Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

Humboldt Research Fellowship

€3,000/month, 6-24 months (research stay in Germany)6-18 months

Calls open 15 March, 15 July and 15 November each year; closes early once 800 applications reached

Last seen in a scan/import: 11 Oct 2026.

Catalog updated: 3 Nov 2026.

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No deadline is on file for this call. Check Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's own call page for the current round's status before you plan around it.

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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).

Details

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
Career stage	Early-career opportunity

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.

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.

humboldt-foundationpostdoctoralmobility-grantgermanyinternationalearly-careerrolling-deadline

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