Start your study adventure in Germany. Good news! Humboldt Research Fellowships are currently open. In this article, we will explain this fellowship in detail, its benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
Humboldt Research Fellowships 2026-2027 are fully funded scholarships for international students. These scholarships are only offered for postdoctoral studies. This fellowship includes a monthly stipend of 3,200 EUR, along with additional financial support for accompanying family members and other expenses.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables highly qualified scientists and scholars from abroad who are just embarking on their academic careers and who completed their doctorates less than four years ago to spend extended periods of research (6–24 months) in Germany.
The research outline is carried out in cooperation with academic hosts at research institutions in Germany. Applicants choose their topic of research and their host in Germany. Details of the research outline, including information on the intended duration of the fellowship, must be agreed upon with the intended host before applying. Short-term visits for study, training purposes, or attending conferences are not eligible for sponsorship.
Also, apply for the Chinese Provincial Government Scholarships.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Postdoctoral
- Institution(s): Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
- Study in: Germany
- Courses Offered: Click here to find all the available courses
- Program Period: Six to 24 months
- Deadline: Open throughout the year
Also, apply for the Fully Funded MEXT Scholarship.
Scholarship Coverage
The Humboldt Research Fellowship will provide the following benefits:
- A monthly fellowship of 3,000 EUR for postdoctoral researchers (doctorate completed within the last four years). A monthly fellowship of 3,600 EUR for postdoctoral researchers (doctorate completed within the last 12 years).
- A flexible starting date and—for experienced researchers—the option of splitting the fellowship up into a maximum of three stays.
- Individual mentoring during the sponsorship period.
- Intensive German language course for fellows and their marital partners before the fellowship.
- Additional financial support for accompanying family members and items like travel expenses and comprehensive alumni sponsorship, once the research stay has come to an end, such as a return fellowship or further stays in Germany.
Eligibility Criteria for the Humboldt Research Fellowship
To be eligible for the Humboldt Research Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Required Language: English or German
- Eligible Countries: All countries in the world
- Doctorate or comparable academic degree (PhD, CSc, or equivalent) obtained no more than four years ago.
- Academic publications are reviewed according to international standards and printed in journals and/or by publishing houses.
- Confirmation that research facilities are available, a mentoring agreement, and a detailed expert’s statement by an academic host at a research institution in Germany.
- Expert reviews from the doctoral supervisor and another academic qualified to give well-founded comments on the applicant’s qualification, preferably including reviewers not working at the applicant’s institute.
- Necessary language skills: humanities or social sciences and medicine: German, or otherwise a good knowledge of English; natural sciences and engineering: good knowledge of German or English.
- The Humboldt Foundation assumes that candidates will abide by the Rules of Good Scientific Practice and the legally binding principles of scientific ethics during the application and sponsorship periods.
How to Apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship?
Please follow the instructions below to apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship:
(1) You have to choose two hosts (whether they are people or institutions) in Germany and ask them for confirmation and review for the research.
Note: if you choose the institute to be your host, you have to schedule the period that you will stay.
(2) Create an account from here and attach the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae (two pages max).
- Research outline (five pages max).
- Complete list of publications.
- List of selected key publications.
- Key publications.
- Doctoral certificate.
- German language certificate, if applicable.
- Host’s statement and confirmation of research facilities.
- Two expert reviews.
- Additionally, where required: publishers’ letter(s) of acceptance and/or acknowledgment(s) of receipt, as well as summaries or translations of the key publications.
Website
To learn more about the Humboldt Research Fellowship, please visit the official website: