FASPE Fellowship 2026: A Fully Funded Journey into Professional Ethics in Germany & Poland

Have you ever faced a difficult decision at work that felt… complicated? A moment where you were confused about the “right” thing to do, and you had to act swiftly? As an emerging professional, it's easy to focus on mastering the technical skills of our trade—writing clean code, drafting a perfect legal brief, or diagnosing a complex illness. However, the most challenging issues are rarely about skill. They’re about ethics.

What if you had the chance to step away from your daily work and deeply explore the very foundation of professional ethics, learning from one of history's most challenging periods?

This is the core promise of the FASPE (Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics) Fellowship 2026. It's a fully funded, two-week intensive program in Germany and Poland designed for students and early-career professionals who understand that leadership isn't just about being good at your job—it's about being good in your job.

This isn't just another fellowship; it's a transformative experience that will challenge your perspectives and equip you to be an ethical leader for the rest of your career.

What is the FASPE Fellowship? (More Than a History Lesson)

At its heart, the FASPE Fellowship is an immersive study program that examines the conduct of professionals in Nazi Germany. It asks a difficult but vital question: How did members of the most respected professions—doctors, lawyers, journalists, engineers, and clergy—not only comply with but actively participate in the horrific policies of the Third Reich?

By studying the historical context and the choices these individuals made, FASPE provides a powerful and unique lens through which to view our own contemporary ethical challenges. The goal isn't to judge the past but to learn from it, fostering a new generation of professionals with a profound commitment to ethical leadership.

This program moves beyond abstract theories. Fellows visit authentic historical sites, including Auschwitz, and participate in daily seminars led by expert faculty, creating a direct and impactful learning environment.

Why This Matters Now: 3 Modern Ethical Dilemmas

The historical context of FASPE is not just academic; it's directly relevant to the pressures professionals face today. Consider these real-world scenarios:

Case Study 1: The Tech Designer's Algorithm. An engineer at a major tech company is tasked with refining an algorithm to maximize user engagement. They soon realize that the most "effective" version promotes sensational and polarizing content, potentially harming societal discourse and individual mental health. Do they raise ethical objections and risk their career, or do they simply complete the task they were assigned?

Case Study 2: The Doctor's Resource Allocation. During a public health crisis, a hospital is overwhelmed. A physician in charge of the ICU has to make life-or-death decisions about who receives the last available ventilator. Do they follow a "first-come, first-served" policy, or do they prioritise a younger patient with a higher chance of long-term survival over an older one—a decision that weighs the value of one life against another?

Case Study 3: The Corporate Lawyer's Discovery. While conducting due diligence for a merger, a junior lawyer discovers their company has been using a legal loophole to dispose of industrial waste in a way that, while technically not illegal, is contaminating the water supply of a low-income community. Reporting it could collapse the merger and damage the company. What is their responsibility to the public versus their duty to their employer?

These are the kinds of complex issues FASPE prepares you to confront, providing the historical framework and ethical toolkit to navigate them with courage and integrity.

FASPE 2026 Program Details: At a Glance

The fellowship runs two separate programs based on professional fields. This ensures that discussions and site visits are tailored and relevant to your specific career path.

Key Information

• Host Countries: Germany & Poland
• Fellowship Duration: 2 Weeks
• Application Deadline: January 4, 2026
  
  

A Truly Fully Funded Opportunity: What's Covered?

One of the most significant aspects of the FASPE Fellowship is its commitment to accessibility. It is a fully funded program, meaning the financial burden is removed so you can focus entirely on the experience.

What is covered by the fellowship:

• Round-trip economy airfare from your home country to Europe.
• All transportation for group travel within Germany and Poland.
• All hotel and accommodation costs.
• All group meals and admission fees for program sites.
• All required program materials.
• A stipend (pocket money) to cover the cost of non-group meals.

This comprehensive support makes it a genuinely accessible opportunity for talented individuals from all economic backgrounds.

Are You the Right Candidate? Eligibility and Fields

FASPE is looking for individuals who are not only excelling in their fields but are also deeply engaged with ethical questions and poised to become leaders.

General Eligibility:

• The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities.
• You must be an enrolled graduate student, a recent graduate, OR an early-career professional with a relevant degree. 
• The specific number of years post-graduation varies by program, so be sure to check the official guidelines.
  
  

Eligible Fields:

• Business
• Clergy & Religious Leadership
• Design & Technology
• Journalism
• Law
• Medical

Each field has its own specific eligibility requirements. I strongly encourage you to read the detailed criteria and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the official FASPE website to ensure you qualify.

How to Craft a Successful Application

Your application is your chance to show the selection committee your potential as an ethical leader. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Online Application Form: Fill this out carefully and thoroughly.
• Resume/CV: Highlight experiences that demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and any engagement with ethical issues, even outside of your direct profession.
• Academic Transcripts: These provide context for your educational background. They show the selection committee you are not only professionally qualified but also academically.
• Short Essay Questions: This is the most critical part. Be authentic, reflective, and thoughtful. Don't just give the "right" answers; show your thought process and genuine curiosity about complex ethical problems.
• Two Letters of Recommendation: Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your character, intellectual curiosity, and leadership potential—not just your academic or
  professional performance.
  
  

Your Step-by-Step Application Guide

Ready to apply? Follow these simple steps below to complete your application
Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the official FASPE Fellowships application page. This is the only place to get accurate information and apply. The link to the official website of the fellowship is provided below.

• Select Your Program: Choose the program that corresponds to your field (e.g., Law, Medical, etc.).
• Review the Requirements: Carefully read the specific eligibility criteria and application instructions for your chosen program.
• Gather Your Documents: Start gathering your transcripts, updating your resume, and reaching out to your recommenders well ahead of the deadline.
• Submit Your Application: Complete the online form and upload all required documents before the 4th of January 2026.
  
  

Conclusion: An Investment in Your Ethical Skills

The FASPE Fellowship is more than a line on a resume; it's an investment in your moral courage and a foundational experience that will shape your professional life. You will join an international network of alumni who are making a difference in their fields, armed with a deeper understanding of their responsibilities.

If you are ready to challenge yourself and commit to becoming a leader guided by strong ethical behaviour, then this is a unique opportunity that you should never miss.

Are you planning to apply, or do you have experience with similar ethics-focused programs? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!

(getButton)#text=(VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY)

Disclaimer: “The Opportunities Circle is an opportunities sharing platform that aims to connect youths and young professionals with global opportunities that will help in their personal and professional advancement. However, it is crucial to note that The Opportunities Circle does not award any of the scholarships and opportunities listed on our platform. We therefore, do not take responsibility for any fraud, damages, or any other issues that may arise from scholarship awarding institutions. While we thoroughly check and verify the opportunities before posting them, we cannot guarantee the authenticity or reliability of all opportunities. It is the responsibility of the applicant to do their own due diligence and research before applying to any opportunity. The Opportunities Circle is not liable for any loss or damage that may result from applying to or participating in an opportunity listed on our platform.”(alert-warning)