The Young Security Conference (YSC) Fellowship 2026/2027 is open to young professionals and researchers under 35 who want to contribute to debates on European and transatlantic security. Run by Amerikahaus Munich and partners, the programme takes up to 8 fellows from December 2026 to February 2027, ending with a session at the Munich Security Conference week.
Deadline: Wednesday 11 November 2026. That’s soon, so start your application now.
Can Africans apply? Yes, but places are limited. Of the 8 places, 2 are for non-EU fellows from international and transatlantic partner countries. The rest are reserved for Bavaria, France and the EU/UK. Organisers say they especially encourage applicants from NATO and EU countries, so competition for the non-EU places will be strong.
At a Glance
| Organisers | Amerikahaus Munich, BayFrance, FoKS, Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Thomas Dehler Foundation and the Young Security Conference |
| Places | Up to 8 (2 Bavarian, 2 French, 2 EU/UK, 2 non-EU) |
| Age | Under 35 |
| Programme | December 2026 – February 2027, in Munich and online |
| Funding | Free tuition, plus travel and accommodation subsidies |
| Deadline | 11 November 2026 |
Theme for 2026/2027
This year’s focus is “The Crisis of Liberal Democracy as a Threat to National Security and Economic Prosperity”, including disinformation and hybrid threats, institutional gridlock in the EU and NATO, and Europe’s economic resilience.
Programme and Key Dates
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 11 November 2026 | Application deadline |
| 4–5 December 2026 | 4th Bavarian Winter School on Trade and Security, Munich |
| December 2026 (3–4 days) | Policy Lab Phase 1: in-person residency at Amerikahaus Munich |
| January 2027 | Online working phase |
| February 2027 | Policy Lab Phase 2 in Munich, then a session at MSC@Amerikahaus during the Munich Security Conference |
Benefits
- Free tuition for the Bavarian Winter School on Trade and Security
- Travel subsidies for trips to and from Munich for all required in-person phases
- Accommodation subsidies for hotel costs during the Munich residencies
- Access to workspaces and research resources at Amerikahaus Munich
- Invitations to closed-door roundtables, networking sessions and study visits
- A chance to present your policy work to decision-makers during Munich Security Conference week
The call describes travel and accommodation as subsidies, so they may not cover every cost. Ask the organisers if you’ll be travelling from Africa.
Eligibility
- Under 35 years of age
- Young professionals, researchers, policy analysts or diplomats
- A proven background in International Relations, Security Studies, Political Science, Economics or Law
- Able to attend the in-person phases in Munich in December 2026 and February 2027
Women and people from groups underrepresented in security studies are encouraged to apply. The selection committee aims for at least 50% women.
How to Apply
Send these documents in English, combined into one PDF:
- CV: maximum 2 pages, including your date of birth and contact details
- Motivation letter: maximum 1 page
- Short proposal (maximum 500 words) answering one of these questions:
- How can the EU and UK strengthen their institutional and economic resilience against external hybrid threats?
- Which governance mechanisms can protect European foreign and security decision-making against illiberal vetoes?
Email your application to [email protected] by 11 November 2026. Questions: Dr Markus Faltermeier, [email protected].
Official call: Young Security Conference Fellowship 2026/2027 (Amerikahaus Munich)
Tips for African Applicants
- Bring an African perspective. Show how hybrid threats, disinformation or Europe’s political shifts affect Africa–Europe relations. This can help you stand out for the non-EU places.
- Keep your proposal focused. 500 words is short, so pick one question and give a clear argument.
- Check your visa timing. The first Munich session is on 4 December, so apply for a Schengen visa immediately if you’re selected.
