Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdocs
Call opens 15 November 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.
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.
Details
| 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 |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
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.
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.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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