Humboldt Research Fellowship 2026 – Germany (Fully Funded)
About the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is a prestigious organization dedicated to promoting academic excellence and international collaboration. It offers a range of fellowships for researchers worldwide, enabling them to conduct independent research in Germany in partnership with top institutions.
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Course / Fellowship Details
Humboldt Research Fellowship 2026
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is designed for postdoctoral and experienced researchers globally. It allows scholars to pursue independent research at a host institution of their choice in Germany. This fellowship is part of Germany’s Global Minds Initiative, funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space.
Degree Level
Postdoctoral Researchers
Experienced Researchers (Senior Researchers / Academics)
Fellowship Duration
Postdoctoral Researchers: 6–24 months
Experienced Researchers: 6–18 months
The fellowship can be divided into up to three research stays within a three-year period.
Eligible Subjects
All academic disciplines are eligible, including:
Natural Sciences
Life Sciences
Engineering
Humanities
Social Sciences
Medical Sciences
Benefits & Financial Support
Monthly Fellowship Stipend: €3,000 (postdoctoral), €3,600 (experienced)
Travel allowance
Research cost subsidy for host institutions
Health and liability insurance subsidy
Family allowance for partners and children
Support for single parents and researchers with disabilities
Extension options for parental leave or childcare
Language & Integration Support
Free intensive German language course (2–4 months) before the fellowship
Language course also available for partners
Alumni & Long-Term Support
Lifelong support via alumni funding programs
Return fellowships to Germany
Funding for future research collaborations
International academic networking opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
For Postdoctoral Researchers
Doctorate completed within the last 4 years, or within 6 months
Strong publication record
For Experienced Researchers
Doctorate completed within the last 12 years
Extensive publication record
Independent research profile (e.g., junior group leader, assistant professor, or equivalent)
General Requirements
Research proposal agreed with a German host institution
Two expert academic reviews
English or German proficiency depending on research field
Must have lived outside Germany for at least 12 of the last 18 months
Application Procedure
Identify a host researcher in Germany
Prepare a research proposal (max 5 pages)
Submit application online via the Humboldt Foundation portal
Upload required documents (CV, publications, doctoral certificate, language certificate if required)
Host and referees submit confidential documents separately
Selection Procedure
Selection committee meets three times per year: March, July, November
Applications undergo eligibility check, peer review, and final evaluation
Approval rate: ~20–25%
Results communicated within 4–8 months
Special & Related Fellowship Options
Georg Forster Research Fellowship (sustainable development)
CAPES–Humboldt Fellowship (Brazilian researchers)
Collaborative Fellowships with partners such as Bayer Foundation
Learn More & Apply: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation