The Humboldt Research Fellowship is for researchers of all nationalities and research areas. It supports you with your research in Germany.
Application Deadline:
The current application round has reached its maximum number of submissions and is closed. The next call for applications opens on 15 November 2026 for the July 2027 selection meeting. Applications are accepted through three annual calls and may close early once the application cap is reached.
Tell Me About The Award:
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is one of Germany’s most prestigious international research fellowships, offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. It supports highly qualified researchers from all disciplines and nationalities (except Germany) to conduct independent research at a German host institution. The fellowship forms part of the Global Minds Initiative Germany and provides extensive financial support, networking opportunities, language training, and long-term alumni benefits.
Which Fields are Eligible?
All academic disciplines are eligible, including:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Economics
- Law
- Environmental Sciences
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Interdisciplinary Research Areas
Type:
Postdoctoral and Experienced Researcher Fellowship.
Who can Apply?
Postdoctoral Researchers:
Applicants must:
- Have completed a doctorate within the last four years, or
- Be about to complete their doctorate before the selection meeting.
- Demonstrate an excellent publication record.
Experienced Researchers:
Applicants must:
- Have completed a doctorate within the last twelve years.
- Possess an extensive publication record.
- Hold a leadership role appropriate to their career stage (e.g., research group leader, lecturer, assistant professor, or higher).
Applicants who have previously received direct funding from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation are generally not eligible.
How are Applicants Selected?
Applications are assessed by academic reviewers and a multidisciplinary selection committee based on:
- Academic achievements and career development
- Quality and originality of publications
- Innovation and feasibility of the research proposal
- Scientific significance of the project
- Future academic potential
- Strength of collaboration with the German host institution
The expected success rate for upcoming rounds is approximately 20% to 25%.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Researchers from all countries worldwide except Germany are eligible to apply.
Where will the Award be Taken?
Germany, at a recognised German research institution or university in collaboration with a confirmed German host researcher.
How Many Awards?
The Foundation does not specify a fixed number of fellowships awarded annually. However, each application call is currently capped at 800 applications.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
For Postdoctoral Researchers:
- €3,000 per month
- Fellowship duration of 6 to 24 months
For Experienced Researchers:
- €3,600 per month
- Fellowship duration of 6 to 18 months
Additional benefits include:
- Intensive German language course before the fellowship
- Family support for spouses and children
- Travel allowances
- Health insurance subsidies
- Research support for host institutions
- Personal mentoring and networking opportunities
- Long-term alumni funding and return fellowships
How Long Will the Award Last?
Postdoctoral Fellowship:
- 6 to 24 months
- May be split into up to three stays within three years
Experienced Researcher Fellowship:
- 6 to 18 months
- May be split into up to three stays within three years
How to Apply:
Applicants must apply online and prepare:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages)
- Research proposal (maximum five pages)
- Complete publication list
- Selected key publications
- Doctoral certificate
- Language certificates (if required)
- Two expert reviews
- Host’s statement and confirmation of research facilities
- Any supporting publication documentation requested by the Foundation
The application is only considered complete after both referees and the German host have uploaded all required documents.
