Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Research Fellowship Program 2025

Eligibility Criteria

• The Humboldt Research Fellowship addresses post-doctoral researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe – regardless of their field.
• You are not a German national. If you are a German national, or if you obtained your university entrance qualification and university degree, or your university degree and your doctorate, in Germany, you can apply if you have lived and worked abroad for more than ten years and intend to continue doing so long-term.

Offered Benefits

• The Humboldt Research Fellowship enables you to conduct your own research at various stages of your career in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of your choice. Hosts may apply for a subsidy towards research costs.
• Benefit from research sponsorship in Germany at the beginning of your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs enables you to conduct research in Germany. The monthly fellowship amount is €2,700 plus addtional benefits. Fellowships may last from 6 to 24 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years. 
• You can still apply for research sponsorship in Germany even if you are already well advanced in your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers enables you to conduct research in Germany. The fellowship amount is €3,200 plus additional benefits. Fellowships may last from 6 to 18 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years.

Application Process

Required Documents:

Please note that you may only submit your application once you have uploaded the following documents in the application form:

• curriculum vitae (two pages max)
• research outline ( five pages max)
• complete list of your publications (cf.  sample list, PDF)
• list of selected key publications (cf.  sample list, PDF)
• key publications
• doctoral certificate or proof that your doctorate has been completed successfully, or confirmation that this will be the case within the next six months
• German language certificate, if required
• if required: publisher’s acceptance notifications and/or acknowledgement of receipt and summaries/translations of key publications that are not available in German or in English

• In addition: host’s statement and confirmation that research facilities are available, as well as two expert reviews. Please note that these documents can only be uploaded in a protected area by the host(s) and expert reviewers personally. You can only submit your application once these documents have been uploaded. Further information and explanations can be found on the application form.