Applications are now open for the Fully Funded 2026 Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs and experienced researchers of all nationalities and research areas
Closing Date: Varying
Applications are now open for the Fully Funded 2026 Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs and experienced researchers of all nationalities and research areas
Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs and experienced researchers
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is for researchers of all nationalities and research areas: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation supports you with your research in Germany.
The programme is part of the Global Minds Initiative Germany of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. Through the Humboldt Research Fellowship, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe. As a fellow, you will benefit from individual support from the Humboldt Foundation and our diverse sponsorship portfolio.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation aims to achieve a good balance between genders and a high level of diversity among its fellows in all areas. Alexander von Humboldt Foundation therefore expressly invite female scientists and members of underrepresented groups to apply.
The number of applications received in the Humboldt Research Fellowship Programme has increased significantly since 2024. In order to ensure that applications continue to be processed in a timely manner, the Humboldt Foundation is adjusting its application procedure: corresponding to the three selection rounds per year, there will be three calls for applications annually, each opening eight months before the respective selection meeting. Once a call has reached the maximum number of currently 800 applications, the application round will be closed. Applicants who have already started their application at that time will be able to save and continue working on it but will not be able to submit until the next application round opens.
Calls schedule for 2026 Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs and experienced researchers:
| Call opens … | For selection meeting … | Earliest possible start of fellowship … |
| … on 15 March 2026 | … in November 2026 | … in February 2027 |
| … on 15 July 2026 | … in March 2027 | … in May 2027 |
| … on 15 November 2026 | … in July 2027 | … in September 2027 |
This new procedure will increase transparency and predictability for applicants and their hosts and allow reviewers and members of the selection committee to more accurately anticipate their workloads. Applications that fail to include important documents or information, or that diverge substantially from our specifications e.g. for creating a list of publications, will be formally rejected without further review.
Ambiguities that require the applicant to be contacted for clarification will usually result in the decision being postponed to the following selection meeting. You are therefore requested to check your documents carefully to ensure that they are complete, accurate and fully compliant with our specifications before submitting your application.
Looking ahead to the upcoming meetings of the selection committee, Humboldt Foundation expects that 20 – 25% of the applications received will be approved. Detailed information regarding the selection process and the timeline can be found under „Selection Procedure”.
For researchers from Brazil Humboldt Foundation offers the CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship. If not eligible there, you may apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship Programme.
What is offered
The Humboldt Research Fellowship enables you to conduct your own research at various stages of your career in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of your choice. Hosts may apply for a subsidy towards research costs.
Postdocs
Benefit from research sponsorship in Germany at the beginning of your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs enables you to conduct research in Germany. The monthly fellowship amount is €3,000 plus additional benefits. Fellowships may last from 6 to 24 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years.
Experienced researchers
You can still apply for research sponsorship in Germany even if you are already well advanced in your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers enables you to conduct research in Germany. The fellowship amount is €3,600 plus additional benefits. Fellowships may last from 6 to 18 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years.
General conditions
In addition to the fellowship amount plus additional benefits, you will also receive personal support throughout your sponsorship. You are flexible in determining when you would like to start your fellowship. Prior to your research fellowship, you and your partner will be able to attend an intensive language course.
Further financial support, including family benefits for children and partners, subsidies for private full health insurance and allowances for travel expenses, is also available.
You must meet the following criteria
The Humboldt Research Fellowship addresses post-doctoral researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe – regardless of their field.
Postdocs
Did you complete your doctorate – or equivalent academic qualification – during the last four years? Or will you be completing your doctorate before the envisaged selection meeting and can already provide a written summary of your findings? Have you been published in academic journals and by publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards? If so, and if you fulfil the criteria under the “What is required of you” section, apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs.
Experienced researchers
Did you complete your doctorate – or equivalent academic qualification – during the last twelve years? Is your academic profile substantiated by an extensive list of publications including important papers in which you acted as thematic lead? And do you also hold a leadership role commensurate with your career level in a corresponding position (eg. assistant professor, lecturer, head of an independent research group or higher-level position)? If so, and if you fulfil the criteria under the “What is required of you” section, apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers.
If a doctorate in your field or country of origin is not possible or uncommon, you can still apply up to 16 years after completing your master’s or other postgraduate degree provided that you have a publication record commensurate with your career level.
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