Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship 2026 for researchers worldwide

Application Deadline: Ongoing

Applications are now open for the 2026 Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for researchers of all nationalities and research areas: The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation support you with your research in Germany.

Through the Humboldt Research Fellowship, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe. As a fellow, you will benefit from individual support from the Humboldt Foundation and our diverse sponsorship portfolio.

In providing Humboldt Research Fellowships for postdocs and experienced researchers, the
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables highly-qualified scientists and scholars from abroad
to spend extended periods of research in Germany. Scientists and scholars from all disciplines and
countries may apply. Postdocs researchers can apply up to four years after completing their
doctorates for a sponsorship period of 6–24 months. Experienced researchers can apply up to
twelve years after completing their doctorates for a sponsorship period of 6–18 months. Shortterm visits for study and training purposes or for attending conferences are not eligible for sponsorship.

The duration of the fellowship may be divided up into a maximum of three visits, with each visit lasting at least three months. The research fellowship must be used within 36 months of commencement and within 48 months if it is extended.

A candidate’s academic qualification is assessed on the basis of the following criteria:

• academic record and academic performance to date (mobility, determination, breadth of
  research activities, academic productivity)
• quality of key publications specified in the application (originality, degree of innovation,
  applicant’s contribution in cases of multiple authorship)
• originality and innovation potential of the suggested research outline (significance for the
  advancement of the discipline, convincing choice of academic methods, prospects for
  academic development of the applicant, clear focus and feasibility of realization within the
  requested funding period and at the host institution)
• the applicant’s future potential (academic potential, further academic development, career prospects)

Application requirements

1. Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent) completed (the last
   academic achievement) no longer than four years prior to the date of application for
   postdocs or twelve years for experienced researchers. If it is not possible or customary to
   take a doctorate in the candidate’s subject or country, an application may be submitted up
   to 16 years after completing a Master’s or Diploma degree, provided that the publication
   record is commensurate with the candidate’s career stage;
2. Academic publications in journals and by publishers reviewed according to international
   standards, commensurate with the applicant’s career level after completion of the
   doctorate;
3. Confirmation that research facilities are available and mentoring agreement and a
   detailed expert’s statement by an academic host at a research institution in Germany;
4. Two expert reviews from important collaborative partners and/or academics from the
   applicant’s own institute and at other institutions, if possible, also outside the country of
   origin. Postdocs should usually request one of the expert reviews from the doctoral thesis
   supervisor.
5. Necessary language skills: humanities or social sciences and medicine: good knowledge of
   German if it is necessary to carry out the research successfully; otherwise a good
   knowledge of English; natural sciences and engineering: good knowledge of German or
   English.

Fellowship Worth:

• The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards a monthly fellowship rate of 2,700 EUR for postdocs and 3,200 EUR for experienced researchers plus a mobility allowance and a subsidy towards the cost of medical and liability insurance. A lump sum for travel expenses and an initial subsidy are also paid.
• Before the start of the fellowship, the Humboldt Foundation provides an intensive language
  course in Germany lasting two or four months (including for accompanying partners).
  In addition, a family allowance for accompanying partners and/or children under 18 will be granted
  if they are staying in Germany for at least three months. The following benefits may also be applied
  for:

• a subsidy towards the cost of medical and liability insurance for an accompanying partner
  and/or children under the age of 18;
• a flat-rate allowance for single parents with accompanying children;
• extension of the fellowship for research fellows accompanied by children or for a maternity
  period.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship