Country: Germany
Organization: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Program Name: Humboldt Research Fellowship
Category: Research Fellowship
Duration: 6–24 months
Eligible Applicants: Postdoctoral researchers, experienced researchers
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is accepting applications for the Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany. This research fellowship supports researchers of all nationalities and research areas who wish to carry out their own research in cooperation with a host at a German research institution. The programme is part of the Global Minds Initiative Germany of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.
About the Fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is open to postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers from all countries excluding Germany. The fellowship supports a research stay in Germany and the official programme page lists a duration range of 6 to 24 months.
Funding and Support
For postdoctoral researchers, the fellowship provides €3,000 per month plus additional benefits. For experienced researchers, the amount is €3,600 plus additional benefits.
Postdoctoral fellowships can run for 6 to 24 months, while fellowships for experienced researchers can run for 6 to 18 months. In both cases, the fellowship may be split into up to three stays within three years. The programme also includes personal support throughout the sponsorship period.
Before the fellowship begins, the fellow and their partner may attend an intensive language course. The programme page also mentions further support such as family benefits for children and partners, subsidies for private full health insurance, and travel expense allowances.
Who Can Apply
The fellowship is aimed at researchers with above-average qualifications from around the world. It is available across all research areas.
Postdoctoral Researchers
Applicants in the postdoctoral category must have completed their doctorate or equivalent qualification within the last four years. Those who will complete the doctorate before the envisaged selection meeting may also apply if they can provide a written summary of their findings. The source further requires publications in academic journals and by publishing houses reviewed according to international standards.
Experienced Researchers
Applicants in the experienced researcher category must have completed their doctorate within the last twelve years. They must have an extensive publication record, including important papers in which they acted as thematic lead, and they must hold a leadership role that matches their career level. Examples listed on the official page include assistant professor, lecturer, head of an independent research group, or a higher-level position.
Key Conditions
Applicants must meet the nationality rules stated by the foundation. The page also notes that, to be eligible, applicants may not have lived in Germany for more than a total of 90 days during the 18 months before submitting the application.
An academic host in Germany is required. This host must provide a mentoring agreement, written confirmation that research facilities are available, and a detailed review. Applicants must also arrange two expert reviews.
In natural sciences and engineering, good knowledge of German or English is required. In humanities, social sciences, and medicine, good knowledge of German is required where necessary for the research; otherwise, English is sufficient.
Documents Needed
The online application form requires a two-page maximum CV, a research outline of up to five pages, a complete publication list, a list of selected key publications, key publications, proof of doctorate completion or equivalent confirmation, a German language certificate if required, additional publication documents if required, two expert reviews, and a detailed host statement with confirmation of research facilities.
2026 Call Schedule
The official programme page lists three calls for applications in 2026. One opens on 15 March 2026, another on 15 July 2026, and the third on 15 November 2026. These correspond to later selection meetings and earliest possible fellowship start dates in 2027. The foundation also states that an application round closes once the current maximum of 800 applications has been reached.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online only through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
