Humboldt Research Fellowship 2026–2027 in Germany | Up to €3,600 Monthly
Are you a postdoctoral researcher or an experienced academic looking for an opportunity to conduct research in Germany? The Humboldt Research Fellowship, offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, supports highly qualified researchers from around the world to undertake research projects in collaboration with a host at a German research institution.
The fellowship is open to researchers across academic disciplines and provides financial support, additional benefits and opportunities to develop international research collaborations.
Important update: According to the official programme information, the current application call has reached its maximum number of applications. The next call is scheduled to open on 15 November 2026.
About the Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship enables international researchers to conduct independent research in Germany in collaboration with a host institution of their choice.
The programme supports researchers at two career stages: postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers. Fellows receive financial support, individual assistance from the foundation and access to additional sponsorship opportunities.
The programme is part of the Global Minds Initiative Germany of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.
Fellowship Benefits and Funding
The fellowship provides a monthly allowance and additional benefits to support researchers during their stay in Germany.
1. Postdoctoral Researchers
Postdoctoral researchers may receive:
- Monthly fellowship amount: €3,000.
- Duration: Six to 24 months.
- Research flexibility: The fellowship can be divided into up to three stays within three years.
- Additional benefits: Eligible fellows may receive further financial support and personal assistance.
2. Experienced Researchers
Experienced researchers may receive:
- Monthly fellowship amount: €3,600.
- Duration: Six to 18 months.
- Research flexibility: The fellowship can be divided into up to three stays within three years.
- Additional benefits: Further financial support and individual assistance may be available.
Other Benefits
Depending on eligibility and individual circumstances, additional support may include:
- Family benefits for children and partners.
- Subsidies towards private full health insurance.
- Travel expense allowances.
- Intensive language courses for fellows and their partners before the research stay.
- Support for alumni, including possible return fellowships or later visits to Germany.
Applicants should consult the official programme information for the full terms and conditions of the financial support.
Who Can Apply?
The Humboldt Research Fellowship welcomes researchers of all nationalities and academic disciplines, subject to the programme’s eligibility requirements.
Applicants must demonstrate above-average academic qualifications and meet the requirements applicable to their career stage.
Postdoctoral Researchers
To qualify for the postdoctoral fellowship, applicants must generally:
- Have completed their doctorate, or equivalent academic qualification, within the last four years.
- Alternatively, be close to completing their doctorate before the relevant selection meeting and be able to provide a written summary of their findings.
- Have published in academic journals or with publishing houses that meet international standards.
- Meet the programme’s other academic and research requirements.
Experienced Researchers
Applicants for the experienced researcher fellowship must generally:
- Have completed their doctorate or equivalent qualification within the last 12 years.
- Have an extensive publication record, including significant publications in which they acted as thematic lead.
- Hold a leadership position appropriate to their career stage, such as assistant professor, lecturer, head of an independent research group or a higher-level position.
In fields or countries where a doctorate is not possible or uncommon, applicants may qualify up to 16 years after completing a master’s or other postgraduate degree, provided they have an appropriate publication record.
Meeting these criteria does not guarantee selection. Applicants must also satisfy the programme’s other formal requirements.
Research Host Requirements
Applicants must collaborate with a host at a German research institution of their choice.
The application requires a detailed statement from the host and confirmation that suitable research facilities are available. The host must also upload the required documents before the application can be forwarded to the foundation.
Applicants should therefore identify and communicate with a suitable research host well before submitting their application.
Required Application Documents
According to the official programme information, applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae of no more than two pages.
- Research outline of no more than five pages.
- Complete list of publications.
- List of selected key publications.
- Copies of key publications.
- Doctoral certificate or acceptable proof of doctoral completion, or confirmation of expected completion before the relevant selection meeting.
- German language certificate, if required.
- Publisher acceptance notifications or other supporting documents, where required.
- Two expert reviews, uploaded directly by the reviewers through the designated protected area.
- A detailed statement from the German host and confirmation of available research facilities.
Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be rejected or postponed to a later selection meeting. Applicants should follow the foundation’s instructions carefully.
Application Schedule for 2026–2027
The foundation operates three application calls annually. Each call is scheduled to open approximately eight months before the corresponding selection meeting, subject to the application limit.
| Application call opens | Selection meeting | Earliest fellowship start |
|---|---|---|
| 15 March 2026 | November 2026 | February 2027 |
| 15 July 2026 | March 2027 | May 2027 |
| 15 November 2026 | July 2027 | September 2027 |
Next application opening: 15 November 2026.
The foundation has introduced a maximum of 800 applications per call. The current call has reached that limit, so applicants should prepare for the next opening rather than assume they can submit immediately.
How to Apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship
Follow these steps to prepare your application:
- Visit the official Alexander von Humboldt Foundation website.
- Review the eligibility criteria for postdoctoral or experienced researchers.
- Identify a suitable research host and German institution.
- Prepare your CV, research proposal, publication lists and supporting documents.
- Arrange for two expert reviews and the required host documentation.
- Submit the complete application online when the relevant application call is open.
Applications must be submitted online through the foundation’s official application system.
Final Thoughts
The Humboldt Research Fellowship offers international researchers an opportunity to undertake research in Germany while developing academic collaborations and strengthening their research careers.
With monthly fellowship amounts of €3,000 for postdoctoral researchers and €3,600 for experienced researchers, the programme may be particularly valuable for academics with strong publication records and a well-developed research proposal.
Since the current call has reached its application limit, prospective applicants should use the time before 15 November 2026 to identify a host institution, refine their research proposal and prepare all required documents.
Always check the official website for the latest application status, eligibility rules and fellowship conditions before applying.
