Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship 2025: Research In Germany For Mid-Career Scholars - Apply Now!

About the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Humboldt Research Fellowship

The Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers is offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to support highly qualified international scholars and scientists from all disciplines who completed their doctorates less than 12 years ago. The fellowship allows them to conduct long-term research (ranging from 6 to 18 months) in collaboration with a host researcher at a research institution of their choice in Germany. The aim is to promote academic exchange and foster research cooperation across borders.

The program is open year-round, and selection committee meetings take place three times annually: in March, July, and November. Applicants from Brazil are currently not eligible to apply.

Approximately 500 fellowships are awarded each year to experienced researchers from across the world. Fellows have the flexibility to divide their research stay into up to three visits over three years. This prestigious fellowship is typically suited for assistant professors, junior research group leaders, or individuals with significant, independent research experience.

Eligible Fields

The fellowship is open to researchers from all academic disciplines, including but not limited to:

Natural sciences
Engineering

Humanities
Social sciences
Law and economics

Medical and life sciences
Environmental studies
Mathematics and computer science

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Hold a doctorate or a comparable academic degree (e.g., Ph.D., C.Sc.)
Have completed their doctorate within the last 12 years at the time of application

In exceptional cases, applicants from countries or fields where doctorates are uncommon may apply up to 16 years after obtaining a Master’s or Diplom degree, provided they have an extensive publication record
Demonstrate a well-developed, independent research profile with a history of peer-reviewed academic publications
Have lived outside Germany for at least 12 of the 18 months prior to the application deadline

German citizens may apply only if they have been residing and working abroad in a non-German institution for at least five years
Must not currently hold or plan to hold a short-term visit for training or conference attendance under this fellowship
Fulfill language requirements: good German (if needed) or English proficiency for humanities, social sciences, and medical disciplines; good English or German for natural sciences and engineering fields

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated by independent peer reviewers based on:

Academic excellence and the quality of the applicant’s research track record
Scientific merit and feasibility of the proposed research project

Relevance and originality of the research goals
Applicant’s potential to contribute to academic collaboration between their home institution and the German host institution
Suitability and strength of the collaboration with the German host

Eligible Countries

The Humboldt Research Fellowship is open to applicants from all countries except Brazil at this time. However, special eligibility rules apply to:

Citizens of Germany who have been permanently based abroad for five or more years
Candidates from underrepresented regions and developing countries are strongly encouraged to apply

Documents Required

Applicants are required to submit the following documents as part of the online application:

Curriculum Vitae and list of publications
Research outline (maximum five pages)

Doctoral certificate or proof of academic degree
Two expert reviews from senior academics familiar with the applicant’s work; ideally, at least one should be from outside the applicant’s home country
Confirmation of research collaboration and letter of support from a German academic host

Proof of language proficiency (German or English, depending on field and project)

Benefits of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Humboldt Research Fellowship

The fellowship offers generous financial and professional benefits, including:

Monthly stipend of €3,170 for experienced researchers

Flexible research duration between 6 to 18 months, which can be split into up to three separate stays over a three-year period
Mobility lump sum to cover relocation expenses
Health and liability insurance contributions

Travel allowance for international travel
Language course support, if required
Family allowances, including:
- Financial support for accompanying family members
- Fixed allowance for children in the case of single-parent fellows
- Extension of fellowship duration if accompanied by children under 12

Research cost allowance for the host institution in Germany
Europe allowance for those conducting additional research in other European countries
Extensive alumni sponsorship and follow-up support after the fellowship ends

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s official application portal. The application process is open year-round, but deadlines apply in relation to the three annual selection meetings held in March, July, and November.

Applicants are advised to secure a host and prepare all required documents well in advance. All submissions and letters of recommendation must be uploaded through the online portal.