Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027 in Germany for International Researchers
The Humboldt Research Fellowship offers postdoctoral and experienced researchers from around the world the opportunity to conduct independent research in Germany. The programme supports researchers across all nationalities and research areas, providing financial assistance, individual support and access to Germany’s research environment. Pasted text
The fellowship is offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and is designed for highly qualified researchers who want to undertake a research stay in collaboration with a host at a German research institution.
Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027
The programme supports researchers at different stages of their academic careers. Postdoctoral researchers can receive a fellowship for between 6 and 24 months, while experienced researchers can receive support for between 6 and 18 months. Pasted text
Fellowships can also be divided into up to three research stays within a three-year period, giving researchers flexibility in planning their time in Germany.
The programme provides more than financial support. Fellows receive individual support from the Humboldt Foundation and can benefit from its wider sponsorship and alumni network. Pasted text
How Much Does the Fellowship Provide?
The financial benefits depend on the researcher’s career stage.
Postdoctoral researchers receive a monthly fellowship of €3,000, together with additional benefits. The fellowship can last from six to 24 months. Pasted text
Experienced researchers receive a monthly fellowship of €3,600, plus additional benefits. Their fellowship can last from six to 18 months. Pasted text
Additional support may include:
- Family benefits for children and partners
- Subsidies towards private full health insurance
- Travel allowances
- Other financial support
- Intensive language courses for fellows and their partners before the research fellowship
The Foundation also provides personal support throughout the sponsorship period. Pasted text
Who Can Apply?
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is aimed at postdoctoral and experienced researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe, regardless of their research field. Pasted text
Postdoctoral Researchers
Applicants for the postdoctoral fellowship should generally have completed their doctorate, or an equivalent academic qualification, within the last four years. Researchers who are about to complete their doctorate may also apply if they can provide a written summary of their findings before the relevant selection meeting.
Applicants should also have publications in academic journals or publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards. Pasted text
Experienced Researchers
Experienced researchers can generally apply if they completed their doctorate or equivalent qualification within the last 12 years.
They should have an extensive publication record, including important papers in which they acted as a thematic lead, and should hold a leadership position appropriate to their career level, such as assistant professor, lecturer, head of an independent research group or a higher-level position. Pasted text
In fields or countries where a doctorate is not possible or uncommon, applicants may be eligible for a longer period following completion of a Master’s or other postgraduate degree, provided they have an appropriate publication record. Pasted text
Research in Germany
Successful applicants conduct their own research in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of their choice. Hosts may also apply for a subsidy towards research costs. Pasted text
Applicants therefore need to identify an appropriate research host and provide a detailed statement from the host, together with confirmation that the necessary research facilities are available. Pasted text
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted online to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Applicants need to prepare several documents before submitting their application.
Required documents include:
- Curriculum vitae of no more than two pages
- Research outline of no more than five pages
- Complete publication list
- Selected key publications list
- Key publications
- Doctoral certificate or relevant proof of completion
- German language certificate, where required
- Two expert reviews
- Detailed statement from the German host
- Confirmation of available research facilities
The Foundation stresses that incomplete or inaccurate applications can take longer to process or be postponed to a later selection meeting. Pasted text
2027 Application Calls and Deadlines
The Humboldt Foundation has introduced three application calls each year, corresponding to three selection rounds. Each call opens approximately eight months before the relevant selection meeting. Pasted text
The upcoming schedule includes:
- 15 November 2026 – selection meeting in July 2027; earliest fellowship start in September 2027
- 15 March – selection meeting in November; earliest start in February of the following year
- 15 July – selection meeting in March of the following year; earliest start in May
The Foundation currently limits each application round to 800 applications. The current call has reached its maximum, and the next call is scheduled to open on 15 November 2026. Pasted text
How to Apply
Researchers interested in the Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027 should begin preparing their research proposal, publication records and host arrangements ahead of the next application call.
Apply and View the Official Humboldt Research Fellowship Information
The fellowship is a valuable opportunity for international researchers seeking to develop their research careers through a funded research stay in Germany.
