Are you looking to improve your research career in Europe. The Humboldt Research Fellowship 2026 is a great chance. It is for postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers from all over the world. You cannot be from Germany or Brazil. The fellowship lets you do your own research in Germany. It is fully funded. The famous Alexander von Humboldt Foundation runs it. The fellowship can last from 6 to 24 months. You will get to use top level facilities and work with great mentors. This is your chance to work with leading German institutions. You can follow your own research plans. You can apply at any time of the year. But the selection committee meets in March, July and November.
Humboldt Research Fellowship Summary
| Host Country | Germany |
| Organizer | Alexander von Humboldt Foundation |
| Duration | 6 to 24 months |
| Type | Fully Funded Fellowship |
| Number of Awards | Around 700 every year |
| Deadline | Novermber 30, 2025 |
About the Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Humboldt Foundation helps talented researchers from around the world do independent research in Germany. You will pick your own research topic and work with a German host institution you choose.
There are two fellowship types:
- For Postdoctoral Researchers: For those who finished PhD in the last 4 years stay 6 to 24 months.
- For Experienced Researchers: For senior researchers with more experience stay 6 to 18 months can be split into 3 visits over 3 years.
Also See: Erasmus Mundus GLOCAL Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)
Fellowship Benefits
The fellowship provides everything you need for your stay in Germany:
- Monthly Stipend
- €2,700 per month (Postdoctoral Fellows)
- €3,200 per month (Experienced Fellows)
- Health and medical insurance.
- Round-trip airfare.
- Support for conferences, research trips, or study stays.
- Family and child allowances.
- Access to research facilities and mentorship from top German scholars.
Eligibility Criteria
You can apply if you:
- Are not a German citizen
- Hold a PhD or equivalent research experience
- Have publications in international peer-reviewed journals
- Have an agreement or invitation from a German host institution
- Have a strong academic and research record
The program is open to all nationalities except Germany and Brazil.
Required Documents
Before applying, prepare these:
- Updated CV (max 2 pages)
- List of all publications and selected key papers
- Research proposal (max 5 pages)
- German language certificate (if required)
- Two expert references
- Doctoral certificate
- Host’s confirmation of research facilities
- Letter of acceptance from German host
How to Apply?
Applications are accepted online throughout the year. The Selection Committee meets three times a year March, July, and November.
Steps:
- Visit the official Humboldt Foundation website.
- Fill in the online application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit your application before the nearest review deadline.