Study Opportunities at the Moehler Institute

Paderborn, Germany

In cooperation with IOTA, the Moehler Institute for Ecumenism in Paderborn (Germany) provides unique study opportunities for students, scholars, and pastors from Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches. Sponsored by the Catholic German Bishops’ Conference, the scholarship program offers three different types of scholarship:

  1. The first program (language scholarship) is for those who would like to improve and broaden their language skills and acquire the ability to read theological literature in German. The scholarship funds intensive course in German language as well as coursework at the Johann Adam Moehler Institute for Ecumenism in Paderborn, introducing you to Western church history, the history of theology in Western Christianity, the development of the ecumenical movement, and the current state of inter-church relations. Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026. The application requirements include: 1) at least a Bachelor’s degree in theology or equivalent; 2) a letter of recommendation from an Orthodox bishop; 3) and basic knowledge of German (level A1 – A2). The academic year begins on September 1.

  2. The second program (research scholarship) is intended for doctoral students as well as for professors of Orthodox faculties who would like to use a library in Germany for their research and funds a one to three months stay in Germany.

  3. The third program (fellowship) provides financial support for a common research project with a German colleague for one or two semester.

For each program, the scholarships cover tuition, fees, and basic living expenses. The participants are expected to cover the costs of travelling to and from Germany by raising funds from their parishes and other sources. For more information on the scholarship program, go to the institute’s website: https://moehlerinstitut.de/stipendien (in German and English). For inquiries, send an email to: [email protected]. Please identify yourself as a person inquiring about the IOTA Future Leaders Program.