Apply for the Young Security Conference (YSC) Fellowship 2026/2027 - up to 8 funded Munich places for security professionals under 35.
The Young Security Conference Fellowship at Amerikahaus Munich (Bavarian Center for Transatlantic Relations) runs from December 2026 to February 2027. Up to eight early-career scholars and professionals join high-level European and transatlantic security debates, a Policy Lab at Amerikahaus, and the MSC@Amerikahaus hub around the Munich Security Conference.
Applications close on Wednesday, 11 November 2026. Send one English PDF by email to timo.lowinger@ur.de. There is no online form and no application fee.
Quick Facts - YSC Fellowship 2026/2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host | Amerikahaus - Bavarian Center for Transatlantic Relations, Munich, Germany |
| Landmark | Frauenkirche & Marienplatz, Munich, Bavaria 🇩🇪 |
| Duration | December 2026 - February 2027 |
| Places | Up to 8 fully supported fellowships (2 Bavaria, 2 France, 2 EU/UK, 2 non-EU / transatlantic) |
| Age | Under 35 |
| Funding | Winter School tuition waived; travel and Munich lodging subsidies; Amerikahaus workspace |
| Deadline | 11 November 2026 |
| Apply | One English PDF to timo.lowinger@ur.de |
| Official Gateway | Official YSC Fellowship 2026/2027 call (Amerikahaus) |
Theme: Democratic Resilience as Security Policy
The 2026/27 cohort works on how liberal-democratic erosion - polarisation, hybrid interference, and illiberal vetoes - weakens EU and UK defence, markets and transatlantic cooperation. Fellows write policy contributions for decision-makers and scholars, not classroom essays.
Programme Calendar
- 11 November 2026 - application deadline
- 4 - 5 December 2026 - 4th Bavarian Winter School on Trade and Security
- December 2026 - Policy Lab Phase 1: 3 - 4 day in-person residency at Amerikahaus, immediately after the Winter School
- January 2027 - online working phase
- February 2027 - Policy Lab Phase 2 at Amerikahaus, just before the Munich Security Conference
- February 2027 - MSC@Amerikahaus session (official MSC side-event hub)
What Fellows Receive
- 100% tuition waiver for the Bavarian Winter School on Trade and Security
- Travel-cost subsidies to and from Munich for all mandatory in-person phases
- Hotel/lodging subsidies during Munich residencies
- Workstations, research resources and event spaces at Amerikahaus
- Invitations to closed-door roundtables, VIP networking and institutional study visits
This is a supported fellowship (travel and lodging subsidies), not a salaried job and not a visa-sponsorship programme. Confirm exact grant amounts in the official PDF call.
Eligibility
- Under 35: young professionals, researchers, policy analysts or diplomats
- Proven background in International Relations, Security Studies, Political Science, Economics or Law
- Eight places, allocated as: 2 Bavarian institutions/universities; 2 French institutions/think tanks; 2 EU member states & the United Kingdom; 2 international / transatlantic partners
- Applications from NATO/EU countries and underrepresented groups in security studies are strongly encouraged; the committee aims for at least 50% women
Required Documents (one English PDF)
- CV - maximum 2 pages, with date of birth and contact details
- Letter of motivation - maximum 1 page (why you, why this theme, relevant experience)
- Short proposal / working hypothesis - maximum 500 words on one of these questions:
- How can the EU and UK strengthen their institutional and economic resilience against external hybrid threats?
- Which governance mechanisms can safeguard European foreign and security decision-making against illiberal vetoes?
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Read the official call on the Amerikahaus YSC Fellowship 2026/2027 page (English overview: YSC Fellowship at Amerikahaus; programme site: youngsecurityconference.com).
- Download the full PDF call from that Amerikahaus page and check slot fit (Bavaria / France / EU-UK / non-EU).
- Write the CV, one-page motivation and 500-word proposal in English. Merge into a single PDF.
- Email the file to timo.lowinger@ur.de by 11 November 2026. Do not send a paper pack or a paid “submission service.”
- Programme questions: sicherheitspolitik@amerikahaus.de or Dr Markus Faltermeier, Head of Programs - Trade and Security Policies.
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
- Atlantic Council GeoEconomics Center YGP Spring 2027
- ifa CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowships 2027
- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Swedish Institute (SI) Scholarship for Global Professionals 2027
- YSEALI Professional Exchange Program 2027 (Funded)
- Browse all Fellowships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the YSC Fellowship paid?
It is fully supported for the listed Munich phases: Winter School tuition is waived, and travel and lodging are subsidised. It is not a monthly salary.
Do I have to be German?
No. Places are reserved for Bavaria, France, other EU/UK applicants, and non-EU transatlantic partners. NATO/EU applicants and people from the EU/NATO eastern flank are especially encouraged.
Is there an online application portal?
No. One English PDF by email to timo.lowinger@ur.de by 11 November 2026.
Will I attend the Munich Security Conference itself?
Fellows join MSC@Amerikahaus, described as the largest official MSC side-event hub. That is not the same as a full MSC main-pass. Read the official call for this year’s access rules.
