Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027: Fully Funded Research Opportunities in Germany for International Researchers

Overview

The Humboldt Research Fellowship is administered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and supported by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space through the Global Minds Initiative Germany. The programme aims to strengthen scientific excellence and promote global academic cooperation by allowing outstanding postdoctoral and experienced researchers to undertake independent research in Germany. Fellows partner with a German academic host institution of their choice, benefiting from individual support, professional development opportunities, and an extensive international research network.

Who can apply

The programme is open to highly qualified researchers of all nationalities who are based outside Germany and represent all academic disciplines. Applicants must not have previously received direct sponsorship from the Humboldt Foundation through a research fellowship or award. The Foundation encourages applications from women and individuals from underrepresented groups, welcoming candidates regardless of ethnic, cultural or social background, gender identity, age, religion, disability or sexual orientation.

There are two main career categories. Postdoctoral researchers must have completed their doctorate or equivalent qualification within the previous four years, or be close to completion with a written summary of their findings and an expected completion date prior to the selection meeting. Experienced researchers must have completed their doctorate within the previous twelve years and demonstrate an established academic profile with a substantial publication record in a leading role, alongside holding an appropriate academic leadership position such as assistant professor, lecturer, head of an independent research group, or senior academic. Candidates from countries or disciplines where doctorates are uncommon may qualify up to 16 years after finishing a master's or postgraduate degree if their publications reflect their professional experience.

What you get

Successful fellows receive monthly financial support depending on their career stage, with postdoctoral researchers receiving 3,000 euro per month and experienced researchers receiving 3,600 euro per month. Research stays range from six to 24 months for postdoctoral researchers and six to 18 months for experienced researchers, with the flexibility to divide the period into up to three separate stays within three years.

Additional benefits include travel allowances, health insurance subsidies, family allowances for partners and dependent children, and intensive German language courses for fellows and their partners prior to the research stay. Fellows also receive individual professional support, opportunities to participate in international academic networking activities, and a potential research-related cost subsidy for their German hosts.

Requirements

Applicants must identify a suitable academic host at a recognised German research institution and confirm that appropriate research facilities are available. The proposed research must be original, relevant, of high academic quality, and comply with standards of good scientific practice and research ethics. The German host institution must provide a detailed statement supporting the collaboration and confirm the availability of research facilities.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online application portal of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Applicants need to upload a curriculum vitae of up to two pages, a research outline of up to five pages, a complete list of academic publications in the prescribed format, and copies of key publications. Additional required documents include a doctoral certificate or official proof of completion, a German language certificate where required, publisher acceptance notifications, and relevant summaries or translations. Furthermore, two expert reviews must be submitted directly by reviewers through the protected portal, alongside a detailed academic statement from the German host institution.

Key dates

The next application call opens on 15 November 2026. The selection meeting takes place in July 2027, and successful applicants may begin their fellowships starting from September 2027.