Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is currently accepting application for its International Climate Protection Fellowship 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About Alexander von Humboldt Foundation International Climate Protection Fellowship
The International Climate Protection Fellowship is a program run by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation that supports future leaders and postdocs from non-European developing and transition countries. It is designed to foster international cooperation on climate protection and resource conservation. Fellows carry out research projects in Germany that address climate change, adaptation strategies, biodiversity, sustainable resource use, or urban sustainability.
Benefits of Alexander von Humboldt Foundation International Climate Protection Fellowship
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. We offer 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.
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation International Climate Protection Fellowship Requirements
They invite you to apply for an International Climate Protection 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 (cut-off date is the application deadline on 10 February 2026)? 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 (10 February 2026), 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.
Application Date and Process
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.
Application Deadline
10 February, 2026
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Alexander von Humboldt Foundation International Climate Protection Fellowship
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