Call for Applications: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship 2026

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About Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

The Humboldt Research Fellowship for researchers of all nationalities and research areas: We support you with your research in Germany.

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. We therefore expressly invite female scientists and members of underrepresented groups to apply. We welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic, cultural or social background, gender identity, age, religion, worldview, disability or sexual orientation.

Looking ahead to the upcoming meetings of the selection committee, we expect that 20 – 25% of the applications received will be approved.

• Sponsor Organisation: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

Benefits of Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

• The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards a monthly fellowship rate of 2,700 EUR for postdocs and 3,200 EUR for experienced researchers plus a mobility allowance and a subsidy towards the cost of medical and liability insurance. A lump sum for travel expenses and an initial subsidy are also paid.
• Before the start of the fellowship, the Humboldt Foundation provides an intensive language course in Germany lasting two or four months (including for accompanying partners).
  In addition, a family allowance for accompanying partners and/or children under 18 will be granted if they are staying in Germany for at least three months. The following benefits may also be applied for:

• a subsidy towards the cost of medical and liability insurance for an accompanying partner and/or children under the age of 18;
• a flat-rate allowance for single parents with accompanying children;
• extension of the fellowship for research fellows accompanied by children or for a maternity period.

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Requirements

1. Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent) completed (the last
   academic achievement) no longer than four years prior to the date of application for
   postdocs or twelve years for experienced researchers. If it is not possible or customary to
   take a doctorate in the candidate’s subject or country, an application may be submitted up
   to 16 years after completing a Master’s or Diploma degree, provided that the publication
   record is commensurate with the candidate’s career stage;
2. Academic publications in journals and by publishers reviewed according to international
   standards, commensurate with the applicant’s career level after completion of the
   doctorate;
3. Confirmation that research facilities are available and mentoring agreement and a
   detailed expert’s statement by an academic host at a research institution in Germany;
4. Two expert reviews from important collaborative partners and/or academics from the
   applicant’s own institute and at other institutions, if possible, also outside the country of
   origin. Postdocs should usually request one of the expert reviews from the doctoral thesis
   supervisor.
5. Necessary language skills: humanities or social sciences and medicine: good knowledge of
   German if it is necessary to carry out the research successfully; otherwise a good
   knowledge of English; natural sciences and engineering: good knowledge of German or
   English.

Application Date and Process

If you would like to apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship, please submit the necessary documents to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation online only:

• curriculum vitae (two pages max)
• research outline ( five pages max)
• complete list of your publications (cf. sample list, PDF)
• list of selected key publications (cf. sample list, PDF)
• key publications
• doctoral certificate or proof that your doctorate has been completed successfully, or confirmation that this will be the case within the next six months
• German language certificate, if required
• if required: publisher’s acceptance notifications and/or acknowledgement of receipt and summaries/translations of key publications that are not available in German or in English
• In addition: host’s statement and confirmation that research facilities are available, as well as two expert reviews. Please note that these documents can only be uploaded in a protected area by the host(s) and expert reviewers personally. You can only submit your application once these documents have been uploaded. Further information and explanations can be found on the application form.

• As soon as we have received your online application, we will send you written confirmation by email. After reviewing your documents, we will notify you of the expected selection date.

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