The Humboldt Research Fellowship 2025-26 is a fully funded program that allows researchers to conduct research at a host institution in Germany. This prestigious fellowship, hosted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, gives researchers the freedom to choose their host institutions. One of the program’s key features is its flexibility—researchers can apply at various stages of their careers, whether they are early-career postdocs or experienced researchers.
Every year, over 700 researchers from around the world receive this fellowship. The program is highly regarded in Germany and internationally, with fellowship recipients recognized for their exceptional skills and groundbreaking research. Awards from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation are among the most prestigious in Germany. The program has produced a network of more than 26,000 alumni across 140 countries, including 49 Nobel laureates. This makes the fellowship a stepping stone to renowned international awards, including the Nobel Prize.
An additional benefit of the fellowship is the opportunity to conduct research in other European countries if required, except the researcher’s home country. Alongside advancing their research, fellows can explore German culture and travel throughout Europe, further enriching their experience.
Key Details
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Organization: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
- Duration: 6 to 24 months
Fellowship Benefits
- Monthly Stipend:
- €2,670 for postdoctoral researchers
- €3,170 for experienced researchers
- Additional Allowances:
- Mobility allowance for conferences, research trips, and library stays (in Germany or abroad)
- Coverage of travel expenses
- Medical and liability insurance subsidies
- Language course funding for researchers and their partners
- Family allowances for accompanying family members (for stays over three months)
- Childcare support for single parents with children under 18
- Europe allowance for research at institutions in other European countries
- Research cost subsidy for hosts in Germany (€800 per month for natural sciences/engineering, €500 per month for humanities/social sciences)
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Scholarship Eligibility
- PhD completed within 4 years (postdocs) or 12 years (experienced researchers), extendable to 16 years with a strong publication record
- Publications in internationally recognized journals
- Agreement from a German academic host and confirmation of research facilities
- Two expert reviews, ideally including one from the doctoral supervisor
- Proficiency in German or English (depending on the field)
- Must have lived outside Germany for at least 12 of the last 18 months
- German nationals must have lived abroad for a minimum of five years
Application Process
- Submit your application 4–7 months before the selection date
- Expert reviews and host statements are uploaded directly by referees
- Incomplete applications are excluded
- After document review, applicants are informed of the selection date
- An independent committee of 60-70 academics conducts peer reviews
- The selection committee meets in March, July, and November
- Sponsorship can start immediately after selection or be deferred up to 12 months
- Unsuccessful applicants may resubmit after improvements, but unanimous rejections require an 18-month wait
For further details, including application instructions, refer to the FAQs and application notes on the Humboldt Foundation’s website.
Application Deadlines
- March, July, and November