The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has announced the 2026 application schedule for its prestigious Humboldt Research Fellowship, inviting outstanding postdoctoral and experienced researchers from around the world to undertake fully funded research stays in Germany. The fellowship supports researchers across all academic disciplines and nationalities, with the exception of those currently based in Germany, offering opportunities to collaborate with leading German research institutions for periods ranging from six to 24 months.
As part of the Global Minds Initiative Germany, funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, the programme continues to strengthen international scientific cooperation while promoting academic excellence, diversity, and long-term research partnerships.
Supporting World-Class Research in Germany
The Humboldt Research Fellowship enables exceptional researchers to pursue independent research projects in collaboration with a host institution of their choice in Germany. Fellows also become part of the prestigious Humboldt Network, gaining access to extensive academic collaborations and lifelong professional support.
The foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion by encouraging applications from women and members of underrepresented groups. Applications are welcomed regardless of ethnicity, cultural or social background, gender identity, age, disability, religion, worldview, or sexual orientation.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive generous financial support alongside a wide range of professional and personal benefits.
For Postdoctoral Researchers
• Monthly fellowship of €3,000 plus additional benefits.
• Research stay of 6–24 months.
• Fellowship may be divided into up to three research visits over a three-year period.
For Experienced Researchers
• Monthly fellowship of €3,600 plus additional benefits.
• Research stay of 6–18 months.
• Fellowship may also be divided into up to three separate stays within three years.
In addition to the monthly stipend, fellows benefit from:
• Individual academic mentoring and support throughout the fellowship.
• Intensive German language courses for fellows and their partners before the research stay where required.
• Family allowances for accompanying partners and children.
• Subsidies for private health insurance.
• Travel allowances.
• Long-term alumni support, including return fellowships and future research collaboration opportunities.
2026 Application Schedule
Due to a significant increase in applications since 2024, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has introduced a revised application process designed to improve transparency and reduce processing times.
Three application calls will be opened annually, each approximately eight months before the corresponding selection meeting. Each application round will accept a maximum of 800 submissions, after which the portal will close until the next call opens.
The 2026 schedule is as follows:
| Call Opens | Selection Meeting | Earliest Fellowship Start |
|---|---|---|
| 15 March 2026 | November 2026 | February 2027 |
| 15 July 2026 | March 2027 | May 2027 |
| 15 November 2026 | July 2027 | September 2027 |
Applicants who begin preparing their applications before a call reaches capacity may continue editing their materials but must wait until the next application window opens before submitting.
Eligibility Requirements
The fellowship is open to researchers with above-average academic qualifications across all research disciplines.
Postdoctoral applicants should:
• Have completed their doctorate within the past four years or expect to complete it before the relevant selection meeting.
• Demonstrate publications in internationally peer-reviewed academic journals or publishing houses.
• Meet all programme requirements regarding research quality and academic excellence.
Experienced researchers should:
• Have completed their doctorate within the previous 12 years.
• Possess an extensive publication record featuring significant research contributions.
• Hold an academic leadership position such as assistant professor, lecturer, research group leader, or higher.
In disciplines or countries where doctorates are uncommon, applicants may still qualify up to 16 years after completing a master’s or equivalent postgraduate qualification, provided they have an academic publication record consistent with their career stage.
Required Application Documents
Applications must be submitted online and include several mandatory documents.
Applicants are required to provide:
• A curriculum vitae (maximum two pages).
• Research proposal (maximum five pages).
• Complete publication list.
• List of selected key publications.
• Copies of key publications.
• Doctoral certificate or confirmation of degree completion.
• German language certificate where required.
• Two confidential expert reviews submitted directly by referees.
• A detailed host statement and confirmation that research facilities are available at the selected German institution.
The foundation advises applicants to ensure all documentation fully complies with submission guidelines, as incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications may be rejected without review.
Competitive Selection Process
The Humboldt Research Fellowship remains one of the world’s most competitive international research programmes.
Applications undergo:
• Formal eligibility assessment.
• Completeness verification.
• Independent peer review.
• Evaluation by specialist committee members.
• Final decision by a multidisciplinary Selection Committee consisting of approximately 60–70 leading researchers.
Evaluation criteria include:
• Academic achievements and career progression.
• Quality and originality of published research.
• Innovation and feasibility of the proposed research project.
• Future academic potential.
• Independent research profile for experienced researchers.
The Foundation also considers applicants’ individual life circumstances and commitment to equal opportunity and accessibility throughout the assessment process.
Current projections indicate that approximately 20–25% of submitted applications will receive funding.
Building Global Scientific Collaboration
Beyond financial support, the Humboldt Research Fellowship provides researchers with access to one of the world’s most respected international academic networks. Fellows maintain lifelong connections through alumni programmes that support future collaborations, return visits to Germany, and continued professional development.
Researchers from Brazil may also be eligible for the separate CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship, while those not qualifying under that programme remain eligible to apply through the standard Humboldt Research Fellowship scheme.
With generous funding, flexible research periods, and extensive career support, the Humboldt Research Fellowship continues to attract outstanding scholars seeking to advance innovative research while strengthening international scientific cooperation.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
