- ~EUR 2,700-3,200 / month (est.)Monthly research stipend
- 6 to 24 monthsFellowship duration
- All academic disciplinesEligible fields
- Postdoc and experienced tracksCareer stages
- Family and travel supportExtra benefits
- GermanyWhere you research
At a glance
full
Funding
€3k
Max amount
Oct 15, 2026
Deadline
Eligible developing and transition countries (per the Humboldt Foundation list; some countries excluded)
Country
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Provider
The Georg Forster Research Fellowship is funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and enables postdoctoral and experienced researchers from developing and transition countries to carry out a long-term research project in Germany. The fellowship is aimed at research with clear relevance to the sustainable development of the applicant's home country, spanning all academic disciplines. Awards run for between 6 and 24 months and provide a monthly stipend of around EUR 2,700 for postdoctoral researchers and about EUR 3,200 for experienced researchers, alongside travel allowances, German language course support, health insurance assistance and family benefits. Postdoctoral candidates must normally have completed their doctorate within the previous 4 years, while experienced researchers may have completed it up to 12 years earlier. A confirmed host at a German institution and a record of peer-reviewed publications are required. Applications are reviewed several times a year, and processing can take 4 to 8 months. Because eligible-country lists, stipend rates and submission windows are revised regularly, confirm the current-cycle figures and deadlines on the official Humboldt Foundation page before you apply.
What's covered
- Monthly stipend — About ~EUR 2,700 / month (est.) for postdoctoral researchers and ~EUR 3,200 / month (est.) for experienced researchers.
- Travel allowance — A travel allowance to and from Germany for the fellow where the costs are not met by another source.
- German language course — Funding for an intensive German language course before or during the research stay.
- Health insurance assistance — Support toward health, accident and personal-liability insurance during the fellowship.
- Family benefits — Allowances for an accompanying spouse and children, supporting researchers who relocate with family.
- Research and alumni support — Research funding for the host institution plus lifelong access to the Humboldt alumni network.
How to apply
Secure a German host, prepare your research proposal and supporting documents, and submit through the Humboldt Foundation online portal.
- Find a host institution — Secure a commitment and host statement from a German professor or research institution willing to support your project.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble your CV, research proposal, publication list, doctoral certificate and expert reviews following the foundation's templates.
- Submit the online application — Apply through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation online portal, uploading all required materials.
- Selection and start — Applications are reviewed at set committee meetings; if selected, begin the research stay within the period stated in your award letter.
Eligibility
NationalityMust be a national of an eligible developing or transition country; some countries (such as China and India in past cycles) have been excluded, so check the current list.
Qualification - postdocPostdoctoral applicants must have completed a doctorate within the last four years or be within six months of completion.
Qualification - experiencedExperienced researchers must have completed their doctorate within the last twelve years.
Research relevanceThe proposed project must contribute to the sustainable development of the applicant's home country.
Track recordA record of peer-reviewed publications in recognised academic journals and a confirmed German host institution.
A German professor or research institution must provide a host statement and confirm research facilities before the application can be assessed.
Eligible countries
Eligible developing and transition countries (per the Humboldt Foundation list; some countries excluded)
Deadlines
2026/2027 review rounds~Rolling, with reviews around 15 October 2026 (est.)
Selection
A committee of around 15 to 20 scholars evaluates each application on the strength of the candidate's academic record, the quality and originality of the research proposal, and the relevance of the project to sustainable development. Future career potential and long-term impact in the home country are also weighed. There is no fixed quota by country, and decisions are made purely on academic merit and fit with the host institution.
Verified sources
- Georg Forster Research Fellowship - Alexander von Humboldt Foundationhumboldt-foundation.deofficial
About the provider
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is a German non-profit that promotes international academic cooperation by funding researchers from around the world. Through programmes such as the Georg Forster Fellowship it supports a global network of Humboldtians across all disciplines.
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.
Who can apply for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship?
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Postdoctoral and experienced researchers who are nationals of eligible developing or transition countries and whose research contributes to sustainable development in their home region.
What does the fellowship cover?
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It provides a monthly stipend of around EUR 2,700 to EUR 3,200, travel allowances, a German language course, health insurance assistance and family benefits.
How long is the fellowship?
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The research stay can last between 6 and 24 months, with the exact length agreed as part of the award.
What are the qualification requirements?
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Postdoctoral applicants must have completed a PhD within the last four years, while experienced researchers must have completed it within the last twelve years.
Which countries are eligible?
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It is open to nationals of eligible developing and transition countries; some countries (such as China and India in past cycles) have been excluded, so check the current official list.
Do I need a host in Germany first?
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Yes. You must secure a host statement and confirmation of research facilities from a German professor or institution before applying.
When are applications reviewed?
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Applications are reviewed several times a year, and processing typically takes around four to eight months.
Is there support for my family?
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Yes. The fellowship includes allowances for an accompanying spouse and children to help researchers who relocate with their family.
Does my research need a specific focus?
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Yes. The proposed project must contribute to the sustainable development of your home country, though all academic disciplines are eligible.
What language do I need?
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Proficiency in English or German is expected; a German language certificate may be required and a language course is funded as part of the award.
How is the selection made?
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A committee of around 15 to 20 scholars assesses academic record, the originality and relevance of the proposal, and long-term impact, with decisions based on merit.
Where do I submit my application?
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Applications are submitted through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation online portal with all required documents.