The Humboldt Research Fellowship supports highly qualified international postdoctoral and experienced researchers to carry out long-term research in Germany. Fellows collaborate with leading German academic hosts and benefit from generous funding, mobility allowances, family support, and access to Germany’s top research institutions.

 Who Can Apply?

• International postdoctoral researchers (up to 4 years after PhD).
• Experienced researchers (up to 12 years after PhD; 16 years with strong publications).
• Applicants must not have lived in Germany for more than 6 months in the last 18 months.

 What is Covered?

• Monthly stipend:
  • €2,670 (Postdoctoral researchers)
  • €3,170 (Experienced researchers)
• Mobility allowance for conferences, research trips, etc.
• Travel expenses (if not covered by another party).
• Medical and liability insurance subsidies.
• Intensive language fellowship (including for partners).
• Family allowances for dependents.
• Subsidy for single parents with children under 18.
• Research cost subsidy for German hosts:
  • €800/month (natural sciences & engineering)
  • €500/month (humanities & social sciences).
• Optional Europe allowance for research stays in other European countries.

 Eligibility Criteria:

• PhD or equivalent completed within:
  • 4 years (postdocs)
  • 12 years (experienced researchers)
  • Up to 16 years for researchers with exceptional publication record.
• Strong publication record in internationally peer-reviewed journals.
• Research confirmation and mentoring agreement from a German academic host.
• Two expert reviews (preferably including PhD supervisor).
• Proficiency in German or English.
• Must have lived outside Germany for 12 of the last 18 months.
• German nationals eligible if they have lived abroad for at least 5 years.

 How to Apply?

1. Apply online 4–7 months before selection dates.
2. Submit research proposal and personal documents.
3. Expert reviews and host’s statement uploaded directly by referees.
4. Applications reviewed by independent academic committee (60–70 experts).
5. Selection committee meets in March, July, and November.