The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers Humboldt Research Fellowship 2025 in Germany. This fellowship allows highly qualified scientists and researchers from developing countries to conduct their research in their chosen field at a research institution in Germany, in collaboration with an academic institution of their choice, for a duration of 6 to 24 months. Each year, the foundation supports over 700 researchers to come to Germany for free by providing opportunities for fellowships and awards. The fellowships and awards from this foundation are among the most prestigious in Germany, and recipients are globally recognized for their exceptional capabilities and outstanding research work.
Over the years, thanks to this fully funded research fellowship, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has created a vast community of alumni consisting of over 26,000 scientists, who are located in more than 140 countries around the world. Among these alumni are 49 Nobel Prize winners. Therefore, this fellowship for international researchers also represents an opportunity for them to climb the ladder towards globally renowned and prestigious awards such as the Nobel Prize. Another great piece of information about the Humboldt Fellowship program is that researchers can conduct their research in other parts of Europe, excluding their home countries, if necessary for research purposes. In addition to their role in scientific research, individuals can explore German culture as well as the culture of Europe as a whole by traveling to different parts of the continent for research purposes.
Humboldt Research Fellowship 2025-26 in Germany:
Host Country:
- Germany
Host Organization:
- Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung / Foundation
Fellowship Duration:
- 6–24-month research stay in Germany
Countries:
Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Djibouti, Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Comoros, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Mauritania, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen, and all countries worldwide
Benefits of the 2024-25 Research Fellowship in Germany:
- Monthly Salary:
- €2,670 per month for postdoctoral researchers.
- €3,170 per month for experienced researchers.
- One-time Mobility Allowancefor participation in necessary conferences, research trips, library stays, and more, both in Germany and abroad.
- Travel Expense Coverage.
- Support for Medical Insurance and Liability Insurance.
- Provision of funds for travel expensesif costs are not covered by any third party.
- Language Fellowshipfor an intensive language course.
- Language Fellowships may also be grantedfor accompanying spouses.
- Family Allowancesfor accompanying family members staying for at least three months.
- For single parents: A fixed allowance for accompanying children under 18 years old.
- European Allowancefor research stays at a research institute in another European country.
- Support for Research Expensesfor host institutions in Germany, amounting to €800 per month for research in natural sciences and engineering, and €500 for research in the humanities and social sciences.
Eligibility of the Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany:
- PhD or equivalent completed within 4 years (postdocs) or 12 years (experienced researchers); up to 16 years with a strong publication record.
- Relevant academic publications in internationally reviewed journals.
- Confirmation of research facilities and mentoring agreement from a German academic host.
- Two expert reviews, preferably including the doctoral supervisor.
- Proficiency in German or English depending on the field.
- Must have lived outside Germany for 12 months in the 18 months prior to application.
- German nationals must have lived abroad for at least five years.
How to apply for Humboldt Research Fellowship 2025:
- Submit applications online 4-7 months before the selection date.
- Expert reviews and host’s statement are uploaded directly by referees.
- Incomplete applications are excluded from the selection process.
- Applicants receive notification of the selection date after document review.
- Independent peer review by a committee of 60-70 academics.
- Selection committee meets in March, July, and November.
- Sponsorship can start on the date in the application or be postponed up to 12 months.
- Rejected applicants can resubmit with significant improvements; unanimous rejections require an 18-month wait.
- For more details on the application and selection process, refer to the FAQs and application form notes available on the Humboldt Foundation’s website.
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.
- As soon as they have received your online application, they will send you written confirmation by email. After reviewing your documents, they will notify you of the expected selection date.
Deadlines
The selection committee responsible for reviewing applications for this program meets inMarch, July, and November. Please submit the completed application form, including any required additional documents, well in advance of your desired selection date. Applications are typically processed within four to eight months. Incomplete or inaccurate applications take longer to process and are often deferred to a later selection committee meeting.
The deadline for compliance with certain formal conditions, particularly those related to career stage restrictions and previous stays in Germany, is the date your application is received.
If your application is unsuccessful, reasons for the decision may be provided. Please request this information informally via email. You and your host will receive a message regarding the outcome of your application approximately five weeks after the decision is made. Decisions cannot be appealed. However, you can reapply if you have significantly improved critical aspects of the previously rejected application. In the case of unanimously rejected applications, you must wait at least 18 months before reapplying.
About the Foundation
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is an institution established by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, funded by various governmental entities and other local and international partners. The foundation promotes international academic collaboration among outstanding scientists and researchers from both within and outside Germany. It awards over 700 competitive scholarships and research awards to academics in the natural sciences (including mathematics) and the humanities, providing scientists and researchers from around the world the opportunity to come to Germany to work on a research project of their choice in collaboration with an academic host and partner. Additionally, the foundation funds German researchers through the Feodor Lynen Fellowships, allowing them to go anywhere in the world to work on a research project with a host and collaborative partner.
