# Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers

**Funder:** Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
**Budget:** €3,600/month plus additional benefits
**Duration:** 6-18 months, divisible into up to three stays within three years
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant, hosted by a research institution in Germany
**Application:** Single stage: online application with host statement and two expert reviews; selection committee meeting
**Frequency:** Annual, three calls per year
**Next round:** 2026-11
**Official call:** https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/humboldt-research-fellowship
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For researchers who completed their doctorate within the last 12 years (up to 16 years in some cases), holding a leadership role (e.g. assistant professor, group leader), all nationalities and fields, to conduct research in Germany with a self-chosen host. Not for German nationals (with exceptions). Good knowledge of German or English required depending on field.

## Summary

The Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers funds a self-arranged research stay of 6-18 months in Germany, paying €3,600 per month plus additional benefits. It is aimed at researchers who completed their doctorate within the last 12 years (or up to 16 years post-master's in some cases), hold a leadership role, and have a strong publication record. The stay can be split into up to three visits within three years, and the foundation runs three calls per year.

## Who should apply

- Researchers who completed their doctorate within the last 12 years (up to 16 years post-master's in some cases)
- Applicants holding a leadership role in their field
- Candidates with a strong publication record including thematic lead papers
- Researchers able to secure a German host institution and mentoring agreement
- Any nationality, any discipline, planning a self-arranged stay in Germany

## Key dates

- Next call opens 15 November 2026; current round is full
- Three calls per year, single-stage online application with host statement and two expert reviews
- Stay lasts 6-18 months, splittable into up to three visits within three years

## Tips for applicants

- Secure your German host and mentoring agreement early, the host statement is a required part of the single-stage application, not a later formality.
- Line up your two expert reviewers well before the deadline since their assessments are submitted alongside your application.
- Emphasize thematic lead-author papers and leadership roles in your record, as these are named eligibility markers for this fellowship.

## Frequently asked questions

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

It pays €3,600 per month plus additional benefits for the duration of the stay in Germany.

### How long is the Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers?

Stays run 6-18 months and can be divided into up to three separate visits within three years.

### Who is eligible for the Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers?

Researchers who completed their doctorate within the last 12 years (or up to 16 years after their master's in some cases), hold a leadership role, and have a strong publication record.

### How often can I apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship?

The foundation runs three calls per year; the next round opens 15 November 2026 since the current one is full.

### Do I need a consortium or German partner to apply?

You apply as an individual researcher, but you must be hosted by a research institution in Germany of your choice with a mentoring agreement.

---

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

**See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md&grant=alexander-von-humboldt-foundation-humboldt-research-fellowship-for-experienced-resea-2026).