ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT FOUNDATION
Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowships (for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers)
full · phd
- ~EUR 2,670–3,170/moStipend (est., by line)
- 6–24 monthsDuration
- Research in GermanyWhere
- Postdoc & experiencedWho
- Apply any timeTiming
- Since 1953Foundation
At a glance
full
Funding
€40k
Max amount
Nov 15, 2026
Deadline
Researchers of any nationality from abroad (subject to the stay-abroad rule)
Country
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Provider
The Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship enables researchers from abroad to carry out a long-term research stay in Germany, hosted by an academic of their choice. It is awarded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, which since 1953 has built a worldwide network of more than 30,000 Humboldtians across many disciplines. There are two main lines: postdoctoral researchers (normally within 4 years of completing a PhD) receive a monthly stipend of around EUR 2,670, and experienced researchers (within 12 years of a PhD) around EUR 3,170 (est.), for a flexible stay of 6 to 24 months. The fellowship adds travel, a German-language course, and family and mobility allowances, and selection is based on academic record and research potential rather than nationality or subject. Applications can be submitted at any time and are reviewed by selection committees that meet several times a year; a representative date is 15 November (est.). Treat the figures and date here as estimates and confirm current details on the Humboldt Foundation's official website.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend — Around EUR 2,670 per month for postdoctoral and EUR 3,170 for experienced researchers (est.).
- Duration — A flexible research stay of 6 to 24 months in Germany.
- Allowances — Travel, a German-language course, and family and mobility allowances.
- Host of your choice — You choose an academic host and institute in Germany.
- Network — Lifelong membership of the worldwide Humboldt network.
How to apply
Find a German host, develop your research proposal, then apply to the Humboldt Foundation at any time.
- Find a host — Identify and secure a German academic host willing to support your research stay.
- Develop the proposal — Prepare your research outline, CV, and publication list.
- Arrange references — Secure expert references who can assess your work.
- Apply online — Submit your application to the Humboldt Foundation (accepted any time).
- Selection committee — An independent committee reviews applications several times a year.
- Fellowship — If selected, arrange your stay and begin the research fellowship in Germany.
Eligibility
Career stagePostdoctoral (normally within 4 years of a PhD) or experienced (within 12 years of a PhD).
QualificationHolding a doctorate (or a comparable academic degree).
Host in GermanyA confirmed academic host and institute in Germany.
Research recordA strong publication and research record for the career stage.
From abroadNormally living and working outside Germany when applying.
Selection is independent of subject and nationality. Securing a willing German host and a strong research proposal is essential, and applications are accepted year-round.
Eligible countries
Researchers of any nationality from abroad (subject to the stay-abroad rule)
Deadlines
Rolling (committee dates)2026-11-15
Selection
Independent Humboldt selection committees assess applicants on their academic record and research potential for the career stage, the quality of the research proposal, and the strength of the host arrangement — without quotas by country or subject. Only the strongest researchers are selected.
Verified sources
- Humboldt Foundation — Research Fellowshiphumboldt-foundation.deofficial
About the provider
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, based in Germany and active since 1953, promotes international academic cooperation. Its Research Fellowships bring postdoctoral and experienced researchers from abroad to Germany for long-term research stays, building a worldwide network of more than 30,000 Humboldtians.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship?
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A fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enabling researchers from abroad to carry out a long-term research stay in Germany with a host of their choice.
What does it provide?
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A monthly stipend (around EUR 2,670 for postdoctoral and EUR 3,170 for experienced researchers, est.), plus travel, a German-language course, and family and mobility allowances, for 6 to 24 months.
Who is eligible?
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Researchers from abroad holding a doctorate — postdoctoral (normally within 4 years of the PhD) or experienced (within 12 years) — with a strong research record and a German host.
Do I need a host in Germany?
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Yes — you must secure a willing academic host and institute in Germany before applying.
Is there a subject or country quota?
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No — selection is independent of subject and nationality; the strongest researchers are chosen on merit.
How long is the fellowship?
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A flexible research stay of between 6 and 24 months, which can sometimes be split into shorter periods.
When can I apply?
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Applications are accepted at any time and reviewed by selection committees that meet several times a year; a representative date is 15 November (est.).
Is it for PhD study?
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No — it is for researchers who already hold a doctorate (postdoctoral and experienced), not for doing a PhD.
What is the Humboldt network?
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Fellows join a lifelong worldwide network of more than 30,000 Humboldtians, with alumni support and follow-up sponsorship.
Are family allowances available?
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Yes — the fellowship includes family allowances and other support alongside the monthly stipend.
How old is the Foundation?
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The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has, since 1953, built a global network of researchers in Germany.
Where can I confirm current details?
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On the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's official website, which lists the stipend rates, eligibility, allowances, and selection-committee dates.