Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers Grant

Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Last Updated: January 22, 2026

Summary

The Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers, offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, supports post-doctoral researchers from around the globe with above-average qualifications. This fellowship allows participants to conduct research in Germany for periods of 6 to 18 months, with a monthly stipend of €3,200. The application process requires a strong academic profile and relevant publications, ensuring that qualified candidates can benefit from collaborative research opportunities in a German institution.

Overview

NOTE: The Selection Committee responsible for reviewing applications to this programme meets every March, July and November. Please send your completed application form, including any additional documents required, well in advance of the desired selection date. Applications are usually processed within four to eight months. If your application is successful, you may begin your fellowship between two and twelve months after being selected.See page for Fellowships for Postdocs here. About Us We sponsor scientists and scholars, irrespective of academic discipline and nationality. We strengthen Germany as a research location through international research exchanges. We support our sponsorship recipients during their entire lifetimes and actively promote international understanding, scientific progress and development. Humboldt Research Fellowship 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. Fellowship for Experienced Researchers What we offer The Humboldt Research Fellowship enables you to conduct your own research at various stages of your career in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of your choice. Hosts may apply for a subsidy towards research costs. Information onSponsorship during your research stay in Germany can be found here.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Humboldt Research Fellowship addresses post-doctoral researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe – regardless of their field.Did you complete your doctorate – or equivalent academic qualification – during the last twelve years? Is your academic profile substantiated by an extensive list of publications in academic journals and by publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards? If so, and if you fulfil the criteria under the “What is required of you” section, apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers.If a doctorate in your field or country of origin is not possible or uncommon, you can still apply up to 16 years after completing your master’s or other postgraduate degree provided that you have a publication record commensurate with your career level.What is required of you: You must fulfil the following criteria to successfully apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship:You are not a German national. If you are a German national, or if you obtained your university entrance qualification and university degree, or your university degree and your doctorate, in Germany, you can apply if you have lived and worked abroad for more than ten years and intend to continue doing so long-term. Have you lived and worked abroad for more than five years? You can still apply if there is a strong connection to your current country of residence (permanent employment, additional citizenship etc. – see FAQs). For your application to be successful, you may not have lived in Germany for longer than a total of six months within the 18-month period prior to submitting your application.If you have arrived in Germany recently you should submit your application as soon as possible, as we can only assess your eligibility and formally accept your application after it has been submitted.A researcher from an academic institution of your choice in Germany will provide you with a mentoring agreement and written confirmation that research facilities are available, and will compile a detailed review for you.You can provide two expert reviews. Experienced researchers: The reviews should be provided by important collaborative partners and/or researchers at your own institute as well as other institutes – outside your country of origin, if possible.Language skills:Natural sciences and engineering: You must have a good knowledge of German or English. Humanities, social sciences and medicine: You must have a good knowledge of German if this is necessary for conducting your research successfully. Otherwise, good knowledge of English will suffice.