The Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship is one of Germany’s most prestigious and internationally recognised research funding programmes, supporting exceptional postdoctoral and experienced researchers from all over the world across every academic discipline. The next application window opens on 15 July 2026. Because each call closes once an application cap of 800 submissions is reached, early preparation is strongly recommended.
- Funder: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (Germany)
- Next Call Opens: 15 July 2026 (closes when 800-application cap is reached)
- Duration: 6 to 24 months (can be split into up to 3 stays over 3 years)
- Eligible Disciplines: All academic fields
- Postdoctoral Fellowship Eligibility: Must have completed a doctorate within the last 4 years; any nationality; must not have spent more than 6 months in Germany in the last 18 months
- Funding Includes: Monthly stipend (~€2,670–€2,770 for postdocs), travel allowance, family supplements, German language course support
- Host Institution: Must be a German university or research institution; applicants choose their own host and research collaborator
- How to Apply: Via the Humboldt Foundation’s online portal. humboldt-foundation.de
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is a transformative opportunity for researchers seeking to collaborate with leading German institutions, build international networks, and pursue ambitious research projects. Given the cap-based rolling deadline, applicants should prepare their materials in advance — including research plan, host invitation letter, and references — so they can submit as soon as the portal opens on July 15.
Always verify deadlines and details on the official Alexander von Humboldt Foundation website before applying.
