Application Deadline: Not Specified
Are you an outstanding researcher looking to advance your academic career while collaborating with leading experts in Germany? The Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027 offers an exceptional opportunity for postdoctoral and experienced researchers from around the world to conduct independent research at top German universities and research institutions.
Funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, this prestigious fellowship provides generous financial support, access to Germany’s world-class research infrastructure, and lifelong membership in the Humboldt global network of scholars.
Overview
- Host Country: Germany
- Fellowship Provider: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
- Programme Type: Fully Funded Research Fellowship
- Eligible Applicants: International Postdoctoral & Experienced Researchers
- Research Duration:
- Postdoctoral Researchers: 6–24 months
- Experienced Researchers: 6–18 months (can be divided into multiple stays)
- Application Mode: Online
- Application Cycle: Three calls each year
About the Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship supports highly qualified researchers from all academic disciplines who wish to carry out an independent research project in Germany with a host institution of their choice.
Rather than assigning applicants to a specific university, the fellowship allows researchers to identify a German academic host whose expertise aligns with their proposed project. Fellows become part of one of the world’s most respected international research networks and continue to receive career support even after completing their fellowship.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive comprehensive financial and professional support, including:
- Monthly fellowship allowance:
- €2,700 for Postdoctoral Researchers
- €3,200 for Experienced Researchers
- Flexible research stay in Germany
- Individual mentoring throughout the fellowship
- Intensive German language course (where applicable)
- Mobility and networking support
- Family allowances (where eligible)
- Travel support and additional mobility benefits
- Access to Germany’s leading universities and research facilities
- Long-term membership in the Humboldt alumni network with future funding opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must satisfy the following general requirements:
Nationality
Applicants should generally be non-German nationals. German citizens may apply only under specific long-term residence conditions outside Germany.
Academic Qualification
For Postdoctoral Researchers
Applicants should:
- Have completed their PhD within the last 4 years, or
- Be close to completing their doctorate before the relevant selection meeting.
- Demonstrate an excellent publication record.
For Experienced Researchers
Applicants should:
- Have completed their doctorate within the last 12 years.
- Hold an established academic position or equivalent leadership role.
- Show an extensive publication record demonstrating significant research achievements.
Researchers from fields where doctoral degrees are uncommon may still qualify under special provisions.
Additional Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should also:
- Secure a research host at a German university or research institution.
- Submit an original research proposal.
- Have excellent academic achievements.
- Demonstrate strong language skills appropriate for their research field.
- Not have stayed in Germany for more than 90 days during the previous 18 months before submitting their application.
Required Application Documents
Applicants are expected to prepare:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages)
- Research proposal (maximum five pages)
- Complete publication list
- Selected key publications
- Copies of key publications
- Doctoral certificate (or proof of expected completion)
- Language certificate (if required)
- Two confidential academic recommendation letters
- Host’s statement and confirmation of research facilities
- Any additional supporting documents requested by the Foundation.
Application Schedule (2026)
Beginning in 2026, the Humboldt Foundation accepts applications through three annual application calls. Each call remains open until it reaches its application capacity.
Current 2026 schedule:
| Application Call Opens | Selection Meeting | Earliest Fellowship Start |
| 15 March 2026 | November 2026 | February 2027 |
| 15 July 2026 | March 2027 | May 2027 |
| 15 November 2026 | July 2027 | September 2027 |
Important: There is no fixed closing date. Each application round closes automatically once the maximum number of submissions has been reached (currently around 800 applications). Applicants are therefore encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible after a call opens.
Selection Process
Applications undergo several stages, including:
- Formal eligibility screening
- Completeness check
- Independent peer review
- Expert committee evaluation
- Final selection by the Humboldt Foundation
Successful applicants are normally notified a few weeks after the selection committee meeting.
Why You Should Apply
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is regarded as one of Europe’s most prestigious international research fellowships. Beyond financial support, it provides opportunities to:
- Conduct cutting-edge research in Germany
- Collaborate with internationally recognized scholars
- Build lasting academic partnerships
- Join a prestigious global alumni network spanning more than 140 countries
- Access future research grants and collaborative funding opportunities.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should first identify a suitable research host in Germany, prepare all required documents, and submit their application through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s online application portal.
Official Application Portal: Humboldt Research Fellowship Application Page
