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International researchers looking to continue their academic careers in Germany can apply for the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027. The programme supports postdoctoral and experienced researchers from all nationalities and academic disciplines, allowing them to carry out independent research at a German host institution.
Monthly Funding and Additional Benefits
The fellowship offers different funding levels according to your academic career stage. If you’re a postdoctoral researcher, you’ll receive €3,000 per month, while experienced researchers might receive up to €3,600 per month.
You can also organise your research stay across up to three separate periods within three years. This arrangement offers flexibility if your research requires work in Germany at different stages.
Beyond the monthly allowance, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation provides additional support that may include family allowances for children and partners, subsidies towards private full health insurance and travel allowances. You and your partner may also attend an intensive German language course before the fellowship begins.
Who can apply for Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027 in Germany?
The programme is open to researchers worldwide who have above-average academic qualifications and a strong record of publications. However, the eligibility requirements differ between the two fellowship categories.
Being a postdoctoral researcher, you must have normally completed your doctorate within the last four years. You may also apply if you expect to complete your doctorate before the selection meeting, provided you can submit a written summary of your findings. Your research should have been published in internationally recognised, peer-reviewed academic journals or publishing houses.
As an experienced researcher, you need to have completed your doctorate within the last twelve years. You should have an established academic profile, significant research publications and a leadership position appropriate to your career stage, such as assistant professor, lecturer or head of an independent research group.
There is also an alternative eligibility provision for researchers working in fields or countries where doctoral qualifications are not commonly available. Under this provision, applicants may apply up to 16 years after completing a Master’s or equivalent postgraduate degree, provided their publication record is appropriate for their career stage.
How to Prepare Your Humboldt Fellowship Application?
For Humboldt Fellowship 2027, you should apply through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s online portal directly. 1st of all, find a suitable researcher or academic institution in Germany willing to host your project. Your host will need to provide a supporting statement and confirm that the facilities required for your research will be available.
For your application, prepare a CV of up to two pages, a research proposal of no more than five pages, your full list of publications and copies of selected important research papers. You must also provide copies of your key publications and your doctoral certificate or proof of successful completion. Two expert reviews are required. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need a German language certificate, publication acceptance notifications, acknowledgements, and summaries or translations of relevant documents.
Start contacting potential hosts early. Arranging the research collaboration and collecting expert reviews can take time, so these steps should not be left until the application round opens.
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Fellowship | Humboldt Research Fellowship |
| Host country | Germany |
| Funding organisation | Alexander von Humboldt Foundation |
| Eligible applicants | International postdocs and experienced researchers |
| Monthly funding | €3,000–€3,600 |
| Postdoctoral duration | 6–24 months |
| Experienced researcher duration | 6–18 months |
| Application opening | November 15, 2026 |
| Earliest fellowship start | September 2027 |
| Application method | Online |
The application round opens on November 15, 2026, but there is an important detail: the Foundation currently limits each round to 800 applications. Once this limit is reached, the round closes, even if you have not reached a conventional deadline. Therefore, do not wait until the last moment. Identify your German research host, refine your proposal, organise your publications and request expert reviews well in advance.
If you are planning an international research career, explore the official announcement page of Humboldt Research Fellowship and prepare your application for the earliest possible September 2027 start.
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