The Humboldt Research Fellowship is a fully funded program that sponsors researchers from around the world to carry out research in Germany. The fellowship offers a grant of €38,040 per year, allowing researchers at various stages of their careers to conduct independent research in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of their choice. Sponsored by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, this program targets researchers with above-average qualifications from all nationalities.
Researchers from developing and emerging countries whose research contributes to sustainable development should consider applying for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship, which is equivalent to the Humboldt Research Fellowship.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Humboldt Research Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must not be a German national. German nationals who obtained their university degree and doctorate in Germany can apply if they have lived and worked abroad for over ten years.
- Expert Reviews: Must provide two expert reviews.
- Postdocs: Reviews from the doctoral supervisor and one other researcher, preferably outside the applicant’s institute.
- Experienced Researchers: Reviews from key collaborative partners and/or researchers from the applicant’s own institute and other institutes, preferably outside their country of origin.
- Language Skills:
- Natural Sciences and Engineering: Good knowledge of German or English.
- Humanities, Social Sciences, and Medicine: Good knowledge of German if necessary for research, otherwise, good knowledge of English suffices.
Benefits
- Postdoctoral Researchers: Monthly fellowship amount of €2,670 for 6 to 24 months.
- Experienced Researchers: Monthly fellowship amount of €3,170 for 6 to 18 months, which can be divided into up to three stays within three years.
- Additional Support:
- Personal support throughout the sponsorship.
- Intensive language course for the fellow and their marital partner before starting the research fellowship.
- Financial support including family benefits for children and marital partners, subsidies for private health insurance, and travel allowances.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents on the application page:
- Curriculum vitae (two pages max)
- Research outline (five pages max)
- Complete list of publications
- List of selected key publications
- Key publications
- Doctoral certificate or proof of successful completion, or confirmation of expected completion within six months
- German language certificate, if required
- Publisher’s acceptance notifications and/or summaries/translations of key publications not available in German or English (if required)
- Host’s statement and confirmation that research facilities are available
- Two expert reviews uploaded by hosts and reviewers
For more details and to apply, visit the official application page.
By participating in this program, fellows will benefit from individual support, access to a diverse sponsorship portfolio, and the opportunity to advance their research in Germany.
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