How to Apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship for Researchers in Germany 2025
Do you want to carry out innovative research in Germany as a researcher? The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation provides a distinguished opportunity for scholars of all disciplines and nationalities: the Humboldt Research Fellowship. The initiative helps highly qualified postdoctoral and experienced researchers work with German universities to further their academic careers.
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Everything you need to know about applying for the Humboldt Research Fellowship is provided below:
When is the Application Deadline:
Applications are accepted year-round. Selection committee meetings occur in March, July, and November each year. Submit your application well in advance of your preferred selection date.
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Tell Me About The Humboldt Research Fellowship:
The Humboldt Research Fellowship supports postdoctoral and experienced researchers in conducting research at German institutions. It provides funding and benefits to help researchers develop their academic careers through international collaboration.
Which Fields are Eligible?
All fields of research are eligible. The fellowship is open to researchers across all disciplines.
Type:
Fellowship for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers.
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Who can Apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship?
The Humboldt Research Fellowship for researchers of all nationalities and research areas: We 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.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation aims to achieve a good balance between genders and a high level of diversity among its fellows in all areas. We therefore expressly invite female scientists and members of underrepresented groups to apply. We welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic, cultural, or social background, gender identity, age, religion, viewpoint, disability, or sexual orientation.
Looking ahead to the upcoming meetings of the selection committee, we expect that 20–25% of the applications received will be approved.
- Postdoctoral Researchers: Must have completed their doctorate within the last 4 years or be within 6 months of completion.
- Experienced Researchers: Must have completed their doctorate within the last 12 years, or in some cases, up to 16 years after a master’s degree, depending on the publication record.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on the following:
- Academic achievements and career to date.
- Quality and originality of key publications.
- Potential of the proposed research project.
- Personal development and future career prospects.
- Independent research profile (for experienced researchers).
Applications undergo peer review, and a selection committee evaluates candidates.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
Researchers from all countries (except Germany and Brazil) are eligible.
Where will the Award be Taken?
The research will be conducted at a host institution in Germany of the applicant’s choice.
How Many Awards?
The selection committee approves 20-25% of applications received.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
- Postdoctoral Researchers: €2,700 per month
- Experienced Researchers: €3,200 per month
Additional benefits include: - Language courses
- Family support (for partners and children)
- Health insurance subsidies
- Travel cost allowances
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Postdoctoral Researchers: 6 to 24 months
- Experienced Researchers: 6 to 18 months
Both fellowships can be divided into up to 3 stays within 3 years.
How to Apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship:
Submit your application online, including:
- Please note that you may only submit your application once you have uploaded the following documents in the application form:
- curriculum vitae (two pages max)
- research outline ( five pages max)
- complete list of your publications (cf. sample list, PDF)
- list of selected key publications (cf. sample list, PDF)
- key publications
- doctoral certificate or proof that your doctorate has been completed successfully, or confirmation that this will be the case within the next six months
- German language certificate, if required
- if required: publisher’s acceptance notifications and/or acknowledgement of receipt and summaries/translations of key publications that are not available in German or in English
- In addition: host’s statement and confirmation that research facilities are available, as well as two expert reviews. Please note that these documents can only be uploaded in a protected area by the host(s) and expert reviewers personally. You can only submit your application once these documents have been uploaded. Further information and explanations can be found on the application form.
- As soon as we have received your online application, we will send you written confirmation by email. After reviewing your documents, we will notify you of the expected selection date.
Ensure all documents are submitted through the online application portal.
