Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027 in Germany

Humboldt Research Fellowship Overview

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation funds researchers with above-average academic qualifications to carry out their own research projects in Germany. Applicants choose their own academic host at a German research institution and develop the proposal in cooperation with that host.

The programme is open across research disciplines. The Foundation currently expects roughly 20–25% of applications received for upcoming selection meetings to be approved, so research quality, publication record, proposal originality and host fit are central to selection.

Eligibility

Postdoctoral researchers

• Normally completed the doctorate or equivalent qualification within the last four years, or will complete it before the relevant selection meeting.
• Must already demonstrate an internationally competitive publication record.
• Fellowship duration: 6–24 months, divisible into up to three stays within three years.

Experienced researchers

• Normally completed the doctorate within the last twelve years.
• Should have a clearly developed independent research profile, an extensive publication record and a career-level leadership role such as lecturer, assistant professor or research-group leader.
• Fellowship duration: 6–18 months, divisible into up to three stays within three years.

Nationality and mobility

• The programme targets researchers from all countries except Germany, subject to special rules for German citizens or people educated in Germany who are permanently established abroad.
• Applicants generally must not have spent more than 90 total days in Germany during the 18 months before the application is received.
• Applicants who have already received direct Humboldt Foundation sponsorship through a research fellowship or award are not eligible for this fellowship.

Funding & Benefits

• €3,000 per month for postdoctoral researchers.
• €3,600 per month for experienced researchers.
• Possible family benefits for accompanying partners and children.
• Subsidies for private full health insurance where applicable.
• Travel support; the Foundation may pay a lump sum for return travel when the fellow's institution does not cover it.
• Possibility of an intensive German-language course before the research stay for fellows and, in some cases, partners.
• Personal support during the fellowship and access to Humboldt alumni sponsorship after the stay.

The host institution may also receive a research-cost allowance, generally €800 per month in natural sciences and engineering or €500 per month in humanities and social sciences.

IELTS, English & German Requirements

IELTS is not listed as a required test for the Humboldt Research Fellowship. Natural scientists and engineers need good knowledge of German or English. Humanities and social-science researchers need German when it is necessary for the project; otherwise good English is sufficient. Physicians working with patients need good German.

A German-language certificate is required only where German proficiency is necessary. Native English or German speakers do not need a language certificate, and the Foundation does not list a standard IELTS score requirement.

Required Documents

• Curriculum vitae — maximum 2 pages.
• Research outline — maximum 5 pages.
• Complete publication list.
• List of selected key publications.
• Copies of key publications.
• Doctoral certificate, proof that the doctorate is complete, or confirmation that it will be completed before the planned selection meeting.
• German-language certificate, if required for the proposed research.
• Two expert reviews, uploaded directly by the reviewers through the protected system.
• Detailed host statement and confirmation that research facilities are available in Germany.
• Where applicable, publisher acceptance notices and summaries/translations of key publications not available in German or English.

How to Apply

1. Identify an appropriate academic host at a university or research institution in Germany.
2. Agree on a research project and obtain the host's commitment to provide research facilities and mentoring.
3. Prepare the CV, research outline and publication materials according to the Foundation's formatting rules.
4. Arrange two expert reviews early; the application cannot be submitted until required reviews are uploaded while the portal is open.
5. When the next call opens on 15 November 2026, create or access the online application and upload all required documents.
6. Submit early. The Foundation closes each application round once it reaches the current maximum of 800 applications.
7. After submission, the host receives a link to upload the host statement, mentoring agreement and confirmation of research facilities. The application is not formally forwarded to the Foundation until the host completes this step.

Important Dates

• Current round: closed after reaching the 800-application cap.
• Next call opens: November 15, 2026.
• Selection meeting: July 2027.
• Earliest fellowship start for this call: September 2027.

There is no conventional fixed closing date for the next call on the official page. Instead, the round closes once the maximum number of applications is reached, so applicants should prepare their host, references and documents before the portal reopens.

FAQs

Is the Humboldt Research Fellowship currently open?
No. The current call has reached the maximum number of applications. The next call opens November 15, 2026.

How much is the monthly fellowship?
€3,000 for postdoctoral researchers and €3,600 for experienced researchers, plus additional benefits where applicable.

Do I need IELTS?
No IELTS score is listed as a fellowship requirement. Applicants need sufficient English or German depending on the research field and project.

Is there an application fee?
No application fee is listed on the official fellowship or application pages.

Do I need a host in Germany?
Yes. You choose a suitable academic host in Germany, who must support the proposed project and confirm that research facilities are available.

Can researchers from any country apply?
The programme is primarily for researchers from all countries other than Germany, with specific exceptions and mobility rules for German citizens or educational residents established abroad.

Last verified: September 7, 2026. ScholarshipHubNow verified the call status, November 15 opening date, 800-application cap, fellowship amounts, durations, eligibility, mobility rules, host requirements, language requirements, documents and benefits against the official Alexander von Humboldt Foundation pages.