Germany
Germany
Humboldt Research Fellowship
Applications closed
Post-Doctorate
Fully funded
Award
EUR 2,600 / per month
Paid per month. Confirm the latest figures on the official page.
Deadline
December 31, 2025
Deadline passed
Duration
2 Years
How long the scholarship support typically lasts.
Funding type
Fully funded
Whether the award is fully funded, partial, merit-based, or similar.
About this scholarship
What this award covers and who it is designed to support.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship supports highly qualified international scientists and scholars who wish to conduct long-term research in Germany. Applicants choose their own research project and host institution, and work in cooperation with a German academic host. The fellowship is open to all disciplines and career stages (postdoctoral and experienced researchers). The program provides a generous monthly stipend, travel and family allowances, language courses, and integration into the global Humboldt Network of over 30,000 alumni, including 60+ Nobel Prize winners. Fellows benefit from professional and personal mentoring and remain connected to the Foundation throughout their careers.
Scholarship details
Key facts about level, field, location, and institutions.
Study level
Post-Doctorate
Field of study
Natural Sciences
Host country
Germany
Competition
Medium
Opens
January 1, 2025
Eligibility
Who can apply and what academic or personal criteria you need to meet.
The eligibility criteria is as follows:
- Non-German nationals (international researchers).
- Postdoctoral applicants: PhD completed within the last 4 years.
- Experienced researchers: PhD completed within the last 12 years, with a proven research track record.
- Must not have spent more than 6 months in Germany in the 18 months before application.
- Must secure a research host/supervisor in Germany and submit a research proposal jointly.
- Language requirements: German or English proficiency, depending on the project.
Application requirements
Documents and steps typically needed when you submit your application.
The requirements are as follows:
- Completed application form (via the Humboldt Foundation online portal).
- Detailed research proposal (developed with German host).
- Academic CV.
- Complete list of publications.
- Key publications (up to 5 for postdocs, up to 10 for experienced researchers).
- Doctoral certificate and transcripts.
- Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3, including one from the host in Germany).
- Proof of language skills (if required by the project).
What is covered
Tuition, living costs, and other expenses included in this award.
The scholarship includes coverage for:
- Monthly fellowship stipend.
- Travel allowance.
- Family allowances (for spouses and children).
- Health insurance subsidy.
- Language courses in Germany.
- Networking opportunities and lifelong support from the Humboldt Foundation Alumni Network.