Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers

Overview

The Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers enables researchers of any nationality (except German) to conduct self-directed research at a German institute of their choice for 6 to 24 months. The monthly stipend is €3,000 plus substantial family and ancillary allowances. Applications are accepted in three rounds per year. Round 2 (2026) opens 15 July 2026; applications submitted in this round are reviewed for a selection meeting in early 2027.

Each application round accepts a maximum of 800 submissions. Once this cap is reached, the round closes for new applications. Submitting early in the window is therefore advisable. The earliest possible fellowship start after Round 2 selection is late 2027.

Benefits

• €3,000 per month stipend for the full fellowship duration (6-24 months).
• Family support: approximately €340/month for an accompanying partner and €270/month per child.
• Lump-sum travel allowance for you and accompanying family.
• Fully funded German language course (2-4 months) where needed.
• Health and accident insurance.
• Research allowance for equipment or computing needs.
• Access to the global Humboldt Network of over 30,000 alumni.

Eligibility

• All nationalities welcome except German nationals.
• Must have completed a doctorate (or equivalent) within the last 4 years at time of application, OR be about to complete it (with a written summary of findings already available).
• Must have a strong record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals.
• Must hold a written letter of invitation from a host at a German research institution before submitting.
• No field restriction - natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and engineering are all eligible.

How to Apply

1. Identify a German professor or research group head willing to host you and obtain their formal written invitation.
2. Access the Humboldt application portal when Round 2 opens on 15 July 2026 at humboldt-foundation.de.
3. Submit: application form with motivation letter, research project description, host’s invitation, CV, publication list, and two recommendation letters (no older than 12 months).
4. The round 2 portal remains open until the 800-application cap is reached (typically within 4 months of opening).
5. Selection results for Round 2 are communicated approximately 6 months after submission.