Applications are now open for the Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027, a prestigious fully funded opportunity for international researchers to conduct research at leading institutions in Germany.
The Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship allows scholars to carry out independent research projects in collaboration with a host institution in Germany. The program supports researchers at different stages of their academic careers and enables them to choose their preferred host institution.
The fellowship provides generous financial support, research funding, and access to a global network of renowned researchers.
Fellowship Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Host Organization: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
- Category: Fellowships | Research Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Monthly Stipend | Travel Costs | Research Funding | Insurance | Family Allowances
- Fellowship Duration: 6–24 Months
- Deadline: March | July | November
Fellowship Details
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is a prestigious international research program funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation that allows researchers from around the world to carry out advanced research in Germany.
Through this initiative, researchers can collaborate with a host institution of their choice while conducting independent research projects that contribute to global academic knowledge. The program is open to scholars at different stages of their careers, including postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers.
Each year, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation supports over 700 researchers, offering them the opportunity to undertake research in Germany through fellowships and awards recognized globally for their prestige and generosity.
Over time, the foundation has built a large global network of more than 26,000 Humboldt alumni (“Humboldtians”) across 140+ countries, including 49 Nobel Prize laureates. This strong international academic network provides fellows with long-term collaboration opportunities and global recognition for their research work.
In addition to conducting research in Germany, fellows may also undertake research stays in other European countries if it is necessary for their project, although research cannot be carried out in their home country. The fellowship also allows participants to experience German culture and the broader European academic environment while working on impactful research projects.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows will receive:
- Monthly stipend
- €2,670 per month for Postdoctoral Researchers
- €3,170 per month for Experienced Researchers
- Mobility allowance for:
- Conferences
- Research trips
- Library stays in Germany or abroad
- Travel expenses (lump sum if not covered by another source)
- Medical and liability insurance subsidies
- German language fellowship for an intensive language course
- May also be provided to accompanying spouses
- Family allowances for accompanying family members staying at least three months
- Allowance for single parents with children under 18 years
- Europe allowance for research stays in other European countries
- Research cost subsidy for host institutions
- €800 per month for Natural Sciences & Engineering
- €500 per month for Humanities & Social Sciences
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Humboldt Research Fellowship, applicants must:
- Hold a PhD or equivalent qualification
- Completed within 4 years for postdoctoral researchers
- Completed within 12 years for experienced researchers
- Up to 16 years may be accepted with a strong publication record
- Have relevant academic publications in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals
- Secure confirmation from a German academic host, including research facilities and mentoring agreement
- Submit two expert reviews, preferably including the doctoral supervisor
- Demonstrate proficiency in English or German, depending on the research field
- Have lived outside Germany for at least 12 months during the last 18 months before applying
- German nationals must have lived abroad for at least five years
How to Apply
To apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship, interested and qualified applicants should:
- Submit the application online through the Humboldt Foundation portal
- Prepare and upload all required documents
- Ensure referees submit expert reviews directly through the system
- Submit the application 4–7 months before the preferred selection round
The selection process includes:
- Independent peer review by a committee of 60–70 academics
- Selection meetings held three times per year
- March
- July
- November
Applicants will be notified of the selection date after their documents are reviewed.
- Funding can start on the proposed date in the application or be postponed for up to 12 months
If an application is rejected, applicants may reapply after making significant improvements, while unanimous rejections require a waiting period of 18 months before resubmission.
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