graduate fellowship
Across disciplines and every stage of advanced study
Empowering tomorrow’s leaders by transforming academic knowledge into action
approach & focus
Offered in partnership with outstanding educational institutions, the Graduate Fellowship supports candidates with significant potential for global leadership.
We aim for our fellows to excel academically and develop projects with a lasting impact on global communities while advancing their careers.
eligibility & procedure
The scholarship supports the fellow’s academic and professional development and is awarded through a partnering university. The Project Accelerator Program helps the fellow plan and carry out a project.
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Each year, a pool of 20 candidates pursuing advanced study is drawn from nominations submitted by our partnering institutions. Candidates from all disciplines and professional backgrounds are considered, provided they demonstrate:
Academic excellence and professional achievement
Strong global leadership potential
Non-profit or community engagement
Active involvement in extracurricular or cross-disciplinary initiatives
Partnering Institutions
Royal College of Art (London, United Kingdom)
International Max Planck Research School (Berlin, Germany)
Technische Universität Berlin (Berlin, Germany)
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One Graduate Fellow is selected each academic year by members of Althafen Foundation’s Honorary and Advisory Boards, based on applications submitted by partnering institutions.
The scholarship is awarded through the fellow’s host institution.
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During the fellowship, the fellow is invited to pursue a collaborative or independent project. The Project Accelerator Program supports its planning, development and delivery.
our fellows
Roman Sprick
2025 Graduate Fellow
International Max Planck Research School (Berlin, Germany)
“As a biomedical scientist, my work is grounded in the belief that rigorous research and interdisciplinary education are key to advancing human health at its core. With support from a foundation that values both scientific excellence and cultural depth, I’m committed to transforming organoid research into real-world therapies for complex gastrointestinal diseases.”
Cezary Rucki
2024 Graduate Fellow
Royal College of Art (London, United Kingdom)
“As an artist and storyteller, I’m driven by the belief that creativity can illuminate overlooked narratives and spark lasting change. Through projects like Unraveling the Identities of Ghetto Classics, I explore how music empowers communities at the margins—supported by an environment that promotes artistic excellence and social insight across disciplines. ”
apply
Candidates are nominated by partnering institutions; direct applications are not accepted.
We currently offer the Graduate Fellowship through the partnering institutions shown below. If you are interested, please ask the relevant institution to contact us
