Application Deadline: 10 February 2026
Applications are now open for the 2026 Alexander von Humboldt Foundation International Climate Protection Fellowship. The fellowship award up to 15 International Climate Protection Fellowships to prospective leaders working practically and up to five to postdocs each year. The fellowships are funded through the International Climate Initiative. The Initiative (IKI) became the responsibility of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) in 2022. The IKI programme cooperates with its founding ministry, the Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), as well as the Federal Foreign Office.
Requirements
The fellowship invite you to apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship if you
- engage with climate change issues
- are a citizen of a non-European developing or transition country (see list of countries, PDF) and have been predominantly living and working there
- have initial experience in a leadership role and corresponding leadership skills
- have very good knowledge of English and/or German
Benefits
- as a prospective leader working practically a monthly fellowship amount of 2,500€, 2,800€ or 3,000€ plus ancillary benefits – depending on your training and career level; as a postdoc, a monthly fellowship amount of 3,000€ plus ancillary benefits
- individual support during your stay in Germany
- additional financial support for example for accompanying partners and children, for travel expenses, for full private health insurance or for a German language course
- a three-week introductory event where you can connect with other climate protection fellows, visit businesses and research institutions, and attend cultural events in Germany
- extensive alumni sponsorship, in particular to support long-term connections with your cooperation partners in Germany over the duration of your entire professional career
Hosts receive a monthly allowance for research costs of 800€ for projects in the natural and engineering sciences or 500€ for projects in the humanities and social sciences.
How to apply
Before applying, you should agree your research project with your independently chosen host.
The application is submitted online via the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s homepage. The following application documents are to be included:
- application form with personal information, letter of motivation and research project including communication strategy
- two letters of recommendation (not more than twelve months old) from individuals who can provide information on your professional, personal and/or academic background. The application form contains links where your references can upload their statements. Please forward these links to the selected individuals promptly. You cannot submit your application until the letters of recommendations have been uploaded.
- extensive statement including mentoring agreement from your host in Germany. As soon as you have submitted your application, your host will receive an email containing a link to your application form and the attached documents with a request to provide a host’s statement and submit a mentoring agreement. Please note that your application will not be forwarded to the Humboldt Foundation until your host has submitted the host’s statement and mentoring agreement.
If you have any doubts or questions, please contact us by e-mail (info[at]avh.de) before submitting your application.
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