Germany Fellowship for experienced researchers

Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers

From abroad to sponsor a 6 to 18 month research stay at a research institution in Germany. The fellowship is flexible and can be divided up into as many as three stays within three years.

Submit an application if you are a researcher from abroad with above average qualifications, completed your doctorate less than twelve years ago, already have your own research profile and are working at least at the level of Assistant Professor or Junior Research Group Leader or have a record of several years of independent academic work. A Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers allows you to carry out a long-term research project (6-18 months) you have selected yourself in cooperation with an academic host you have selected yourself at a research institution in Germany. The fellowship is flexible and can be divided up into as many as three stays within three years.

Scientists and scholars of all nationalities and disciplines may apply to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation directly at any time. The Humboldt Foundation grants approximately 600 Humboldt Research Fellowships for postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers annually.

Short-term study visits, participation in congresses and training courses cannot be financed. You can find other important information in the Programme Information and the FAQ.

Application Requirements

1. Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent), completed less than twelve years prior to the date of application. If it is not possible or customary to take a doctorate in the candidate's subject or country, applications may be submitted up to twelve years after commencing publication activity.
2. The candidate's own research profile documented by a comprehensive list of academic publications in internationally-reviewed journals and for publishing houses.
3. Confirmation that research facilities are available and a detailed expert's report by an academic host at a research institution in Germany; details of the research project and the proposed timetable must be discussed with the prospective host prior to application.
4. Expert references from important collaborative partners and/or academics from the candidate's own institute and, if possible, from abroad.
5. Language skills: scholars in the humanities or social sciences and physicians must have a good knowledge of German if it is necessary to carry out the project successfully; otherwise a good knowledge of English; scientists and engineers must have a good knowledge of German or English.
6. The applicant may not have spent an extended period in Germany prior to application. Applications to continue a research stay already underway can only be considered in exceptional cases. If in doubt, candidates who have been in Germany for more than six months at the time of application should consult the FAQs and check with the Humboldt Foundation (info@avh.de) whether formal requirements have been met before submitting an application.
7. The Humboldt Foundation assumes that candidates will abide by the Rules of Good Scientific Practice during the application and sponsorship periods.

To apply, please only use the application documents which can be downloaded here.

Application requirements

Download programme information and application documents

Selection procedure

Information for hosts

Information for expert reviewers

Information for independent peer reviewers

Initial Sponsorship

Alumni Sponsorship

FAQ