Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany

Advance Your Research Career with the Humboldt Research Fellowship

If you’re a researcher looking to deepen your work in Germany, gain global collaborations, and access generous support for your scientific ambitions, the Humboldt Research Fellowship is one of the most prestigious and powerful funding schemes available.

Backed by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, this fellowship invites scholars from around the world (outside Germany) to come to Germany for extended research stays, whether in the early postdoctoral phase or as an established researcher.

Here’s what you need to know to navigate the opportunity — and make your application stand out.

 Who Can Apply

1. Postdoctoral Researchers

• Applicants should have completed their PhD (or equivalent) within the last 4 years, or be within six months of completion.
• A strong academic record with relevant publications is essential.

2. Experienced Researchers

• If you earned your doctorate up to 12 years ago, or hold a position equivalent to associate professor or senior lecturer, you may apply in the experienced researcher category.
• You should already have a more independent research profile (more publications, leadership in projects, etc.).

Important Exemptions & Flexibility

• In certain cases—such as career breaks, parental leave, or when PhD degrees are not typical in your country—exceptions may apply.
• You can apply up to 16 years after a master’s if you can demonstrate qualifications equivalent to a PhD through publication record.
• If you are German or have lived and studied in Germany, eligibility is more restrictive; the Foundation expects you to have spent significant time abroad and to intend to return abroad after the fellowship.
• You must not have spent more than six months in Germany during the 18 months immediately prior to applying.

 Duration & Timing

• The fellowship supports research stays in Germany for 6 to 24 months.
• These periods can be split into up to three stays within a three-year window.
• Starting times are flexible — you can begin the fellowship up to 12 months after the decision.
• The Humboldt Foundation convenes three selection committees a year (March, July, November).
• Applications must be submitted sufficiently in advance so that your host, expert reviewers, and all documents are ready before the selection meeting.

 What the Fellowship Offers

• A monthly stipend: ~ €2,700 for postdocs and ~ €3,200 for experienced researchers (plus additional benefits).
• Family allowances for spouses and children (if accompanying).
• Allowances for health insurance, travel expenses, and subsidies for research costs at the host institute (typically ~ €800/month for natural sciences, ~ €500 for humanities/social sciences).
• Optional intensive German language course (2–4 months) immediately before the fellowship begins.
• You remain free to choose your German host institution and mentor, provided they commit to providing research infrastructures.
• Alumni support: even after the fellowship, you can receive backing for future collaborations, visits, and re-fellowships.

 Eligibility & Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must satisfy:

• Nationality / Residence: Non-German nationals living outside Germany are preferred. German citizens are eligible only under strict conditions (e.g. long-term residence abroad).
• Mobility Rule: You should not have lived in Germany for more than 6 months in the 18 months before applying.
• Academic Excellence: A strong publication record and evidence of research quality are essential.
• Host Commitment: You must secure a mentor or host at a German research institution who provides a statement confirming research facilities and mentorship.
• Expert Reviews: Two peer reviews are required (for postdocs, typically from doctoral supervisor + another; for experienced researchers, from significant collaborators).
• Language Skills:
  – For natural sciences and engineering: good knowledge of English or German.
  – For humanities, social sciences, medicine: German may be needed if your research demands access to German sources; otherwise English is acceptable.
• Other Documents: CV, research proposal (max ~5 pages), publication list (with selected key publications), doctoral certificate or proof of pending doctoral completion, etc.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

• Choose a compelling research proposal that is novel, doable within your requested timeframe, and aligned with the capabilities of your host institution.
• Ensure your host and experts submit their documents in due time; you cannot submit your application until those are uploaded.
• Highlight your independent research profile, especially more so if applying in the “experienced researcher” track.
• Be transparent about career breaks, personal circumstances, or obstacles — the foundation values context and fairness.
• Use recent publications and avoid citing works still in draft unless accepted.
• Start preparations well in advance (4–7 months ahead of selection meeting) due to procedural delays.

 Selection & Acceptance

• Approval rates are moderate — the foundation expects 20–25% of complete applications to succeed.
• You may request feedback if rejected.
• If unanimously rejected, you must wait 18 months before reapplying.
• You can reapply if you significantly strengthen your profile (e.g. new publications, institutional support).

Career Impact & Benefits

• A Humboldt fellowship offers prestige, access to German research labs, and integration into a global network of top researchers.
• It can accelerate career advancement, expand collaborations, and open doors to future funding and leadership roles.
• Even after your stay, the Foundation maintains links and supports alumni in sustained research cooperation.