The Humboldt Research Fellowship 2026–2027 is one of Europe’s most distinguished academic opportunities, providing full financing to scholars from all over the world to perform advanced research in Germany. This program is sponsored by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, which is well-known for its continued support of great scientists and promotion of international academic cooperation between Germany and other nations.
Why is the Humboldt Fellowship considered one of the most important research opportunities in the world?
The Humboldt Fellowship aims to improve scientific contact between German researchers and overseas peers. Participants can choose the German university or institute where they want to work.
Researchers have the option to join world-renowned research organizations and work on cutting-edge scientific initiatives that help enhance their academic and professional domains.
More than 700 international scholars, both postdoctoral and long-standing, engage in this program each year, making it one of the most competitive and prestigious fellowships in Europe and the globe.
Humboldt Research Fellowship 2026-2027 Details
- Host country: Germany🇩🇪
- Sponsored by: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
- Academic level: Postdoctoral or experienced researchers
- Fellowship duration: 6 to 24 months
- Financing Type: Fully Funded
- Application deadline: Varies depending on the selection cycle
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Advantages and Benefits of the Humboldt Research Fellowship
The fellowship offers a generous benefits package to participants, including complete financial support and numerous academic possibilities, most notably:
- Postdoctoral researchers receive a generous monthly pay of €2,670.
- Experienced researchers earn €3,170 per month.
- Additional allowances include round-trip travel expenditures to Germany.
- Funding for research trips and scientific conferences.
- Health, accident, and liability insurance.
- Financial aid to spouses and accompanying children.
- Language fellowship to learn German before beginning the program.
- Academic hosts in Germany receive €800 per month for scientific sciences and engineering, and €500 for humanities and social sciences.
- Participants can also apply for extra research stays at other European institutes to broaden their scientific knowledge and international cooperation.
Terms and Eligibility for the Humboldt Fellowship 2026-2027
To be considered for this distinguished fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Obtaining a PhD or equivalent within the last four years (for postdoctoral researchers) or 12 years (for experienced researchers).
- Have a solid academic record, including international peer-reviewed scientific papers.
- Having an official invitation from a host researcher in Germany, along with a research mentoring agreement.
- Submit two academic recommendations from previous supervisors or professors.
- Proficiency in either English or German, depending on the nature of the study topic.
- The candidate must have resided outside of Germany for at least 12 months in the previous 18 months before applying.
- German residents must have lived outside Germany for at least five years prior to applying.
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Steps to apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship 2026-2027
The application process is done electronically via the Humboldt Foundation’s official website, following the steps below:
- Fill out the online application form and include any relevant papers, such as a CV, research proposal, and business plan.
- Please submit letters of recommendation from academic experts and the German host.
- Submit your application four to seven months before the selection committee’s meeting date.
- Applications are evaluated by a committee of 60 to 70 academic specialists.
- The results are announced following the selection committee meetings, which take place three times per year in March, July, and November.
- In case of non-acceptance, the applicant may resubmit after 18 months if the study proposal is revised.
