Humboldt Research Fellowship

Humboldt Research Fellowship

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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

 

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Benefits

The Humboldt Research Fellowship benefits vary for postdocs and experienced-researcher categories as follows:

  • list items To Postdocs: a monthly grant of 2,670 EUR for 6 - 24 months
  • list items To Experienced researchers: 3,170 EUR for 6 - 18 months, divided into up to 3 stays within 3 years
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    Eligibility criteria

    In order to apply, an applicant must fulfil the below-listed Humboldt Research Fellowship eligibility requirements:

  • list items Be an international citizen
  • list items Have a Ph. D. or relevant academic degree completed within the last 4 years
  • list items Written research place confirmation from the host institution
  • list items Have required language proficiency
  • list items Candidates who have been in Germany for more than 6 months at the time of application are ineligible for the fellowship
  • list items Past beneficiaries can’t apply for the fellowship
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    Application process

    The Humboldt Research Fellowship application process is online and involves a few steps, as listed below:

  • list items Visit the official website of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
  • list items Complete the online application form with accurate and detailed information.
  • list items Provide information about your research project, academic qualifications, and professional experience.
  • list items Secure a host affiliation at a recognized research institution in Germany.
  • list items 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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    Documents required

  • list items The promise of research from the host institution
  • list items Two reference letters
  • list items CV in a table format within 2 pages
  • list items Research project description within 5 pages
  • list items List of publications, with a separate list for key publications
  • list items Pdfs of key publications
  • list items Proof of PhD
  • list items German language certificate, if applicable
  • list items Declarations of acceptance/acknowledgements from publishers if the publications are not in English or Germany
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    Selection process

    The Humboldt Research Fellowship selection process comprises three steps: Examination, Assessment, and Selection of the application.

  • list items 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.
  • list items 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.
  • list items 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.
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    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.

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    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.