Applications are now open for the Humboldt Research Fellowship 2026. This prestigious, fully funded programme offers postdoctoral and experienced researchers from around the world the opportunity to conduct independent research at any German university or research institute of their choice.
The fellowship is open to all academic fields and provides generous monthly stipends, family benefits, travel support, and health insurance. There is no application fee. The programme has 3 application rounds per year.
Key Details:
- Degree Level: Postdoc (PhD holders) and Experienced Researchers
- Host Country: Germany
- Duration: 6 to 24 months (Postdocs) | 6 to 18 months (Experienced Researchers)
- Stipend: €3,000 per month (Postdocs) | €3,600 per month (Experienced Researchers)
- Application Deadline: Three rounds – Next deadline: 15 July 2026 (then 15 November 2026)
- Nationalities: Open to all countries except Germany (with some exceptions for Germans living abroad)
- Application Fee: None
- Host Requirement: Must have a confirmed academic host in Germany
What This Scholarship Offers:
- A generous monthly stipend to cover living expenses
- Full health, liability, and accident insurance
- Travel expenses to and from Germany
- Family allowances for accompanying spouse and children
- Free intensive German language course
- Additional funding for research costs
- Personal support and guidance from the Humboldt Foundation throughout the stay
- Access to a strong alumni network and future return fellowships
- Flexibility to divide the fellowship into up to three stays within three years
Eligibility Criteria:
For Postdocs:
- You must have completed your PhD within the last 4 years (or will complete it before the selection meeting)
- Strong academic record and publications
For Experienced Researchers:
- You must have completed your PhD within the last 12 years
- Extensive publications and leadership experience (e.g. assistant professor, research group leader)
General Requirements:
- Not a German citizen (exceptions apply for Germans who have lived abroad for many years)
- Must not have lived in Germany for more than 90 days in the last 18 months
- Must find a German researcher who agrees to host you
- Good English or German language skills (depending on your research field)
The programme especially welcomes applications from women and underrepresented groups.
Eligible Fields:
This fellowship is open to researchers from all academic disciplines. Some major fields include:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Life Sciences
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Economics
- Agriculture
- Computer Science
- Environmental Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- History
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Education
How to Apply:
- Find a suitable academic host at a German research institution.
- Prepare all required documents (CV, research proposal, publications, etc.).
- Submit your application online through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation portal.
- Ask your host and two expert reviewers to upload their supporting documents.
Important: Applications must be complete and accurate. Incomplete applications are rejected without review.
Next Application Round Opens: 15 July 2026
Tips for a Strong Application:
- Choose a host whose research perfectly matches your proposal and contact them early.
- Write a clear, focused, and innovative 5-page research outline that shows real impact.
- Highlight your best publications and your personal contribution in multi-author papers.
- Get strong recommendation letters from respected researchers.
- Make sure all documents strictly follow the foundation’s format (especially publication lists).
- Clearly explain why Germany and your chosen host are essential for your project.
- Apply as early as possible in the round before the 800-application limit is reached.
Postdoc
Yes, this fellowship is open to postdoctoral researchers. If you have completed your PhD within the last 4 years and can secure a host researcher in Germany, you may be eligible to apply.