages) explaining the necessity of Gotha-based research and relevant collections.

  • For Herzog Ernst Scholarships, two letters of recommendation are required.

How to Apply

• Prepare the following documents as a single PDF (max. 5 MB):

  • Application form and cover letter (for Hiob Ludolf Fellowships)

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • Project outline (3–5 pages) with explanation of Gotha research relevance

  • Copies of certificates

  • List of publications (if applicable)

  • Signed consent to data processing (PDF)

• Submit applications in German or English by September 30, 2025, via email to: [email protected]

Application Herzog Ernst Scholarships  

Application Hiob Ludolf Fellowships

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