Country Germany
Level postdoc, fellowship
Organization Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Field All fields, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences
Funding fully funded Overview
The Humboldt Research Fellowship, offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, supports highly qualified researchers from all countries to conduct research in Germany. It is open to both postdoctoral and experienced researchers across all academic fields. The program aims to foster international research collaboration and allows fellows to choose their host institutions in Germany. This fellowship is part of the Global Minds Initiative Germany.
Coverage
This is a fully-funded fellowship. Benefits include:
* Monthly stipend: €2,670 for Postdoctoral Researchers and €3,170 for Experienced Researchers.
* A mobility allowance for conferences, research trips, and library stays (in Germany and abroad).
* Travel expenses (lump sum, if not covered by a third party).
* Subsidies for medical and liability insurance.
* A language fellowship for an intensive German language course (may also be granted to accompanying spouses).
* Family allowances for accompanying family members staying for at least three months.
* For single parents: a flat-rate allowance for children under 18.
* A Europe allowance for research stays in another European country if necessary for the research.
* A research cost subsidy paid to the host institution: €800 per month for natural sciences & engineering, and €500 per month for humanities & social sciences.
Eligibility
* Open to researchers of all nationalities.
* For Postdoctoral Researchers: Must have completed a PhD or equivalent within the last four years.
* For Experienced Researchers: Must have completed a PhD or equivalent within the last twelve years (up to sixteen years with a strong publication record).
* Applicants must have relevant academic publications in internationally reviewed journals.
* Must secure a confirmation of research facilities and a mentoring agreement from an academic host in Germany.
* Two expert reviews are required, preferably including one from the doctoral supervisor.
* Proficiency in German or English is required, depending on the research field.
* Applicants must have lived outside Germany for at least 12 months in the 18 months prior to application.
* German nationals must have lived abroad for at least five years.
Requirements
* Completed PhD or equivalent degree within the specified timeframe (4 years for postdocs, 12-16 years for experienced researchers).
* Strong record of academic publications in internationally reviewed journals.
* A formal agreement with a German academic host institution outlining research facilities and mentoring.
* Two confidential expert reviews.
* Proof of German or English language proficiency as relevant to the research.
* Compliance with residency requirements (must not have lived in Germany for more than 12 months in the 18 months prior to application, or 5 years abroad for German nationals).
How to apply
* Applications must be submitted online.
* It is recommended to submit applications 4-7 months before the desired selection date.
* Expert reviews and the host's statement are uploaded directly by the referees/host.
* Incomplete applications will be excluded from the selection process.
* Applicants will receive notification of the selection date after their documents are reviewed.
* The selection process involves independent peer review by a committee of 60-70 academics.
* Selection committee meetings are held in March, July, and November.
* Sponsorship can begin on the date specified in the application or be postponed by up to 12 months.
* Rejected applicants can resubmit with significant improvements; a unanimous rejection requires an 18-month waiting period.
* For more details on the application and selection process, refer to the FAQs and application form notes available on the Humboldt Foundation’s website.
* The application procedure has been adjusted since 2024, with three calls for applications annually, each opening eight months before the respective selection meeting. Each round will close once the maximum number of 800 applications is reached.
Notes
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation supports over 700 researchers annually and has created a vast community of alumni comprising over 26,000 Humboldtians, including 49 Nobel laureates. The foundation aims for a good balance between genders and a high level of diversity, expressly inviting female scientists and members of underrepresented groups to apply, regardless of ethnic, cultural, social background, gender identity, age, religion, worldview, disability, or sexual orientation.
