The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has officially opened applications for the Humboldt Research Fellowship 2026 Spring Intake, inviting exceptional researchers from around the world to conduct cutting-edge research in Germany. This fellowship is designed for postdoctoral and experienced researchers across all academic disciplines, offering an unmatched opportunity to collaborate with leading German institutions and advance one’s research career.
About the Fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is part of Germany’s Global Minds Initiative under the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. It provides scholars from all nations (except Germany) with the chance to carry out independent research at any host institution of their choice in Germany. The fellowship aims to promote academic excellence and international collaboration while ensuring diversity and inclusion across all scientific fields.
Applicants may choose between two streams:
- Postdoctoral Researchers – For those who completed their PhD within the last four years or are close to completing it.
- Experienced Researchers – For scholars who earned their doctorate within the last twelve years and have established a significant publication record.
Researchers from developing and emerging countries whose work focuses on sustainable development are encouraged to apply for the equivalent Georg Forster Research Fellowship.
What the Winners of Humboldt Fellowship Will Receive?
The Humboldt Research Fellowship offers generous financial and professional support to fellows throughout their research stay in Germany.
- Postdoctoral Researchers receive a monthly stipend of €2,700, while experienced researchers are granted €3,200 per month.
- The fellowship duration ranges from 6 to 24 months for postdocs and 6 to 18 months for experienced researchers.
- Fellows can divide their stay into multiple visits (up to three stays within three years).
- Additional financial benefits include family allowances, travel expense subsidies, and health insurance contributions.
- All selected fellows are offered an intensive German language course before the research period begins.
- Alumni of the fellowship continue to receive professional and collaborative support, with options for return fellowships or future research visits.
Do You Stand Eligible to Apply for Humboldt Fellowship 2026 Batch?
Applicants must demonstrate strong research potential and meet the following key requirements:
- Hold a PhD or equivalent qualification within the last four (postdocs) or twelve years (experienced researchers).
- Provide a detailed research proposal to be conducted in Germany with a confirmed host statement from the chosen institution.
- Submit two expert reviews from international scholars in their field.
- Possess sufficient English or German language proficiency depending on the project’s nature.
- Comply with the Foundation’s scientific ethics and guidelines on responsible research and AI usage.
Applications lacking required documents or deviating from the specified format will be rejected without review.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online via the official Alexander von Humboldt Foundation portal. Candidates are encouraged to prepare their application materials thoroughly before submission, ensuring they meet all format and completeness criteria. Required documents include:
- Curriculum vitae (max. two pages)
- Research outline (max. five pages)
- Complete list of publications and selected key publications
- Doctoral certificate or proof of completion
- Host’s statement confirming research facilities availability
- Two expert reviews.
Selection Timeline and Deadlines
Applications are reviewed by the Humboldt Selection Committee before November 30, 2025.