Humboldt Research Fellowship 2026 | Fully Funded in Germany

The Humboldt Research Fellowship is a program of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation that supports highly qualified researchers from around the world in conducting research in Germany.

Through this fellowship, awardees carry out independent research in collaboration with a host institution in Germany. The idea is to foster international scientific cooperation, allow fellows to develop new ideas and networks, and gain access to German research infrastructure.

The program is open across various disciplines, including natural sciences, engineering, humanities, and social sciences.

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Humboldt Research Fellowship Summary

Humboldt Fellowship Categories/Levels

The fellowship is divided mainly into two tracks depending on how far you are in your academic career:

Some further details:

• The postdoc track is usually for those whose doctorate was completed within the last 4 years.
• Experienced researcher track covers those whose PhD was completed within 12 years.
• The fellowship must be used within certain time windows, and the block visits must abide by minimum durations (e.g., each stay minimum of 3 months).

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Benefits of the Humboldt Research Fellowship

• Monthly stipend
  • For postdoctoral fellows: €2,700 / month
  • For experienced researchers: €3,200 / month
• Travel/mobility allowance: A lump sum to cover travel costs (to Germany, and for conference/research trips)
• Health/liability insurance support: The fellowship includes a contribution toward health and liability insurance
• Language course support: A 2- to 4-month intensive German language course (just before the research stay) may be funded. It is also possible to receive support for a partner’s language course in some cases.
• Family/dependent allowances: If you bring your partner or children, there may be additional allowances (if they stay for more than 3 months)
• Subsidy for research costs: The host institution may receive a subsidy for operational expenses (including equipment, consumables, and laboratory costs). For natural sciences/engineering, the host subsidy is approximately €800/month; for humanities/social sciences, it is approximately €500/month.
• Flexibility & network: The fellowship supports visits in parts (up to three blocks) over a period, and helps build academic networks in Germany and beyond.
• Prestige & continued support: Being a Humboldt fellow is a strong mark on one’s CV; afterwards, alumni programmes and further support may be available.

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Eligibility Requirements of Humboldt Research Fellowship

To be eligible for the Humboldt Research Fellowship, several conditions must be met. The main ones include:

• Academic degree / doctoral degree
  • You must hold a completed doctorate (PhD or equivalent).
  • For postdocs: typically, your PhD should have been completed less than 4 years ago.
  • For experienced researchers: you may apply up to ~12 years after PhD (depending on field).
• Mobility/residence conditions
  • At the time of application, you should be living and/or working outside Germany.
  • You must not have lived in Germany for more than a total of six months in the 18 months before applying.
  • Applicants who have been financed by German institutions for more than 6 months of the last 18 months, or who have been working in Germany on a PhD in that period, may be disqualified.
  • German citizens or “educational residents” (i.e., those who did their schooling or university in Germany) are generally not the target group, unless they can show that they have been abroad long-term and have established residence abroad.
• Research project & host in Germany
  • You must identify a host institution in Germany and agree on a research project with the host before applying.
  • The host must provide a host’s statement and confirmation of research facilities/support.
• Language skills
  • In natural sciences/engineering: a good command of English or German is acceptable.
  • In the humanities, social sciences, and medicine, knowledge of German may be required if necessary for the project; otherwise, a good command of English may suffice.
  • If your research involves patient work (in medicine), you may need German competence and an appropriate certificate.
• Other restrictions
  • You cannot have already held a Humboldt Research Fellowship previously (for the same programme).
  • Your proposed project should not be merely a continuation of your doctoral work or a return to the same environment (e.g., same supervisor/institution) unless a strong justification is given.
  • Minimum stay: the fellowship must be for at least 6 months.

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Selection Procedure of the Humboldt Foundation Fellowship

The selection of Humboldt fellows typically proceeds in a multi-stage evaluation:

• Formal check
  • The foundation screens whether the application is complete and meets formal eligibility criteria (degree, mobility rules, documents, host’s support).
  • Only when the host’s statement and research facility confirmations are uploaded can the applicant submit their part.
• Peer/expert review
  • The application (project plan, CV, publications) is sent to independent peer reviewers for assessment.
  • Two expert reviews are required: for postdocs, often one from the doctoral supervisor + one other; for experienced researchers, reviewers from relevant institutions/collaborators.
• Selection Committee decision
  • After peer reviews, a multidisciplinary selection committee meets three times a year (e.g., March, July, November) to make final decisions.
  • The decision is based on the academic record, quality and innovation of the research proposal, publication history, host support, feasibility, and future potential.
  • The process typically takes 4 to 8 months from submission to decision.
• Notification & contract
  • Once the decision is made, the applicant and host are informed. They will receive a contract/agreement to finalize details.
  • The fellowship must begin within 12 months after selection (sometimes with permitted delay).
• Implementation & reporting
  • The fellow carries out the project, possibly in blocks. Occasional reporting or interim communication may be required in accordance with Humboldt’s rules.
  • Fellows are expected to adhere to the principles of good scientific practice and ethics.

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Required Documents for Humboldt Foundation Fellowship

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) is usually concise (often 2 pages max)
2. Research outline/project proposal typically up to 5 pages, detailing objectives, methods, timeline, relevance, and feasibility
3. List of publications (complete) + a list of selected key publications
4. Full texts or PDFs of key publications (especially those in the “selected key” list)
5. Doctoral certificate/proof of PhD (or confirmation if soon to be completed)
6. Host’s statement/letter from the German institution confirming willingness to host, research facilities, mentoring, etc.
7. Confirmation of research facilities & support from the host (signed)
8. Expert reviews/letters (to be uploaded by reviewers) typically include 2 reviews.
9. Language certificate, if required (for humanities/social sciences/medicine, where German proficiency is needed)
10. Other supplementary documents, e.g., translations/abstracts of publications not in English or German, acknowledgments from publishers, etc.

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How to Apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship

Here is a step-by-step of how to apply to the Humboldt Foundation Fellowship:

1. Find a host in Germany & define project
   • Identify a suitable German institution and researcher willing to host you.
   • Discuss and agree on a research plan, timeline, and support arrangements (including facilities and supervision).
   • Have the host prepare their documents
   • The host must prepare and upload their host statement (confidential assessment) and confirm the availability of research facilities/support.
2. Arrange expert reviewers
   • Select two experts who will provide reviews/letters and inform them in advance so they can upload their reviews.
3. Complete the online application
   • Once the host statement & facility confirmation are uploaded, you complete your part of the application online on the Humboldt Foundation portal.
   • Fill in personal data, project description, upload CV, publications, PhD proof, language certificates, etc.
4. Submit application
   • Review carefully and submit when all mandatory documents are in place.
5. Review & decision
   • Your application undergoes a formal review, peer review, and evaluation by the selection committee (three cycles per year).
   • You’ll be notified of the result (often within 4 to 8 months).
6. Begin fellowship & reporting
   • Once accepted, coordinate with the host to start the research stay (within the allowed timeframe).
   • Fulfill any reporting or administrative obligations of the Humboldt Foundation during the fellowship.

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