Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers
Country: Germany
Organization: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Program: Humboldt Research Fellowship
Category: Research Fellowship
Duration: 6–24 months
Application: Online
Applications are open for the Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany, offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. The fellowship is designed for postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers from all countries except Germany and supports independent 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.
Program Scope
The fellowship supports a research stay in Germany. According to the official programme page, postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers may apply, and the research stay can last between 6 and 24 months depending on the applicant category.
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship includes individual support from the Humboldt Foundation together with additional benefits. For postdoctoral researchers, the monthly fellowship amount is €3,000 plus additional benefits. For experienced researchers, the fellowship amount is €3,600 plus additional benefits.
For postdocs, the fellowship may last from 6 to 24 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years. For experienced researchers, the fellowship may last from 6 to 18 months and can also be divided into up to three stays within three years.
The foundation also states that fellows receive personal support throughout the sponsorship period. Prior to the research fellowship, the fellow and their partner may attend an intensive language course. Further financial support may also be available, including family benefits for children and partners, subsidies for private full health insurance, and allowances for travel expenses.
Eligibility
The programme is intended for researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe, regardless of field. Applicants must come from all countries excluding Germany, subject to the nationality conditions listed by the foundation.
Postdocs
Postdoctoral applicants must have completed their doctorate, or an equivalent academic qualification, within the last four years. Applicants who will complete their doctorate before the envisaged selection meeting may also apply if they can already provide a written summary of their findings. The page also states that applicants should have publications in academic journals and by publishing houses reviewed according to international standards.
Experienced Researchers
Experienced researchers must have completed their doctorate, or equivalent qualification, within the last twelve years. Their academic profile must be supported by an extensive publication list including important papers in which they acted as thematic lead. They must also hold a leadership role appropriate to their career level, such as assistant professor, lecturer, head of an independent research group, or a higher-level position.
Additional Requirements
Applicants must not be German nationals, except in the cases specifically described by the foundation for German nationals or educational residents who have lived and worked abroad long-term. The programme page also states that applicants must not have lived in Germany for longer than a total of 90 days within the 18-month period before submitting the application.
A researcher at an academic institution in Germany must provide a mentoring agreement, written confirmation that research facilities are available, and a detailed review. Applicants must also provide two expert reviews.
For language skills, applicants in natural sciences and engineering must have a good knowledge of German or English. In humanities, social sciences, and medicine, good knowledge of German is required if necessary for the research; otherwise, good knowledge of English is sufficient.
Required Documents
The online application requires a curriculum vitae of up to two pages, a research outline of up to five pages, a complete list of publications, a list of selected key publications, key publications, a doctoral certificate or proof of completion, a German language certificate if required, additional publication-related documents if required, two expert reviews, and a detailed host statement with confirmation of research facilities.
Application Rounds
The application procedure follows three calls for applications annually. The 2026 schedule on the programme page states that one call opens on 15 March 2026 for a November 2026 selection meeting with the earliest fellowship start in February 2027; another opens on 15 July 2026 for a March 2027 selection meeting with the earliest start in May 2027; and a third opens on 15 November 2026 for a July 2027 selection meeting with the earliest start in September 2027. The page also notes that each round closes once the maximum number of currently 800 applications is reached.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online only to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
