Application Deadline: Ongoing
Applications are now open for the 2027 Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for researchers of all nationalities and research areas: We support you with your research in Germany.
The programme is part of the Global Minds Initiative Germany of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.
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.
Application Requirenemts
Application requirements
- 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;
- Applicants who are applying in the programme line for experienced researchers are also expected to hold employment in a leadership role appropriate to their career level (e.g. Assistant Professor, Lecturer, or Head of an independent research group).
- Academic publications in journals and by publishers reviewed according to international standards, commensurate with the applicant’s career level after completion of the doctorate; experienced researchers must have previously published papers on which they acted as thematic lead. Only these publications can be submitted as key publications.
- 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;
- 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.
- 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.
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)
- applicants who are applying in the programme line for experienced researchers are also expected to have their own, clearly defined personal academic profile and hold employment in a leadership role appropriate to their career level.
Benefits
The Humboldt Research Fellowship enables you to conduct your own research at various stages of your career in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of your choice. Hosts may apply for a subsidy towards research costs.
- The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards a monthly fellowship rate of 3,000 EUR for postdocs and 3,600 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
