The Humboldt Research Fellowship supports postdoctoral and experienced researchers worldwide with €3,000–€3,600 monthly, additional benefits and a research stay in Germany.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship offers researchers from around the world the opportunity to conduct their own research at a German research institution with the support of an academic host.
The programme is open to researchers from all countries except Germany and covers different career stages, including postdoctoral and experienced researchers.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Alexander von Humboldt Foundation |
| Fellowship | Humboldt Research Fellowship |
| Eligible applicants | Researchers from all countries except Germany |
| Career stages | Postdoctoral and experienced researchers |
| Location | Germany |
| Research stay | 6–24 months for postdocs; 6–18 months for experienced researchers |
| Postdoctoral fellowship | €3,000 per month |
| Experienced researcher fellowship | €3,600 per month |
| Additional support | Available |
| Application method | Online |
| Next application call | 15 November 2026 |
Important Application Update
The Humboldt Foundation states that the current call has already reached its maximum of 800 applications, meaning new applications cannot currently be created.
The next call for applications opens on 15 November 2026. Applicants who have not yet created an account are advised to wait until the next call opens.
The Foundation now operates three application calls per year, with each call opening approximately eight months before the relevant selection meeting.
What the Fellowship Offers
The fellowship enables researchers to conduct their own research project in Germany in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of their choice.
Postdoctoral researchers can receive €3,000 per month, while experienced researchers receive €3,600 per month, in addition to further benefits.
Additional financial support may include:
- Family benefits for children and partners.
- Subsidies toward private full health insurance.
- Travel allowances.
- A preparatory intensive language course for fellows and their partners where applicable.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is intended for highly qualified researchers from across the globe and is open regardless of research field.
Postdoctoral Researchers
Applicants should have completed their doctorate or equivalent qualification within the last four years, or be able to complete it before the planned selection meeting and already provide a written summary of their findings.
They should also have publications in academic journals or publishing houses reviewed according to international standards.
Experienced Researchers
Applicants should have completed their doctorate or equivalent qualification within the last twelve years, together with an extensive publication record and an academic leadership position appropriate to their career stage.
Where a doctorate is not possible or uncommon in the applicant’s field or country, applications may be accepted up to 16 years after completing a Master’s or other postgraduate degree, provided the publication record is appropriate to the career level.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit their application online to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Required materials include:
- CV of no more than two pages.
- Research outline of no more than five pages.
- Complete publication list.
- Selected key publications list.
- Key publications.
- Doctoral certificate or acceptable proof of completion.
- Language certificate where required.
- Two expert reviews.
- Detailed statement from the German host.
- Confirmation that appropriate research facilities are available.
The application can only be submitted once the required documents, including the host’s materials and expert reviews, have been provided.
Selection Process
The selection process includes a formal eligibility and completeness check, specialist review, peer reviews and evaluation by a selection committee.
The selection committee consists of 60–70 researchers from different fields. Applications are assessed on factors such as academic record, publication quality, originality of the proposed research, feasibility and future academic potential.
The Foundation currently expects approximately 20–25% of applications to be approved.
Fellowship Duration
For postdoctoral researchers, fellowships last 6–24 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years.
For experienced researchers, fellowships last 6–18 months and can also be divided into up to three stays within three years.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is particularly relevant to international postdoctoral and experienced researchers seeking to develop an independent research profile in Germany.
The combination of monthly financial support, research flexibility, host-institution collaboration and additional assistance makes it a significant opportunity for researchers with strong academic records and publication profiles.
Applicants should prepare well in advance because applications are subject to a maximum of 800 submissions per call and incomplete applications can be rejected or postponed.
Application Deadline
There is no traditional single deadline for the programme. The Foundation uses three application calls each year.
The next call opens on 15 November 2026, with the corresponding selection meeting scheduled for July 2027 and the earliest possible fellowship start in September 2027.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship – Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Humboldt Research Fellowship?
It is a research fellowship that supports highly qualified researchers in conducting their own research at a German research institution.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to postdoctoral and experienced researchers from all countries except Germany, across research fields.
How much does the fellowship pay?
Postdoctoral fellows receive €3,000 per month, while experienced researchers receive €3,600 per month, plus additional benefits.
How long is the fellowship?
Postdoctoral fellowships last 6–24 months, while experienced-researcher fellowships last 6–18 months.
When does the next application call open?
The next call opens on 15 November 2026.
Is there a limit on the number of applications?
Yes. Each call closes once it reaches the current maximum of 800 applications.
Can I choose my German host institution?
Yes. The fellowship allows researchers to collaborate with a host at a German research institution of their choice, subject to the programme requirements.
What documents are required?
Applicants need a CV, research outline, publication lists, key publications, doctoral documentation, expert reviews and a statement from the German host, among other documents where applicable.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this fellowship for informational and educational purposes. We are not affiliated with the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and do not select or recruit fellowship applicants. Applicants should verify the latest eligibility requirements, call status, documentation requirements and application schedule through the official Humboldt Foundation website.
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