How to Apply for Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany | Step-by-Step Process

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is a foundation that promotes international academic cooperation between excellent scientists and scholars from Germany and abroad. The Humboldt Research Fellowship is a prestigious program offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to researchers from all over the world. This program enables researchers to carry out research of their own choice in Germany. Approximately 700 Humboldt Research Fellowships are awarded annually to researchers from all over the world. German Nationals are not eligible for this fellowship. This is a great opportunity for the researchers. They will support you with your research.

Types of Fellowship

There are two fellowship programs offered in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of your choice.

• For Postdoctoral Researchers: This program is designed for researchers who have completed their PhDs within the last four years. Fellows can conduct research in Germany for 6 to 24 months
• For Experienced Researchers: This program is open to researchers who are further along in their careers. Fellowships can last from 6 to 18 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years.

Please check the eligibility criteria. If you are a perfect candidate according to the eligibility criteria, please follow the step-by-step process to apply for this scholarship. 

Eligibility Criteria

• The fellowship is open to all nationals except German nationals.
• An applicant must hold at least a Ph.D. or doctoral degree or equivalent research experience.
• Demonstrated research excellence through publications in internationally recognized, peer-reviewed journals and publications.
• A well-established research profile with a strong list of academic and research achievements.

This is just an overview. For detailed requirements, please refer to the Humboldt Fellowship website. 

Benefits 

• Monthly Stipend
  • €2,670 per month for Postdoctoral Researchers
  • €3,170 per month for Experienced Researchers
• An allowance for conferences, research trips, library stays, etc.
• Medical Insurance
• Airfare
• Family allowances will be provided for accompanying family members who are staying for at least three months.
• A flat-rate allowance for accompanying children under the age of 18 will be provided.

 

Step-by-Step Application Process 

Step - 1: First, visit the official website. 

Step - 2: Now, click on the "Apply online" button. 

Step - 3: If you are a new applicant, then click on the "I am new to the Humboldt Foundation and would like to create a user account" link. 

Step - 4: Now, enter your email, first name, family name, user name, and set a password. After providing all the details, click on the "Submit" button. 

Step - 5: Next, you will receive an email from [email protected]. Please click on the link in the email to complete registration. 

Step - 6: After activating your account, click on the "Login" button to proceed. 

Step - 7: Now, answer the question of how you have heard about this programme. After selection, click on the "Create form" button. By this, you will be able to create your own application form.

Step - 8: After creating the application form, click on the "Proceed to the form" button. 

Step - 9: Now, provide your name and select your preferred program. After selection, click on ">" this to proceed.

Step - 10: Here, you need to provide your personal details like current title, date of birth, gender, nationality, present professional position, highest academic degree, and email address. After providing all the details, click on ">" this to proceed.

Step - 11: Here, you need to provide the institution address and contact at which you are currently working. You also need to provide your private address, last institute outside Germany address, and host institute details. Lastly, you need to indicate the address to which correspondence should be sent.   

 

Step - 12: Here, you need to provide details of your academic/professional record in reverse chronological order (starting with your current position and going back to your first university), including career breaks. You can add more than one degree by clicking on the "Add new line" button. After providing all the details, click on ">" this to proceed.

Step - 13: Here, you need to provide details of your field of research, doctoral thesis, and doctoral degree.

Step - 14: If you are preparing for an academic examination or degree, then provide details. Also, you need need to set the period of your proposed fellowship at the host institute. After providing all the details, click on ">" this to proceed.

Step - 15:  Here, you need to provide a short abstract of your research proposal. The title should be in maximum of 200 characters. You need to provide up to five keywords to define your particular topic at the host institute. Lastly, you need to provide a brief summary of the research proposal , which should be within maximum 2,000 characters.

Step - 16: Next, you need to answer this question, "What do you think will be the impact of your research on the further development of your own academic profile? It should be within maximum 2,000 characters.  After providing all the details, click on ">" this to proceed.

Step - 17: Now, you need to provide your language proficiency details. After providing all the details, click on ">" this to proceed.

 

Step - 18: Here, you need to answer some questions shown in the images below.  After providing all the details, click on ">" this to proceed.   

Step - 19: Here, you need to provide details of the names and addresses of expert reviewers. After providing all the details, click on ">" this to proceed.   

Step - 20: Here, you need to tik mark your declaration of commitment, declaration of consent to funding through partnerships, and data privacy statement. After providing your consent, click on ">" this to proceed.     

Step - 21: Here, you need to upload some addition documents shown in the picture below.

If you provide all the required details and documents properly, only then the "Submit" button appear. 

Conclusion

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers the prestigious Humboldt Research Fellowship to outstanding researchers from around the world, excluding German nationals, to conduct research in Germany. The fellowship is available in two programs: one for postdoctoral researchers who completed their PhDs within the last four years and another for experienced researchers with more advanced careers. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend, allowances for conferences and research trips, medical insurance, airfare, and family allowances. Eligibility criteria include holding a Ph.D. or equivalent research experience and a strong track record of research excellence. Interested candidates should carefully follow the application process to take advantage of this opportunity.