The Humboldt Research Fellowship, offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, provides exceptional researchers from across the world with the opportunity to conduct independent research in Germany. This highly prestigious program promotes collaboration between international scholars and German research institutions, encouraging the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and global academic excellence.
The fellowship is open to researchers in all disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. Successful applicants carry out self-directed research projects in collaboration with a host institution of their choice in Germany.
Fellowship Categories and Duration
The program is divided into two main categories, based on the applicant’s career stage:
| Fellowship Type | Eligibility | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Postdoctoral Fellowship | Researchers who have completed their PhD within the past four years or are close to completion (within six months) | 6–24 months | May be split into several stays within three years |
| Experienced Researcher Fellowship | Scholars who completed their PhD within the past twelve years and have a proven research record | 6–18 months | May also be divided into segments within a three-year period |
Fellowship Benefits
The Humboldt Research Fellowship offers generous financial and academic support to ensure fellows can focus fully on their research goals. Benefits include:
- Monthly stipend: €2,700 for postdoctoral researchers and €3,200 for experienced researchers.
- Travel allowance: Covers international and domestic travel related to research activities.
- Health and liability insurance contributions.
- Language training: Up to four months of intensive German language courses before or during the research stay.
- Family support: Financial assistance for accompanying family members and child care costs.
- Research cost subsidy: Monthly contribution to the host institution—approximately €800 for the natural sciences and €500 for the humanities or social sciences.
- Networking opportunities: Access to the extensive Humboldt alumni network and future collaboration programs.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Academic Qualification
- Hold a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent).
- Postdoctoral applicants must have completed their degree within the past four years.
- Experienced researchers must have completed their PhD within the past twelve years.
- Nationality and Residence
- Open to non-German citizens.
- Applicants should not have resided in Germany for more than six months during the 18 months preceding the application deadline.
- Research Proposal and Host Institution
- Applicants must secure a confirmed invitation from a host institution in Germany.
- The proposed project should be innovative and distinct from the candidate’s doctoral research.
- References
- Two academic recommendations are required, ideally from the applicant’s doctoral supervisor and another senior researcher.
- Language Proficiency
- Applicants in the natural and engineering sciences must demonstrate strong English or German skills.
- For humanities and social sciences, proficiency in German is recommended if necessary for the research.
- Other Requirements
- Candidates must not have received a Humboldt Research Fellowship before.
- The minimum stay is six months.
Application and Selection Process
Selection Steps
- Eligibility Review – All applications are checked for completeness and compliance with program requirements.
- Peer Review – Independent experts assess the quality and feasibility of the proposed research, as well as the applicant’s academic potential.
- Selection Committee Meeting – A multidisciplinary panel reviews applications three times a year (March, July, and November).
- Notification of Results – Successful candidates receive formal confirmation and begin preparations for their stay in Germany.
The entire review and selection process typically takes between four and eight months.
How to Apply
- Identify a Host Institution – Contact a suitable German research institution or university and discuss your proposed research project.
- Secure Recommendations – Request two expert reviews from senior academics familiar with your work.
- Prepare Application Materials – Required documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages)
- Detailed research proposal (around five pages)
- Full list of publications and key works
- Doctoral certificate or proof of completion
- Language certificates (if applicable)
- Host’s statement and confirmation of facilities
- Two expert evaluations
- Submit Application Online – Complete and submit the online form along with all supporting documents through the official fellowship application portal.
- Await Decision – Once selected, coordinate with your host institution to finalize your research plan and travel arrangements.
Program Timeline
The Humboldt Foundation’s selection committees meet three times a year — in March, July, and November.
Since processing can take several months, applicants are encouraged to apply well ahead of their desired start date. Successful candidates must begin their research stay within twelve months of receiving the award.
Why Apply?
The Humboldt Research Fellowship offers more than funding — it provides access to Germany’s world-class research environment, opportunities for long-term international collaboration, and membership in a distinguished global network of scholars.
Through this program, fellows not only advance their own academic careers but also contribute to strengthening international scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange.
For more information; https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/humboldt-research-fellowship
