Published: 17 Jul 2026 268 views
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.
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.
Benefit from research sponsorship in Germany at the beginning of your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs enables you to conduct research in Germany. The monthly fellowship amount is €3,000 plus additional benefits. Fellowships may last from 6 to 24 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years.
You can still apply for research sponsorship in Germany even if you are already well advanced in your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers enables you to conduct research in Germany. The fellowship amount is €3,600 plus additional benefits. Fellowships may last from 6 to 18 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years.
In addition to the fellowship amount plus additional benefits, you will also receive personal support throughout your sponsorship. You are flexible in determining when you would like to start your fellowship. Prior to your research fellowship, you and your partner will be able to attend an intensive language course.
Further financial support, including family benefits for children and partners, subsidies for private full health insurance and allowances for travel expenses, is also available.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship addresses post-doctoral researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe – regardless of their field.
Did you complete your doctorate – or equivalent academic qualification – during the last four years? Or will you be completing your doctorate before the envisaged selection meeting and can already provide a written summary of your findings? Have you been published in academic journals and by publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards? If so, and if you fulfil the criteria under the “What is required of you” section, apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs.
Did you complete your doctorate – or equivalent academic qualification – during the last twelve years? Is your academic profile substantiated by an extensive list of publications including important papers in which you acted as thematic lead? And do you also hold a leadership role commensurate with your career level in a corresponding position (eg. assistant professor, lecturer, head of an independent research group or higher-level position)? If so, and if you fulfil the criteria under the “What is required of you” section, apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers.
If a doctorate in your field or country of origin is not possible or uncommon, you can still apply up to 16 years after completing your master’s or other postgraduate degree provided that you have a publication record commensurate with your career level.
You must fulfil the following criteria to successfully apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship.
You are not a German national. If you are a German national, or if you obtained your university entrance qualification and university degree, or your university degree and your doctorate, in Germany, you can apply if you have lived and worked abroad for more than ten years and intend to continue doing so long-term. Have you lived and worked abroad for more than five years? You can still apply if there is a strong connection to your current country of residence (permanent employment, additional citizenship etc. – see FAQs).
For your application to be successful, you may not have lived in Germany for longer than a total of 90 days within the 18-month period prior to submitting your application.
If you are already in Germany, please check whether you are still able to meet the above requirement, as we can only assess your eligibility and formally accept your application after it has been submitted.
A researcher from an academic institution of your choice in Germany will provide you with a mentoring agreement and written confirmation that research facilities are available, and will compile a detailed review for you.
You can provide two expert reviews.
Is the Humboldt Research Fellowship not the most suitable fellowship for you? Use our Programme Search to find the sponsorship that fits your personal career or contact us for individual advice.
You must abide by the rules of good scientific practice (PDF) and the principles of scientific ethics. The foundation provides information on dealing with generative AI in the selection area.
You may not apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship if you have already received sponsorship directly from the Humboldt Foundation (research fellowship or award). In such cases, our alumni programmes are open to you.
Please note that you may only submit your application once you have uploaded the following documents in the application form:
Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Eutopia PhD Co-tutelle Call
For more information, kindly visit the Humboldt Research Fellowship webpage.
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