The FASPE Fellowship 2027 offers a fully funded opportunity for graduate students and early-career professionals to explore ethical leadership through an intensive two-week programme in Germany and Poland. Applications are open to eligible candidates worldwide, regardless of citizenship or country of residence.
Organized by Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE), the programme brings together emerging professionals from six fields. Participants attend seminars, visit historically significant sites, and examine how professional decisions can affect society.
The fellowship covers travel, accommodation, group meals, programme activities, and other specified expenses. Therefore, participants can focus on learning without bearing the main costs of the programme.
Applications for the 2027 cycle close on January 3, 2027, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
FASPE Fellowship 2027 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | FASPE Fellowship 2027 |
| Organization | Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics |
| Host Countries | Germany and Poland |
| Main Starting Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Duration | Two weeks |
| Fellowship Tracks | Six professional disciplines |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | Graduate students and early-career professionals |
| Nationality | Open to eligible applicants worldwide |
| Application Deadline | January 3, 2027 |
| Recommendation Deadline | January 10, 2027 |
| Application Method | Online through Submittable |
Official Website: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/
Official Application Instructions: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/how-to-apply/
What Is the FASPE Fellowship?
FASPE is an international professional ethics fellowship established in 2010.
Its central purpose is to help future leaders recognize their responsibilities when facing difficult ethical decisions.
The programme examines the conduct of professionals in Nazi Germany and occupied Europe between 1933 and 1945. Fellows study how people working in law, medicine, journalism, business, technology, and religious institutions contributed to or enabled harmful policies.
However, FASPE is not simply a course about Holocaust history.
Instead, participants use historical examples to examine contemporary professional responsibilities.
For instance, journalists may discuss misinformation and public accountability. Business professionals might consider the difference between legal compliance and ethical conduct.
Similarly, technology professionals explore the consequences of designing systems that affect individuals and communities.
The programme combines historical learning with modern professional challenges.
Why Does the Fellowship Take Place in Germany and Poland?
Germany and Poland contain important historical sites connected with Nazi policies and the Holocaust.
By visiting these locations, fellows can study ethical questions in the places where significant historical events occurred.
The experience also encourages participants to reflect on the decisions made by professionals working within powerful institutions.
During the fellowship, participants attend seminars, visit historical sites, and exchange ideas with people from different professional backgrounds.
This combination of travel, historical study, and discussion forms the foundation of the programme.
Six FASPE Fellowship Programmes
FASPE offers six separate professional tracks.
Each track examines ethical questions relevant to a particular profession. However, fellows also participate in interdisciplinary discussions.
1. Business Fellowship
The Business Fellowship welcomes eligible graduate students and early-career business professionals.
It explores ethical leadership, corporate responsibility, and professional decision-making.
Topics may include:
- Corporate accountability
- Business conduct during the Nazi period
- Ethical responsibilities of executives
- Conflicts between profitability and public welfare
- Technology and business innovation
- Personal responsibility within organizations
Applicants may come from business schools, financial institutions, consulting firms, startups, nonprofit organizations, and related sectors.
Official Business Fellowship: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/business/
2. Law Fellowship
The Law Fellowship focuses on the ethical responsibilities of lawyers, judges, and legal professionals.
Participants examine how legal systems and individual legal practitioners contributed to Nazi policies.
They also discuss contemporary challenges involving justice, professional conduct, and legal institutions.
The programme welcomes eligible law students and early-career legal professionals.
Official Law Fellowship: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/law/
3. Design and Technology Fellowship
The Design and Technology Fellowship is relevant to professionals working in engineering, architecture, computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, and related fields.
Participants examine how technological and design decisions influence society.
Topics include:
- Professional responsibility in engineering
- Ethical issues in artificial intelligence
- Technology and institutional power
- Architecture and the built environment
- Social consequences of innovation
- Accountability in technical professions
FASPE expects to select approximately 13–16 fellows for this track.
Official Design and Technology Fellowship: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/design-technology/
4. Journalism Fellowship
The Journalism Fellowship explores ethical responsibilities in reporting, editing, and public communication.
Participants examine how journalists and media organizations reported on or misrepresented Nazi policies.
The programme also considers modern challenges involving misinformation, political reporting, advocacy journalism, and public trust.
Eligible applicants may include graduate journalism students, reporters, editors, photojournalists, and other early-career journalists.
Official Journalism Fellowship: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/journalism/
5. Medical Fellowship
The Medical Fellowship examines ethical responsibilities in healthcare.
Participants explore how medical professionals contributed to harmful policies during the Nazi period.
They also consider contemporary issues involving patient welfare, professional authority, institutional pressure, and medical decision-making.
Applicants must meet the programme’s specific medical education or professional eligibility requirements.
Official Medical Fellowship: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/medical/
6. Clergy and Religious Leaders Fellowship
This track welcomes eligible graduate students and early-career religious leaders from different faith traditions.
Participants examine the responsibilities of religious institutions and leaders during periods of discrimination and injustice.
The programme also addresses interfaith relationships, community leadership, prejudice, reconciliation, and ethical decision-making.
Applicants do not necessarily need formal ordination, provided they meet the relevant programme requirements.
Official Clergy Fellowship: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/clergy/
FASPE Fellowship 2027 Dates
FASPE organizes its six fellowship tracks into two travel groups.
| Fellowship Track | Programme Dates |
|---|---|
| Business | May 28 – June 11, 2027 |
| Law | May 28 – June 11, 2027 |
| Design and Technology | May 28 – June 11, 2027 |
| Journalism | June 18 – July 2, 2027 |
| Medical | June 18 – July 2, 2027 |
| Clergy and Religious Leaders | June 18 – July 2, 2027 |
Each programme lasts approximately two weeks.
Fellows must participate in the complete programme. Therefore, applicants should check their academic or professional commitments before applying.
Financial Benefits of the FASPE Fellowship
One of the strongest features of FASPE is its comprehensive financial support.
The organization aims to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent selected fellows from participating.
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
According to FASPE, the financial package includes:
- Round-trip economy airfare to Europe
- Transportation for group activities in Germany and Poland
- Hotel accommodation
- Programme materials
- Admission fees for scheduled visits
- Group meals
- Pocket money for meals outside the group schedule
Applicants traveling from countries outside the United States can also receive covered flights to Berlin and back.
This makes the fellowship accessible to eligible international applicants.
Does FASPE Cover Visa Expenses?
FASPE provides documentation to support visa applications.
However, fellows must arrange their own visas.
The organization does not state that it manages visa applications or covers every associated personal expense. Therefore, applicants should confirm visa fees and related requirements independently.
Is There a Monthly Stipend?
FASPE is a short educational fellowship rather than a salaried employment programme.
It provides the specified travel and programme benefits, including pocket money for non-group meals.
Applicants should not assume that it includes a monthly salary or additional cash award.
Who Can Apply for the FASPE Fellowship?
FASPE welcomes graduate students and early-career professionals who meet the requirements of their chosen fellowship track.
The programme seeks individuals with strong professional potential and an interest in ethical leadership.
General Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
- Meet the academic or professional criteria for their selected track.
- Be pursuing or developing a career in the relevant field.
- Demonstrate an interest in professional ethics.
- Show the ability to participate in thoughtful discussions.
- Be willing to examine challenging historical and contemporary issues.
- Attend the entire two-week programme.
- Submit the required documents before the relevant deadlines.
The organization considers applicants’ educational backgrounds, professional experience, leadership potential, and ability to contribute to group discussions.
Is There an Age Limit?
FASPE does not publish one universal age limit covering every fellowship track.
Instead, it uses academic and professional career-stage requirements.
For example, the Business and Design and Technology tracks generally seek applicants with no more than ten years of professional experience.
Other tracks have more specific eligibility rules.
Therefore, applicants should review the official page for their chosen discipline.
Can Undergraduate Students Apply?
The fellowship primarily targets graduate students and early-career professionals.
However, some tracks also accept individuals who have completed an undergraduate degree and are already working in the relevant profession.
For example, the Business Fellowship accepts eligible undergraduate degree holders working as business professionals.
Current undergraduate students should not assume that they qualify without meeting the specific track requirements.
Can International Applicants Apply?
Yes.
FASPE explicitly welcomes eligible applicants regardless of citizenship or residency.
Applicants do not need to be US citizens or live in the United States.
However, international participants must be able to obtain the necessary travel documents and visas.
Selection Criteria
FASPE uses a competitive selection process.
The organization looks beyond academic grades alone.
It also considers whether applicants can contribute meaningfully to discussions about professional ethics.
Strong candidates may demonstrate:
- Academic or professional achievement
- Leadership potential
- Intellectual curiosity
- Self-reflection
- Professional commitment
- Respect for different perspectives
- Ability to discuss complex issues responsibly
- Willingness to learn from historical evidence
- Capacity to contribute to the fellowship community
Applicants should explain how their experiences have shaped their understanding of ethical responsibilities.
Required Documents
The official application requires several components.
1. Online Application Form
Applicants must complete the online form through FASPE’s Submittable application system.
The form requests personal, academic, and professional information.
2. Resume or CV
Prepare an updated CV that includes:
- Educational qualifications
- Employment history
- Relevant professional experience
- Academic achievements
- Awards and honors
- Publications, where applicable
- Leadership or community activities
Keep the information accurate and relevant to the selected track.
3. Academic Transcripts
FASPE requires transcripts from institutions of higher education where applicants completed substantial study.
Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
However, screenshots of online transcript pages are not accepted.
Students who have not yet received grades in a new programme may need an appropriate enrollment confirmation letter from their dean.
4. Short Essay Responses
Applicants must answer short essay questions related to their selected fellowship.
The questions differ between disciplines.
These essays provide an opportunity to explain professional interests, ethical concerns, and personal experiences.
Applicants should review the official 2027 questions before preparing their responses.
5. Two Recommendation Letters
FASPE requires two letters of recommendation.
Students may request recommendations from academic faculty.
Early-career professionals may also use supervisors or other professional references.
The recommenders must submit their letters directly through the prescribed process.
Important: Recommendation letters have a separate deadline of January 10, 2027, after the main application deadline.
How to Apply for FASPE Fellowship 2027
The application process is online.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Open the FASPE application instructions:
www.faspe-ethics.org/how-to-apply/
Read the programme overview and general application requirements.
Step 2: Select Your Fellowship Track
Choose the professional discipline that matches your education or career.
For example, engineering and computer science applicants may consider Design and Technology.
Meanwhile, qualified legal professionals can explore the Law Fellowship.
Step 3: Confirm Your Eligibility
Review the official eligibility guidelines for your selected track.
Pay attention to educational qualifications, professional experience, and any degree-completion requirements.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application Documents
Collect your CV, academic transcripts, and relevant supporting information.
Contact potential recommenders early so they have enough time to prepare their letters.
Step 5: Write Your Essay Responses
Read the official essay questions carefully.
Use specific examples to explain your experiences, professional interests, and understanding of ethical responsibility.
Avoid generic statements that do not answer the questions.
Step 6: Open the Application Portal
FASPE uses Submittable for its online applications.
Access the portal through the official application page:
www.faspe-ethics.org/how-to-apply/
Step 7: Complete and Submit the Form
Enter the requested information, upload the necessary documents, and review your answers.
Submit your application by January 3, 2027, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Step 8: Follow Up With Your Recommenders
Make sure both recommendation letters are submitted by January 10, 2027.
A complete application requires these letters.
How to Write a Strong FASPE Fellowship Application
A successful application should demonstrate more than academic performance.
FASPE is particularly interested in applicants who can think critically about their professional responsibilities.
Connect Your Experience With Ethical Questions
Describe a situation that made you think about professional responsibility.
For example, you may have encountered a difficult decision during an internship, university project, or professional assignment.
Explain what made the situation challenging and what you learned.
Demonstrate Intellectual Curiosity
Show that you are willing to examine difficult questions rather than simply repeat familiar opinions.
FASPE values thoughtful discussion and reflection.
Therefore, applicants should demonstrate openness to learning from different experiences and perspectives.
Explain Your Professional Goals
Describe the type of work you hope to pursue and why ethical leadership matters in that field.
For instance, a technology applicant could discuss responsible artificial intelligence development.
A journalism applicant might focus on accuracy, accountability, or public trust.
Choose Suitable Recommenders
Select people who understand your abilities and can discuss your academic or professional development.
A detailed recommendation from someone familiar with your work can be more useful than a generic letter from a senior individual.
Submit Early
Avoid waiting until the final day.
Preparing transcripts, essays, and recommendation requests can take time.
An early submission also reduces the risk of technical difficulties.
Important Application Deadlines
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Open as of October 31, 2026 |
| Main Application Deadline | January 3, 2027 |
| Deadline Time | 11:59 PM Eastern Time |
| Recommendation Letter Deadline | January 10, 2027 |
| First Fellowship Group | May 28 – June 11, 2027 |
| Second Fellowship Group | June 18 – July 2, 2027 |
Applicants should follow the official deadline in Eastern Time rather than assuming it refers to their local time zone.
What Happens After the Fellowship?
The FASPE experience extends beyond the two weeks in Europe.
After completing the programme, fellows join an international alumni community.
The organization supports continued engagement through professional discussions, educational activities, events, and networking opportunities.
Alumni work in fields including business, law, journalism, medicine, technology, religious leadership, education, and public service.
Although the fellowship does not guarantee employment, its professional network and learning experience may support long-term career development.
Other International Fellowships to Explore
Applicants interested in professional development and international leadership can also explore other opportunities.
For example, the Yale World Fellows Program offers leadership development for accomplished professionals from different countries.
Similarly, the KAUST Global Fellowship supports eligible researchers pursuing scientific work.
Those interested in public policy and professional exchange may also explore the CrossCulture Programme.
Each programme has different eligibility conditions and funding arrangements. Therefore, applicants should compare the requirements before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the FASPE Fellowship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. FASPE covers the main programme and travel costs, including flights, hotels, group transportation, programme materials, group meals, and pocket money for non-group meals.
Where will the fellowship take place?
The fellowship takes place in Germany and Poland, with Berlin serving as an important starting location.
How long is the programme?
Each fellowship lasts approximately two weeks.
Can applicants from any country apply?
FASPE welcomes eligible candidates regardless of citizenship or residency.
Is IELTS required?
The general application instructions do not list IELTS as a universal requirement. Applicants should check their specific programme and application form for any language-related conditions.
Is there an age limit?
FASPE does not publish one universal age limit. Eligibility depends on academic and professional career stage.
Can bachelor’s degree holders apply?
Yes, in certain tracks, if they have completed the degree and meet the relevant professional requirements.
Can current undergraduate students apply?
The programme primarily targets graduate students and early-career professionals. Undergraduate applicants should review their chosen track carefully rather than assume eligibility.
How many fellowship tracks are available?
There are six: Business, Law, Design and Technology, Journalism, Medical, and Clergy and Religious Leaders.
Is previous professional experience necessary?
It depends on the track. Some programmes accept eligible graduate students, while others also welcome professionals with relevant experience.
Does FASPE arrange visas?
FASPE provides supporting documentation, but participants must arrange their own visas.
What is the application deadline?
The main application deadline is January 3, 2027, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
When are recommendation letters due?
The two recommendation letters must be submitted by January 10, 2027.
Is there an application fee?
The official general application instructions do not specify an application fee. Applicants should check the Submittable portal for any current application conditions.
Does the fellowship guarantee a job?
No. It is an educational and professional development opportunity, not a guaranteed employment pathway.
Final Thoughts
The FASPE Fellowship 2027 offers an unusual opportunity to explore professional ethics through historical study, international travel, and interdisciplinary discussion.
Its six fellowship tracks welcome eligible graduate students and early-career professionals from different fields.
Moreover, the comprehensive funding package makes the programme accessible to qualified applicants worldwide.
Candidates interested in ethical leadership, professional responsibility, and international learning should review the relevant eligibility requirements and prepare their applications carefully.
With the January 3, 2027 deadline approaching, interested applicants should begin gathering their documents and contacting recommenders.
Official Source: Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE)
Fellowships Overview: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/fellowships/
Application Instructions: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/how-to-apply/
Eligibility and Funding FAQs: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/faqs/
Disclaimer: Pathfinderly.com is an independent information website and is not affiliated with FASPE. Programme dates, eligibility requirements, and application procedures may change. Applicants should verify the latest details through the official FASPE website before applying.