# Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdocs

**Funder:** Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
**Budget:** €3,000/month plus additional benefits
**Duration:** 6-24 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 postdoctoral researchers who completed their doctorate within the last 4 years, all nationalities and fields, to conduct research in Germany with a self-chosen host. Not for German nationals (with exceptions); applicants may not have lived in Germany more than 90 days in the 18 months before applying. Good knowledge of German or English required depending on field.

## Summary

The Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs funds researchers of any nationality who completed their doctorate within the last four years to spend 6-24 months at a German research institution of their choice, with a monthly stipend of €3,000 plus additional benefits. The stay can be split into up to three visits over three years, and applicants select their own host rather than apply to a fixed project. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation runs three calls per year, though each round is capped at 800 applications.

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral researchers who completed their doctorate within the last 4 years
- Any nationality except Germans currently living in Germany (Germans abroad 10+ years are eligible)
- Researchers who have identified and secured a mentoring agreement with a German host institution
- Applicants with good command of German or English depending on their field
- Researchers free to design their own stay rather than fill a pre-defined project

## Key dates

- Next call opens 15 November 2026; three calls run per year
- Single-stage online application requiring a host statement and two expert reviews
- Stay lasts 6-24 months, splittable into up to three visits within three years

## Tips for applicants

- Secure a German host institution and mentoring agreement early, since the application cannot be submitted without it.
- Line up your two expert reviewers well before the deadline, as reviews must be submitted alongside the application.
- Each round is capped at 800 applications, so submit as soon as a call opens rather than waiting until it nears full.

## Frequently asked questions

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

It pays a monthly stipend of €3,000 plus additional benefits.

### Who is eligible for the Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs?

Postdocs of any nationality who completed their doctorate within the last 4 years, excluding Germans currently resident in Germany.

### How long does the Humboldt Research Fellowship last?

Between 6 and 24 months, which can be divided into up to three separate stays within three years.

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

The Foundation runs three calls per year, with the next round opening 15 November 2026.

### Do I need a host institution before applying?

Yes, applicants must arrange a mentoring agreement with a German host institution of their choice as part of the application.

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

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