The Humboldt Research Fellowship is a prestigious fully funded program for researchers of all nationalities to conduct their own research in Germany. It offers individual support, a monthly fellowship, and additional benefits for postdocs and experienced researchers.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe. The foundation aims to achieve a good balance between genders and a high level of diversity, expressly inviting female scientists and members of underrepresented groups to apply.
Humboldt Research Fellowship Benefits
- Monthly fellowship amount of €3,000 for postdocs plus additional benefits
- Monthly fellowship amount of €3,600 for experienced researchers plus additional benefits
- Fellowships may last from 6 to 24 months for postdocs and can be divided into up to three stays within three years
- Fellowships may last from 6 to 18 months for experienced researchers and can be divided into up to three stays within three years
- Personal support throughout your sponsorship
- Flexible start date for the fellowship
- Intensive language course prior to the research fellowship for you and your partner
- Family benefits for children and partners
- Subsidies for private full health insurance
- Allowances for travel expenses
- Alumni sponsorship measures including return fellowship or later visits to Germany
Humboldt Research Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- You are not a German national
- Postdocs: completed doctorate during the last four years or will complete before the selection meeting
- Experienced researchers: completed doctorate during the last twelve years
- Experienced researchers: academic profile substantiated by an extensive list of publications including important papers in which you acted as thematic lead
- Experienced researchers: hold a leadership role commensurate with your career level (e.g. assistant professor, lecturer, head of an independent research group)
- You may not have lived in Germany for longer than a total of 90 days within the 18-month period prior to submitting your application
- A researcher from an academic institution in Germany must provide a mentoring agreement and written confirmation that research facilities are available
- You can provide two expert reviews
- Good knowledge of German or English (natural sciences and engineering); good knowledge of German if necessary for research (humanities, social sciences and medicine) otherwise good knowledge of English
How to Apply for Humboldt Research Fellowship
- Submit the necessary documents to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation online only
- Upload the following documents in the application form: curriculum vitae (two pages max), research outline (five pages max), complete list of your publications, list of selected key publications, key publications, doctoral certificate or proof of completion, German language certificate if required, publisher’s acceptance notifications if required, two expert reviews, a detailed statement of your host in Germany and confirmation of research facilities
- Ensure your host uploads all necessary documents after you submit your application
- Check the status of your application in the corresponding field in the application form
- Contact [email protected] before submitting if you have any doubts or questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Humboldt Research Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Humboldt Research Fellowship?
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is a fully funded program by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation that sponsors researchers of all nationalities to conduct their own research in Germany. It supports postdocs and experienced researchers with a monthly fellowship, additional benefits, and individual support.
Who can apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship?
Researchers of all nationalities and research areas with above-average qualifications can apply. Postdocs must have completed their doctorate within the last four years, and experienced researchers within the last twelve years. German nationals may apply under certain conditions if they have lived and worked abroad long-term.
What is the deadline for the Humboldt Research Fellowship?
There are three calls per year opening on 15 March, 15 July, and 15 November. Each call closes once 800 applications are received. For 2026, the next call opens on 15 March 2026.
What benefits does the Humboldt Research Fellowship provide?
The fellowship provides a monthly amount of €3,000 for postdocs and €3,600 for experienced researchers, plus additional benefits such as family allowances, health insurance subsidies, travel expenses, and an intensive language course. Fellowships last 6-24 months for postdocs and 6-18 months for experienced researchers.
How do I apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship?
Applications are submitted online only through the Humboldt Foundation’s portal. Required documents include a CV, research outline, publication lists, key publications, doctoral certificate, expert reviews, and a host statement. Ensure all documents are complete and compliant with specifications.
Can I apply if I have not completed my doctorate yet?
Yes, you may apply if you will complete your doctorate before the envisaged selection meeting. If selected, you must complete your doctorate before commencing the research fellowship. Your application must include a written summary of your findings.
What is the success rate for the Humboldt Research Fellowship?
The Humboldt Foundation expects that 20–25% of applications received will be approved in upcoming selection committee meetings. The selection is based on academic qualifications, quality of publications, originality of research, and future potential.
Can I re-apply if my application is rejected?
Yes, you can re-apply if you significantly improve crucial aspects of the rejected application. In the case of unanimously rejected applications, you must wait a minimum of 18 months before re-applying. It is generally recommended to wait about two years to develop your academic profile.
Do I need to know German to apply?
For natural scientists and engineers, good knowledge of German or English is sufficient. For humanities, social sciences, and medicine, good knowledge of German is required if necessary for the research; otherwise, good knowledge of English suffices. A language certificate may be required.
Can I bring my family during the fellowship?
Yes, the Humboldt Foundation encourages fellows to bring their partners and children and provides family allowances if family members accompany the fellow for more than three months. Additional support for single parents and families is available.
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