About

The Humboldt Research Fellowship is one of the most prestigious international research fellowships offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. This program allows highly qualified researchers from all academic disciplines to conduct independent research in Germany while collaborating with leading research institutions and host scholars. The fellowship is part of the Global Minds Initiative Germany, funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, and aims to strengthen global scientific collaboration and academic exchange.

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is a globally respected organization dedicated to promoting international academic cooperation and scientific excellence. Fellows join the prestigious "Humboldtians" community, which includes thousands of distinguished scientists, Nobel laureates, and leading academics. The foundation strongly promotes diversity, equal opportunity, and gender balance, encouraging applications from female researchers and scholars from underrepresented groups.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must have completed a doctoral degree or equivalent academic qualification. For postdoctoral researchers, the doctorate must be completed within the last four years with a strong publication record. For experienced researchers, the doctorate must be completed within the last twelve years with an extensive publication record and demonstrated academic leadership such as assistant professor, lecturer, or research group leader positions.

In fields where doctorates are uncommon, candidates may apply up to 16 years after completing a master's degree if they have an appropriate research publication record. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, innovative research proposals, strong academic potential, and high quality publications. They must also secure a host researcher in Germany who provides a detailed statement supporting the research project and confirms that research facilities are available. Language skills in English or German may be required depending on the discipline.

What You Get

Postdoctoral researchers receive a monthly fellowship of €3,000 for research stays lasting 6 to 24 months. Experienced researchers receive a monthly fellowship of €3,600 for research stays lasting 6 to 18 months. Both categories can divide their fellowship into up to three research stays within three years.

Additional benefits include travel allowances, health insurance subsidies, research cost subsidies for host institutions, and additional financial support for families including family allowances and childcare expenses. Fellows and their partners may attend intensive German language courses before beginning their research stay. The fellowship offers significant flexibility, allowing fellows to choose their own host institution, determine the start date, and divide their fellowship period into multiple research visits.

Fellows become part of the Humboldt Alumni Network, which offers return fellowships, funding for research visits to Germany, participation in academic conferences, and networking events for long term collaboration opportunities.

Deadlines

The foundation introduced a structured application schedule with three calls per year. Each call accepts a maximum of 800 applications and closes once the limit is reached. Specific dates for the 2026–2027 cycle are not yet announced.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation portal. Required documents include a curriculum vitae (maximum two pages), research outline (maximum five pages), complete list of publications, list of selected key publications, copies of key publications, doctoral certificate or confirmation of completion, language certificates if required, two expert reviews from academic referees, host institution statement confirming research support, and publisher acceptance notifications if applicable.

Applications are evaluated through a rigorous peer review process by a selection committee of 60 to 70 international researchers. The selection process includes formal eligibility verification, peer review and academic evaluation, and selection committee meetings. Approximately 20 to 25% of applications are approved. Applicants receive official notification approximately five weeks after the selection meeting.