The Humboldt Research Fellowship program is a highly competitive and prestigious fellowship that provides researchers from all over the world with the opportunity to conduct research in Germany. The program is administered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting international research collaborations and academic exchanges.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is an esteemed and amply-funded program that offers researchers the prospect of conducting research work at a host institution in Germany. This fellowship is available to researchers at varying stages of their careers and allows them to select their host institution based on their personal preferences.
The Alexander von Humboldt research fellowship is a remarkable and exceptional chance for outstanding and above-average researchers who possess the potential to make noteworthy contributions to the world through their research. The program is an initiative of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, which assists more than 700 researchers annually by offering fellowship opportunities and accolades. These fully-funded fellowships are not restricted to any specific area of research and are deemed as among the most prestigious and bountiful awards in Germany.
One of the most alluring features of this fellowship is that it is not confined to postdoctoral researchers. Researchers at any phase of their careers can apply for this fellowship, making it an unparalleled opportunity for individuals to further their research goals. The recipients of these awards are renowned for their exceptional skills and remarkable research work and are recognized to be among the best in the world.
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Over the years, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has established an extensive network of alumni, comprising more than 26,000 Humboldtians in over 140 countries globally, including 49 Nobel laureates. This fellowship enables international researchers to become a part of this community and make progress on the path to esteemed accolades like the Nobel Prize. Furthermore, this fellowship program provides a platform for researchers to collaborate with academic hosts at research institutes in Germany.
Another intriguing and appealing aspect of this program is that if needed, researchers can conduct their research in other parts of Europe, except in their home countries. This is a distinctive opportunity for researchers to not only carry out exceptional research but also explore German culture and the culture of other parts of Europe. This postdoctoral fellowship program is available to all post-doc researchers and experienced researchers, and we urge them to apply for this program.
Types of Fellowships
The Humboldt Research Fellowship program offers three different types of fellowships:
- Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers – This fellowship is open to postdoctoral researchers who have completed their doctoral degree within the last four years.
- Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers – This fellowship is open to researchers who have completed their doctoral degree within the last 12 years and have a proven track record of research excellence in their field.
- Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers from Developing and Emerging Countries – This fellowship is open to researchers from developing and emerging countries who have completed their doctoral degree within the last 12 years and have a proven track record of research excellence in their field.
Eligibility of the Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany:
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is designed for post-doctoral researchers and experienced researchers from any field and any part of the world who possess above-average qualifications. The following are the criteria that must be met to be eligible for the fellowship:
Postdocs
- Completed doctorate or equivalent academic qualification within the last four years OR within six months of completing the doctorate and able to provide a written summary of the findings
- Published in academic journals and by publishing houses reviewed according to international standards
- Fulfill the requirements stated in the “What is required of you” section
Experienced Researchers
- Completed doctorate or equivalent academic qualification within the last twelve years
- Academic profile substantiated by an extensive list of publications in academic journals and by publishing houses reviewed according to international standards
- Fulfill the requirements stated in the “What is required of you” section
- If doctorate in your field or country of origin is not possible or uncommon, you can still apply up to 16 years after completing your master’s or other postgraduate degree, provided that you have a publication record commensurate with your career level
Nationality
- Not a German national
- If a German national, or if obtained university entrance qualification and university degree, or university degree and doctorate in Germany, lived and worked abroad for more than ten years and intend to continue doing so long-term
- If lived and worked abroad for more than five years, can still apply if there is a strong connection to your current country of residence (permanent employment, additional citizenship, etc.)
Stay
- May not have lived in Germany for longer than a total of six months within the 18-month period prior to submitting the application
- Submit the application as soon as possible if you have arrived in Germany recently, as eligibility can only be assessed and application formally accepted after submission
Confirmation that Research Facilities are Available/Host’s Statement
- Researcher from an academic institution of your choice in Germany provides mentoring agreement and written confirmation that research facilities are available, and will compile a detailed review for you
Expert Reviews
- Two expert reviews can be provided
- Postdocs: Doctoral supervisor and one other researcher (outside of the institute, if possible) should provide well-grounded information on qualifications
- Experienced Researchers: Reviews should be provided by important collaborative partners and/or researchers at your own institute as well as other institutes (outside your country of origin, if possible)
Language Skills
- Natural sciences and engineering: Good knowledge of German or English
- Humanities, social sciences, and medicine: Good knowledge of German if necessary for conducting research successfully; otherwise, good knowledge of English will suffice
Good Scientific Practice and Ethics
- Must abide by the rules of good scientific practice and the principles of scientific ethics
Previous Sponsorship
- Cannot apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship if already received sponsorship from the Humboldt Foundation. In such cases, alumni programs are open to you.
Benefits of Humboldt Research Fellowship 2023-24 in Germany:
- Monthly fellowship allowance: A monthly fellowship allowance of 2,670 euros will be provided.
- Lump sum mobility allowance: A lump sum mobility allowance will be provided for participation in necessary conferences, research trips, library stays, etc. This can be utilized in Germany or abroad.
- Medical and liability insurance subsidies: Medical insurance and liability insurance subsidies will be provided.
- Travel expenses: A lump sum amount will be provided for travel expenses in case the costs are not borne by any third party.
- Language fellowship: Language fellowship will be provided for an intensive language course.
- Accompanying marital partners: Language fellowships may also be granted to accompanying marital partners.
- Family allowances: Family allowances will be provided for accompanying family members who are staying for at least three months.
- Single parents: For single parents, a flat-rate allowance for accompanying children under the age of 18 will be provided.
- Europe allowance: An allowance for a research stay at a research institute in another European country will also be provided.
- Research costs subsidy: A subsidy towards research costs to be paid to the hosts in Germany amounting to 800 EUR per month for research in the natural sciences and engineering and 500 EUR for research in the humanities and social sciences.
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How to apply for Humboldt Research Fellowship 2023-24?
To apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship, you must submit your documents online to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Before submitting your application, you can contact the Foundation at info[at]avh.de if you have any doubts or questions.
The following documents must be uploaded in the application form:
- Curriculum vitae (maximum two pages)
- Research outline (maximum five pages)
- Complete list of publications
- List of selected key publications
- Key publications
- Doctoral certificate or proof of completion of your doctorate, or confirmation that it will be completed 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
- Host’s statement and confirmation that research facilities are available, as well as two expert reviews. 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.
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Once your online application is received, you will receive written confirmation by email. The selection committee meets every March, July, and November. It is recommended to send your application well in advance of the desired selection date. Incomplete or inaccurate applications take longer to process and often have to be postponed to a later selection committee meeting.
If your application is successful, you may begin your fellowship between two and twelve months after being selected. If it is unsuccessful, you can request the reasons for the decision informally by email. You can re-apply if you significantly improve crucial aspects of the rejected application. In the case of unanimously rejected applications, you must wait at least 18 months before re-applying.
Humboldt Fellowship Application Deadline:
- March, July, and November
The selection committee meets every March, July, and November. It is recommended to send your application well in advance of the desired selection date. Incomplete or inaccurate applications take longer to process and often have to be postponed to a later selection committee meeting.