Applications are now open for the fully funded 2026 International Climate Protection Fellowship for prospective leaders and postdocs

Ednah Carrick 3 weeks ago

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Closing Date: 10 February 2026

Applications are now open for the fully funded 2026 International Climate Protection Fellowship for prospective leaders and postdocs

Fellowship for prospective leaders working practically and postdocs

Are you working academically or practically in climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation in your country of origin – a non-European developing or transition country (see list of countries, PDF)? Then Humboldt Foundation invites you to apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

The Humboldt Foundation aims to achieve a good balance between genders and a high level of diversity among its fellows in all areas and therefore expressly invite female prospective leaders and members of underrepresented groups to apply.

If you are a prospective leader you will do a one-year research project in Germany as part of your fellowship; if you are a postdoc, long-term academic research (12-24 months). It should focus on combating climate change, adaptation strategies, preserving ecosystems and biodiversity, or on the sustainable use of the seas and oceans. Sustainability topics relating to natural resources, resource-efficient consumption or urban development are also welcome.

Humboldt Foundation awards up to 15 Fellowships to prospective leaders working practically and up to five to postdocs each year. The fellowships are funded through the International Climate Initiative. The Initiative (IKI) became the responsibility of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) in 2022. The IKI programme cooperates with its founding ministry, the Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), as well as the Federal Foreign Office

Postdocs from developing and emerging countries whose research work is NOT RELATED to climate protection or climate-related resource conservation may apply for a Georg Forster Research Fellowship , if their research has relevance for the future development of their region of origin. Otherwise there is the possibility for applying for a Humboldt Research Fellowship. Should your programme search yield both Fellowships, please use the Programme Compass for further guidance. It is the best possible support when selecting the programme that corresponds most closely to your profile.

The sponsorship

The fellowship facilitates the mutual exchange of knowledge, methods and techniques with hosts in Germany; this also extends to questions of practical applicability in your country of origin. Humboldt Foundation offers you

as a prospective leader working practically a monthly fellowship amount of 2,500€, 2,800€ or 3,000€ plus ancillary benefits – depending on your training and career level; as a postdoc, a monthly fellowship amount of 3,000€ plus ancillary benefits
individual support during your stay in Germany
additional financial support for example for accompanying partners and children, for travel expenses, for full private health insurance or for a German language course
a three-week introductory event where you can connect with other climate protection fellows, visit businesses and research institutions, and attend cultural events in Germany
extensive alumni sponsorship, in particular to support long-term connections with your cooperation partners in Germany over the duration of your entire professional career

Hosts receive a monthly allowance for research costs of 800€ for projects in the natural and engineering sciences or 500€ for projects in the humanities and social sciences.

You must meet the following criteria

As future decision-makers and multipliers, you aim to take on the global challenge of climate change through international, cross-border cooperation. The Fellowship is designed for prospective leaders and postdocs. Humboldt Foundation invites you to apply for the Fellowship if you

engage with climate change issues
are a citizen of a non-European developing or transition country (see list of countries, PDF) and have been predominantly living and working there
have initial experience in a leadership role and corresponding leadership skills
have very good knowledge of English and/or German

In addition, you meet the following criteria as a prospective leader or postdoc:

Prospective leaders working practically

Did you complete your first academic degree (Bachelor’s or comparable degree) during the last twelve years ? Do you have relevant practical professional experience in the fields of climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation following the first university degree (at least 24 months by the application deadline) – or alternatively a Master’s degree in any field (or comparable degree) plus at least twelve months of relevant practical professional experience related to climate issues after the first university degree? If so, apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship.

Postdocs

Did you complete your first academic degree (Bachelor or comparable degree) during the last twelve years (cut-off date is the application deadline on 10 February 2026)? Do you additionally hold a doctorate that is clearly related to the fields of climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation and was awarded no more than four years prior to the application deadline, or will you be completing your doctorate by 31 August of the selection year? Have you published in academic journals and publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards? If so, apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship for postdocs.

How to apply

Before applying, you should agree your research project with your independently chosen host.

The application is submitted online via the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s homepage. The following application documents are to be included:

application form with personal information, letter of motivation and research project including communication strategy
two letters of recommendation (not more than twelve months old) from individuals who can provide information on your professional, personal and/or academic background. The application form contains links where your references can upload their statements. Please forward these links to the selected individuals promptly. You cannot submit your application until the letters of recommendations have been uploaded.
extensive statement including mentoring agreement from your host in Germany. As soon as you have submitted your application, your host will receive an email containing a link to your application form and the attached documents with a request to provide a host’s statement and submit a mentoring agreement. Please note that your application will not be forwarded to the Humboldt Foundation until your host has submitted the host’s statement and mentoring agreement.

If you have any doubts or questions, please contact Humboldt Foundation by e-mail (info[at]avh.de) before submitting your application.