The Humboldt Research Fellowship supports highly qualified postdoctoral and experienced researchers from around the world in conducting long-term research in Germany, in collaboration with a host at a German research institution. Administered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the fellowship aims to promote international academic exchange, strengthen global research networks, and advance scientific and scholarly excellence across disciplines.
Fellows carry out independent research projects of their own choosing at universities or research institutions throughout Germany. Fellowships for postdoctoral researchers are awarded for 6 to 24 months, while experienced researchers may receive funding for 6 to 18 months, which can be divided into multiple stays. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with selection committees meeting several times per year. Research stays typically begin within a flexible timeframe following selection, in coordination with the host institution. The program is fully in-person and based in Germany, though fellows benefit from extensive support services and alumni programming worldwide.
The ideal candidate is an internationally mobile researcher with a strong academic record and a clearly defined research proposal developed in collaboration with a German host institution. Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence, independence in research, and a commitment to international collaboration. The fellowship is open to scholars from all disciplines and nationalities, fostering an interdisciplinary and globally connected research community that extends well beyond the funding period.
Program Benefits
The Humboldt Research Fellowship offers comprehensive financial and professional support to enable researchers to carry out independent research in Germany. Program benefits include:
- A monthly fellowship stipend of €3,000 for postdoctoral researchers or €3,600 for experienced researchers
- A flexible fellowship duration of 6–24 months for postdoctoral researchers or 6–18 months for experienced researchers, with the option to divide the stay into up to three research visits over three years
- Travel expense allowances to and from Germany
- Subsidies toward private health and liability insurance for fellows and accompanying family members
- Family allowances for accompanying partners and children, where applicable
- Funding for an intensive German language course before or during the research stay (optional)
- Individual mentoring and administrative support from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation throughout the fellowship
- Access to the global Humboldt Network, including alumni sponsorship and opportunities for long-term academic collaboration
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship, candidates must:
- Hold a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent) or be within the eligibility window for postdoctoral researchers, as defined by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
- Demonstrate a strong academic record and an independent research profile
- Have a well-defined research project to be carried out in collaboration with a host at a German university or research institution
- Secure a written hosting agreement from a qualified academic host in Germany
- Meet the Foundation’s discipline-specific requirements for academic qualifications and research experience
- Be a citizen of any country; German citizenship is not required
- Not have resided in Germany for an extended period before application, in accordance with the Foundation’s mobility requirements
- Be able to obtain the necessary visa and work authorization to conduct research in Germany for the duration of the fellowship
- Have sufficient proficiency in the language required to carry out the proposed research project (German language skills are not mandatory for all disciplines)
How to Apply
Applicants submit an online application including:
- A detailed research proposal
- A curriculum vitae and publication list
- A host’s statement and confirmation of supervision
- Two expert reviews
Applications are submitted through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s online portal.
Application Deadline
Applications for the Humboldt Research Fellowship are accepted on a rolling basis, with defined selection rounds:
- Selection Committee meetings take place three times per year: March, July, and November
- Completed applications, including all required documents, must be submitted well in advance of the intended selection round
- Formal eligibility requirements (including career stage limits and prior stays in Germany) are assessed based on the date the application is received
- Applications are typically processed within four to eight months
Decisions cannot be appealed; however, applicants may reapply if they substantially improve key elements of their application. Applications that are unanimously rejected are subject to a minimum 18-month waiting period before reapplication.
