Humboldt Research Fellowship (Germany)

The Humboldt Research Fellowship is Germany’s most prestigious postdoctoral award, funding researchers of any nationality and any discipline to carry out a self-designed project at a German host institution. Postdocs receive EUR 3,000 per month for 6 to 24 months, while experienced researchers receive EUR 3,600 per month for 6 to 18 months, with generous family, language and travel benefits on top.

There are no quotas by country or field: the only criterion is the quality of your research record and proposal, endorsed by a German host. Applications are accepted year round, with selection meetings three times a year, and the new call system opens intake windows in March, July and November.

• Researchers of all nationalities and all disciplines who want to carry out their own research project in Germany.
• Postdoctoral track: doctorate completed within the last four years; experienced-researcher track: doctorate completed within the last twelve years with an independent academic profile.
• A written agreement from an academic host at a German university or research institution is required before applying; the Foundation does not match you with hosts.
• Key publications in peer-reviewed venues; fresh PhD graduates should wait until the main thesis papers are published or accepted.
• The project should be a clear step beyond your doctoral work, and returning to a former long-term supervisor or host is generally rejected.
• Applicants must have lived outside Germany for at least 12 of the 18 months before applying.
• Language: good English is sufficient for the natural sciences and engineering; humanities and social sciences may require German where the project needs it.

• Monthly fellowship of EUR 3,000 (postdoctoral) or EUR 3,600 (experienced researchers), including mobility and insurance components.
• Fellowships of 6 to 24 months (postdoc) or 6 to 18 months (experienced), which can be split into up to three stays within three years.
• Family allowances (around EUR 340 per month for a partner and EUR 270 per child), a travel lump sum and an intensive German course of two to four months.
• The German host can apply for a research-cost subsidy, and the Foundation provides individual mentoring throughout.
• Lifelong membership of the Humboldt Network of more than 30,000 alumni, including dozens of Nobel laureates, with alumni sponsorship and return-visit funding.
• Roughly 20 to 25 percent of applications succeed, making it demanding but realistic for strong profiles.

• Online application through the Humboldt Foundation portal.
• Research proposal agreed in detail with your German host, including timeline and duration.
• Host's statement and confirmation of research facilities (uploaded by the host; your file is only forwarded once the host documents are in).
• Curriculum vitae and complete list of publications, with key publications highlighted and available.
• Doctoral certificate and, where relevant, evidence of academic independence for the experienced track.
• Two expert reviews arranged as specified in the portal instructions.

• Identify a German host whose research fits your project and secure their written agreement before anything else; this is the foundation of the application.
• Since 2026 there are three calls per year, opening on March 15, July 15 and November 15; each call closes early once it reaches 800 applications, so submit soon after opening (the next call opens July 15, 2026).
• Complete the online application and coordinate with your host so their documents are uploaded promptly.
• Selection committee meetings take place about eight months after each call opens, in March, July and November, and decisions arrive within roughly five weeks of the meeting.
• If rejected, you may reapply with a substantially improved application (unanimous rejections carry an 18-month waiting period).
• Researchers from developing and emerging countries should also compare the Georg Forster Research Fellowship from the same foundation, which is tailored to development-relevant research.