Fellowships for researchers from anywhere

Three foundations in one name

The first foundation bearing Alexander von Humboldt’s name was set up in Berlin in 1860, after his death. Inflation wiped out its endowment in 1923; the German Reich re-established it in 1925, and it ceased to operate in 1945. Today’s foundation was established by the Federal Republic of Germany on 10 December 1953 and has its headquarters in Bonn-Bad Godesberg. Since 1965 its focus has been on highly qualified young researchers coming to Germany.

The Humboldt Research Fellowship

Researchers from all disciplines and all countries may apply; there are no quotas by subject or country. There are two variants (status as of 1 November 2026):

• Postdoctoral researchers: doctorate completed within the last four years; 6 to 24 months of funding.
• Experienced researchers: doctorate completed within the last twelve years; 6 to 18 months. Since the changes announced on 13 April 2026, applicants must already hold the position of assistant professor or lecturer, or head a research group as its principal investigator.

Recognised career breaks, such as time spent bringing up children, can extend these limits; the foundation’s programme page sets out how.

Key publications

Every application names one to three key publications, which reviewers use to judge the quality of the research. Since April 2026, experienced researchers may list only papers in which they were the lead author, for example as sole or corresponding author. Key publications cannot be changed once the selection process has started.

Calls with a cap

Because applications have risen sharply, the foundation now runs three calls a year, and each call closes once it has received 800 applications. According to the programme page, the next call opens on 15 November 2026.

The host comes first

Applicants choose their own topic and a host at a research institution in Germany, and agree the plan with the host before applying. The fellowship can be split into up to three stays. Short visits for conferences or training do not qualify, and applicants must not have spent more than 90 days in Germany in the 18 months before applying. Always check the current programme page before applying.