The Humboldt Research Fellowship Postdoc and Experienced Researcher is a new program that is now accepting applications at the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. This fellowship assists researchers of any nationality and field to conduct their independent research in a German host institution.
The program provides a good chance of coming to work with a host in Germany, individual support, and other benefits, which include language training, travel support, family allowances, and research-related support to the host institution.
About the fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is meant to be given to very qualified researchers worldwide who desire to do research in Germany. Postdoctoral researchers are eligible to a fellowship of 6-24 months’ worth, a monthly salary of €3,000, and experienced researchers are eligible to 6-18 months at an annual salary of €3,600.
The fellowship will also be divided into a maximum of three stays in a period of three years, which will provide researchers with flexibility in planning their research stay. The program also strives to promote diversity and invites women and individuals belonging to underrepresented groups to apply.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants are not allowed to be German nationals, except where they have the particular residence and work conditions as stipulated by the Humboldt Foundation. In the case of postdocs, the doctorate or equivalent degree must typically have been earned in the past four years, and experienced researchers must typically have earned their doctorate in the past twelve years.
Applicants are also required to have a host researcher in a university or research institution in Germany, a mentoring agreement, and an assurance that there are research facilities. Secondly, two specialist reviews are needed, and the applicants are to know enough about German or English based on the area of research.
Required documents
The applicants are only required to apply online. The needed documents are a curriculum vitae, research outline, list of publications, a list of key publications (selected), doctoral certificate or evidence of completion, and any necessary language certificate.
There also needs to be two professional reviews and a comprehensive declaration by the host institution in Germany. Only after the host uploads all the necessary documents will the application be sent to the Humboldt Foundation.
Application process
The Humboldt Foundation currently operates under a call system and has three application periods annually. The applications are opened approximately eight months prior to the selection meeting in question, and the round is closed when 800 applications have been received.
For 2026, the calls open on 15 March 2026, 15 July 2026, and 15 November 2026. In case the application is not complete or has an incorrect format, it can be disqualified without any further consideration.
How applications are assessed
The applications are considered based on the academic career, quality of publications, originality of proposed research, future potential, and independent research profile of experienced researchers. The selection process involves formal checks, peer review, and assessment by the selection committee.
According to the Humboldt Foundation, 20-25 percent of the applications are likely to be selected in the next several selection rounds.
Apply here
Official application page: Humboldt Research Fellowship
Important note
If you’d like me to provide you with a step-by-step guideline along with the research proposal for the Humboldt Research Fellowship, get in touch with our team!