The Mercator Fellowship

The Mercator Fellowship on International Affairs promotes 20 outstanding German and 4 outstanding Swiss university graduates and young professionals from all fields who aspire to positions of responsibility in international organizations.

During the course of the 13-months program, the fellows work in two or three international organizations or globally active NGOs around the world, possible places of deployment ranging from an organization's headquarters in New York to field experience in Kyrgyzstan.

Fellows select a project topic of global relevance (possible themes include foreign and security policy or economic, health, migration, cultural, climate and energy policy), which then determines the work placements they choose. During the Fellowship phases, they discuss global problems with high-ranking individuals such as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees or the foreign policy adviser to the German Chancellor. The fellows also benefit from seminars aimed at developing their leadership skills and core competencies; these include training in rhetoric, communication and negotiation. The costs of all travel to international placements are covered, and additional grants are also available for conferences and language courses.

The fellows are incorporated into a network of over 370 alumni, organized within the Network for International Affairs (NEFIA).

For further information, please refer to the official webpage of the Mercator Fellowship on Internationl Affairs.

Value

Scholarships are paid on a monthly basis, in the amount of CHF 3500.

All travel costs are covered. Additional grants are also available for conferences and language courses.

Application deadline

January 31st, 2016

Eligibility and conditions of award

• Maximum age 29 years (counting of Military or civilian service, as well as maternity leave possible)
• Graduate degree from a university or a university of applied science (MA, MSc) or equivalent graduate-level degree (e.g. in Germany, Staatsexamen, Diplom). Undergraduate degrees (or Bachelor) will not be considered. The Mercator Fellowship is open to all disciplines.
• Proficient German and English language skills and knowledge of a second foreign language
• At least one year experience abroad after graduation
• At least one year of professional experience which may be acquired through internships
• Very good general knowledge, very good knowledge of international politics and economics, broad personal interests and community involvement, as well as intercultural competence, team spirit and organizational skills
• Swiss nationality (applicants with German nationality have to apply to the program manager of the Mercator Kolleg in Germany)

For further information on the eligibility conditions, please visit the official webpage of the Mercator Kolleg.

Please note for your application:

• FAQs Mercator Kolleg
• Sketch of a project proposal
• Application Form 2016/2017