Think Visegrad Fellowship 2026 (Funded Policy Research Program in Central Europe)

Application Deadline: 15 May 2026

Policy ideas don’t exist in isolation; they are shaped by dialogue, collaboration, and real-world context. The Think Visegrad Fellowship 2026 offers researchers a chance to step into Central Europe’s policy ecosystem, working directly with leading think tanks across the Visegrad region. With funding support and a structured research environment, this short-term fellowship is designed for experts ready to contribute meaningful insights to regional and global policy discussions.

Quick Facts

About the Fellowship

The Think Visegrad platform is a collaboration of leading think tanks across Central Europe, focused on generating policy-relevant research and recommendations for governments and institutions within the Visegrad Group (V4).

Each year, selected fellows from outside the V4 region are invited to join host institutes and contribute to ongoing research and dialogue. For 2026, eight fellowships are available, each linked to a specific think tank in the region.

During the fellowship, participants are expected to:

• Develop a policy paper on a relevant topic
• Deliver a public presentation
• Engage with experts and institutional activities

This is not just an academic exercise; it’s a practical opportunity to influence conversations around policy, governance, and regional cooperation.

Research Areas

The fellowship is open to proposals in:

• Political Science
• International Relations
• Economics

Applicants are encouraged to align their research topic with the focus areas of their chosen host institute.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must:

• Be from a non-Visegrad country
• Have a strong background in research or policy-related work
• Demonstrate previous contributions (publications, projects, etc.)

1. Junior and mid-career researchers with strong proposals are also encouraged to apply.
2. Previous Think Visegrad fellows are not eligible.

Funding & Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• €3,400 stipend (to cover accommodation, local transport, and living costs)
• Travel support up to €500
• Access to leading European policy think tanks
• Opportunity to publish and present research
• Valuable networking within the V4 policy community

Duration & Structure

• Total duration: 6 to 8 weeks
• Minimum 4 weeks must be in-person at the host institute
• Remaining time may be flexible based on agreement

Host Institutes

Fellows will be placed in one of the participating think tanks across:

• Czech Republic
• Hungary
• Poland
• Slovakia

Each institute has its own research focus, so applicants should carefully review and select the best fit before applying.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form
• Structured CV (including publications)
• Motivation letter (maximum 300 words)

All documents must be submitted as separate PDF files.

To ensure your application stands out, check out our professional guide on How to Structure an Academic CV and Writing a Winning Motivation Letter for European fellowships.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via email to the official program contact.

• thinktank@sfpa.sk

Why this Fellowship stands out

Short-term fellowships often focus on academic exposure, but this one goes further.

• It connects you directly with policy-making ecosystems
• It emphasizes practical, publishable research
• It places you inside European think tank networks

For researchers interested in policy impact, this is a focused and valuable opportunity.

For more details, visit the Think Visegrad Fellowship.