The Rothschild Foundation Hanadiv Europe (RFHE) invites applications for its Doctoral Fellowships Programme to support students pursuing Jewish Studies at European institutions. Grants of up to £19,000 per year are available for up to three years, covering tuition, research, travel, and living expenses. Applications close 13 January 2026, with notifications by mid-May 2026.

RFHE Doctoral Fellowships Programme

Overview

The Doctoral Fellowships Programme provides funding to PhD students conducting research in Jewish Studies at European universities. Fellows are expected to participate in RFHE-organized online seminars and workshops designed to promote academic networking, skills development, and research dissemination.

The programme encourages doctoral candidates to engage with both academic audiences and the wider public, enhancing the visibility and impact of Jewish Studies research.

Why It Matters

This fellowship:

Supports emerging scholars in Jewish Studies
Encourages research on contemporary European Jewish life and digital humanities
Promotes professional development, teaching experience, and public engagement
Strengthens European Jewish Studies departments by nurturing new talent

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

PhD students entering their first year or already enrolled in a doctoral programme in Jewish Studies at a European institution
European citizens who have been resident in Europe for at least two years

Exclusions:

Projects tangentially related to Jewish Studies
Research focused on individuals whose Jewish identity is incidental to historical significance
Secondary or informal education projects and documentary films
Fellowships at institutions in Belarus, Russia, or Ukraine

Funding Details

Grant Amount: Up to £19,000 per year
Duration: Up to three years for first-year students; shorter periods for later-stage doctoral candidates
Eligible Costs: Tuition, research, travel, living expenses, and participation in workshops and seminars
Stipends: Applicants must provide evidence of standard PhD stipend in their host country

How to Apply / How it Works

Submit the Application Form and required documents by Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
Provide details for two referees, including one prospective supervisor; references must be submitted by Tuesday, 20 January 2026.
Required documentation:
- Proof of European citizenship and residency
- Completed budget table with explanations
- Evidence of standard stipend at host institution
- Academic CV (up to 5 pages)
- Final transcripts for previous degrees
- Full doctoral research proposal (up to 12 pages) in English, German, or French (with translations if needed)
Indicate PhD programme acceptance status. If not yet accepted, include anticipated acceptance date and letter of reference from the prospective supervisor.

Programme Activities

Doctoral fellows are encouraged to:

Gain teaching experience where possible
Present research findings to academic peers and public audiences
Participate in online seminars and workshops to develop skills and networks

Selection Criteria

Academic merit and research quality
Alignment with Jewish Studies priorities, particularly contemporary European Jewish life or digital humanities
Potential for contribution to the host institution and broader scholarly community

Expected Outcomes

Completion of high-quality doctoral research in Jewish Studies
Professional development and preparation for academic or research careers
Enhanced visibility and impact of Jewish Studies research across Europe

Common Tips

Ensure your project aligns closely with Jewish Studies objectives
Provide clear evidence of residency, citizenship, and stipend standards
Secure timely submission of referee letters
Demonstrate engagement with academic and public audiences

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the fellowship?
PhD students at European institutions in Jewish Studies, including first-year candidates and those already enrolled.

2. What topics are eligible?
Any topic within Jewish Studies, with preference for contemporary European Jewish life and digital humanities research.

3. What does the fellowship fund?
Up to £19,000 per year for tuition, research, travel, living expenses, and workshop participation.

4. Are non-European citizens eligible?
No; applicants must be European citizens and have lived in Europe for at least two years.

5. When are applications due?
Application deadline: 13 January 2026; referee submissions: 20 January 2026.

6. What languages are accepted for proposals?
English, German, or French. Translations must be provided for documents not in English.

7. When will award notifications be sent?
Applicants will be notified via email by mid-May 2026.

Conclusion

The RFHE Doctoral Fellowships Programme provides essential support for early-career scholars in Jewish Studies, enabling them to conduct high-quality research, gain teaching and professional experience, and contribute to both academic and public understanding of Jewish life and culture in Europe.