The Humboldt Research Fellowship is a prestigious fully funded opportunity designed for highly qualified post-doctoral scientists and scholars from all disciplines, including natural sciences. Offered by an esteemed research institution in Germany, it supports long-term research projects led by independent researchers under the guidance of an academic host. Open to researchers from Brazil and over 140 countries, this international scholarship covers travel expenses and living costs, allowing recipients to conduct research at an institute in Germany. Applicants must have a strong research profile, solid academic publications, and apply within 12 years of earning their doctorate. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers is reviewed according to international standards, and requires a good knowledge of German or English, depending on the country of origin.
Brief Description
Program: Scholarship
Coverage: Fully Funded
Nationality: International
Degree Level: Post-Doctoral
Institution: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Host Country: Germany
Benefits of Humboldt Research Fellowship
Exploring the Advantages of the Humboldt Research Grant:
- Access to top German research institutions
- Opportunity to choose host institution and supervisor
- Collaboration with leading scientists and scholars
- Participation in Humboldt Foundation events and conferences
- Career opportunities in academia and industry
- Return fellowships for follow-up research
- Lifetime access to alumni support and funding
- Personalized mentorship and guidance
Financial Benefits of Humboldt Research Fellowship
- Monthly fellowship of €2,670 for postdoctoral researchers (PhD completed within the last 4 years)
- Monthly fellowship of €3,150 for experienced researchers (PhD completed within the last 12 years)
- Financial support for accompanying family members and travel expenses
Eligibility criteria for Humboldt Research Fellowship
This part explains who can apply and how to submit an application for the Germany Humboldt Fellowship:
- Researchers from all countries are welcome to apply for the fellowship.
- Students applying must use either English or German for all application materials.
- Eligibility requires that the candidate has earned a PhD or equivalent within the past four years.
- All applicants should demonstrate academic publications that meet international standards and appear in reputable journals for publishing houses.
- Securing a mentoring agreement and confirmation of research facilities from a German host institution is necessary.
- A detailed expert opinion must be provided by the academic host in Germany.
- It is important to include two expert references, one from the doctoral supervisor and another from a qualified academic not affiliated with the applicant’s current institution.
- Those working in the humanities, social sciences, or medicine are expected to have proficiency in German.
- Individuals in the natural sciences or engineering fields need a strong command of either German or English.
- Compliance with ethical research conduct and good scientific practice is expected throughout the application and sponsorship period.
Duration of Fellowship
- Postdocs: 6 to 24 months (can be split into up to 3 stays over 3 years)
- Experienced researchers: 6 to 18 months (also splittable)
Also check Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
Required Documents
The list below includes all necessary documents and key details for applying to the Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellowship.
- CV (maximum two pages)
- Research proposal (maximum five pages)
- Full list of academic publications
- List of selected key publications
- Copies of key publications
- Doctoral degree certificate
- German language certificate (if applicable)
- Host’s statement and confirmation of research facilities
- Two academic reference letters
Application process for Humboldt Research Fellowship
Below is a guide to the necessary steps for submitting an application to the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship:
1: Select two hosts in Germany (individuals or institutions) and request confirmation and a research review
2: If choosing an institution, specify the planned duration of your stay
3: Create an account on the official application portal
4: Upload the required documents
5: Visit the official website to apply
For more information and to begin your application, visit the official website.
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Researchers from all nationalities and disciplines who have completed a doctoral degree within the last 12 years.
The fellowship duration is 6 to 24 months for postdoctoral researchers and 6 to 18 months for experienced researchers, with the latter option to split the stay into multiple visits over three years.
Applications are open continuously throughout the year.
Yes, the Humboldt Research Fellowship is open to researchers from all countries. However, applicants must have completed their doctoral degree before applying. Current PhD students are not eligible until they have earned their doctorate.
Related Articles:
- PhD in Germany
- Scholarships in Germany
- How to apply for German Visa
- Scholarships for MS in Germany
- How to get German Scholarships
For more scholarship opportunities please visit International Scholarships.
