# Humboldt Research Fellowship

**Funder:** Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
**Budget:** €3,000/month, 6-24 months (research stay in Germany)
**Duration:** 6-18 months
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant, hosted by a host researcher at a German university or research institution
**Application:** Single stage: online application with host statement and two expert reviews
**Frequency:** Three times per year
**Official call:** https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/humboldt-research-fellowship
**Last updated:** 3 Nov 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For postdocs (up to 4 years post-PhD) and experienced researchers (up to 12 years post-PhD) from abroad to conduct a research stay of 6-18 months in Germany with a self-chosen host. Applicants must generally be living/working outside Germany; good knowledge of German or English required depending on discipline, German required for physicians working with patients.

## Summary

The Humboldt Research Fellowship funds postdoctoral and experienced researchers of any nationality to conduct a 6-24 month research stay at a German institution, with €3,000 per month. The scheme is open to researchers currently based outside Germany and covers living expenses, travel, and insurance. Applications run on a continuous rolling basis with three selection rounds per year (March, July, November).

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral and experienced researchers of any nationality
- Researchers currently based outside Germany
- Applicants with a confirmed German host institution and supervisor
- Researchers seeking to build or deepen collaboration with German research groups

## Key dates

- Three rolling selection rounds per year: March, July, November
- Single-stage rolling application (submit anytime before a round deadline)
- 6-24 month research stay duration

## Tips for applicants

- Secure a German host mentor and institution before applying; the host's track record and explicit support are decisive in review.
- Proposal clarity on research fit and outcomes matters more than novelty, reviewers assess feasibility and mutual benefit to both host and fellow.
- The rolling rounds mean no single bottleneck deadline; apply when your hosting arrangement and research plan are solid, not to chase an artificial cutoff.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Humboldt Research Fellowship pay?

€3,000 per month for the duration of the research stay, which lasts 6-24 months.

### Who is eligible for a Humboldt Research Fellowship?

Postdoctoral and experienced researchers of any nationality, provided they are based outside Germany at the time of application and have a confirmed German host institution.

### How often does the Humboldt Research Fellowship have application deadlines?

Three rolling selection rounds per year in March, July, and November; applications can be submitted anytime before each round.

### Do I need a German supervisor or host institution to apply?

Yes, you must have a confirmed German host institution and a named mentor or supervisor who will support your research stay.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/alexander-von-humboldt-foundation-humboldt-research-fellowship-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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