Start your study adventure in Germany! Great news! The Humboldt Research Fellowships are now open. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about this fellowship, its benefits, and the step-by-step application process.
The Humboldt Research Fellowships 2025-2026 are fully funded scholarships for international students, available only for postdoctoral studies. The fellowship includes a monthly stipend of 3,150 EUR and additional financial support for accompanying family members and other items.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers highly-qualified scientists and scholars from abroad, who are in the early stages of their academic careers and have completed their PhD within the last four years, the opportunity to spend 6 to 24 months conducting research in Germany. The research is carried out in cooperation with academic hosts at research institutions in Germany. Applicants can choose their research topic and host in Germany. Before applying, the research outline, including the intended duration of the fellowship, must be agreed upon with the selected host. Please note that short-term visits for study, training, or conference attendance are not eligible for this fellowship.
Scholarship Summary
Level of Study: Postdoctoral
Institution(s): Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Study in: Germany
Courses Offered: Click here to find all the available courses
Program Period: Six to 24 months
Deadline: Open throughout the year
Scholarship Coverage
The Humboldt Research Fellowship provides the following benefits:
- A monthly fellowship of 2,670 EUR for postdoctoral researchers (doctorate completed within the last four years).
- A monthly fellowship of 3,150 EUR for postdoctoral researchers (doctorate completed within the last 12 years).
- A flexible starting date, with the option for experienced researchers to split the fellowship into a maximum of three stays.
- Individual mentoring during the fellowship period.
- An intensive German language course for fellows and their spouses before the fellowship begins.
- Additional financial support for accompanying family members, including travel expenses and comprehensive alumni support after the research stay ends, such as a Return Fellowship or further stays in Germany.
Eligibility Criteria for Humboldt Research Fellowship
To be eligible for the Humboldt Research Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Required Language: English or German
- Eligible Countries: Open to all countries worldwide
- Degree Requirements: A doctorate or comparable academic degree (PhD, CSc, or equivalent) obtained no more than four years ago
- Publications: Academic publications reviewed according to international standards and published in journals or by publishing houses
- Research Facilities: Confirmation that research facilities are available, a mentoring agreement, and a detailed expert’s statement from an academic host at a research institution in Germany
- Expert Reviews: Expert reviews from the doctoral supervisor and another academic qualified to comment on the applicant’s qualifications, preferably including reviewers not from the applicant’s own institution
- Language Skills:
- Humanities, social sciences, and medicine: Proficiency in German
- Other fields: Good knowledge of English
- Natural sciences and engineering: Good knowledge of either German or English
- The Humboldt Foundation expects candidates to follow the Rules of Good Scientific Practice and the legally-binding principles of scientific ethics during both the application and sponsorship periods.
How to Apply for Humboldt Research Fellowship?
Please follow the following instructions to apply for Humboldt Research Fellowship:
(1). You have to choose two hosts (whether they are people or institute) in Germany and ask them for a confirmation and review for the research.
Note: if you choose the institute to be your host you have to schedule the period that you will stay.
(2). Create an account from Here and attach the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae (two pages max).
- Research outline (five pages max).
- Complete list of publications.
- List of selected key publications.
- Key publications.
- Doctoral certificate.
- German language certificate, if applicable.
- Host’s statement and confirmation of research facilities.
- Two expert reviews.
- Additionally, where required: publishers’ letter(s) of acceptance and/or acknowledgment(s) of receipt as well as summaries or translations of the key publications.
To know more about Humboldt Research Fellowship, please visit the official website: