The Humboldt Research Fellowship is a prestigious program offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, providing opportunities for highly qualified international researchers to conduct research in Germany. The fellowship offers financial support, networking opportunities, and a flexible research period of 6 to 24 months. It is open to researchers at all career stages and from all disciplines. The selection process involves submitting an application, which is evaluated by an independent panel of experts. Successful fellows receive a monthly stipend, travel allowance, and other benefits to support their research activities in Germany. The program aims to foster international collaboration and promote academic excellence in research.
Scholarship details |
|
Offered by |
The German government through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation |
Amount granted |
Variable |
Type of scholarship |
Merit-based |
Level of program |
Postdoctoral |
Application deadline |
Rolling |
Renewability |
Annually |
Official URL |
https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/bewerben/foerderprogramme/humboldt-forschungsstipendium |
Benefits
The Humboldt Research Fellowship benefits vary for postdocs and experienced-researcher categories as follows:
- To Postdocs: a monthly grant of 2,670 EUR for 6 - 24 months
- To Experienced researchers: 3,170 EUR for 6 - 18 months, divided into up to 3 stays within 3 years
Eligibility criteria
In order to apply, an applicant must fulfil the below-listed Humboldt Research Fellowship eligibility requirements:
- Be an international citizen
- Have a Ph. D. or relevant academic degree completed within the last 4 years
- Written research place confirmation from the host institution
- Have required language proficiency
- Candidates who have been in Germany for more than 6 months at the time of application are ineligible for the fellowship
- Past beneficiaries can’t apply for the fellowship
Application process
The Humboldt Research Fellowship application process is online and involves a few steps, as listed below:
- Visit the official website of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
- Complete the online application form with accurate and detailed information.
- Provide information about your research project, academic qualifications, and professional experience.
- Secure a host affiliation at a recognized research institution in Germany.
- Submit any required supporting documents, such as a curriculum vitae, research proposal, and letters of recommendation.
Apply here for Humboldt Research Fellowship
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Know More 〉Documents required
- The promise of research from the host institution
- Two reference letters
- CV in a table format within 2 pages
- Research project description within 5 pages
- List of publications, with a separate list for key publications
- Pdfs of key publications
- Proof of PhD
- German language certificate, if applicable
- Declarations of acceptance/acknowledgements from publishers if the publications are not in English or Germany
Selection process
The Humboldt Research Fellowship selection process comprises three steps: Examination, Assessment, and Selection of the application.
- Examination: Once submitted, the application undergoes a formal admissibility check, upon which the wrongly structured/ formatted applications are rejected. It takes 4 - 6 weeks for examination.
- Assessment: Typically, two independent experts review and prepare reports. Appraised applications are sent to specialist representatives in the committee, which is followed by a selection session. Assessment usually takes approximately 4 months.
- Selection: In the last stage, the deserving applications are accepted, and others are rejected. Rejected applicants can request the reasons for not being accepted. Usually, the results are out in Feb/Mar, Jun/Jul, or Oct/Nov after 4 weeks of the session.
Contact details
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AvHStiftung
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alexander-von-humboldt-foundation/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AvHStiftung/featured
Disclaimer: The information on this page is taken from the official website of Humboldt Research Fellowship. See the original source for any change in the data provided, like dates, facts, etc.
Frequently asked questions
Can researchers apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship before completing their Ph.D.?
Researchers can apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship six months before completing their Ph.D. If selected, they can start their research in Germany only after completing their Ph.D.
Is it possible to apply for multiple Humboldt Foundation grants at the same time?
No. But if you are rejected for one grant, you may apply for the other option.
Is it mandatory to submit an expert review of the application while applying for the Humboldt Research Fellowship?
Yes. Generally, two expert reviews must be submitted that analyze the development of the researcher, the potential for in-depth studies, and accomplishments. The reviews must address the researcher’s works till the time of application.
Should researchers cite key publications in the application for the Humboldt Research Fellowship?
Yes. While applying for the Humboldt Research Fellowship, researchers must cite one key publication. A maximum of three key publications can be cited.
When will researchers be informed about their selection for the Humboldt Research Fellowship?
The selected researchers will be informed via email in the days immediately after the Humboldt Foundation’s selection meeting. If the selection meeting is longer, it will take more days to inform the selected researchers.