Applications are now open for the Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027, one of Germany’s most prestigious fully funded research programmes for international scholars. Administered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the fellowship enables outstanding postdoctoral and experienced researchers from around the world to conduct independent research at a host institution in Germany.
The fellowship supports researchers across all academic disciplines and offers flexible research stays lasting 6 to 24 months. Fellows work collaboratively with a host researcher at a German university or research institution while benefiting from generous financial support and access to the Humboldt Foundation’s global academic network.
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- Programme: Humboldt Research Fellowship 2027
- Host Organisation: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
- Host Country: Germany
- Programme Type: Fully Funded Research Fellowship
- Eligible Applicants: International Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers (excluding Germany)
- Research Duration: 6–24 Months
- Research Fields: All Academic Disciplines
- Application Mode: Online
- Next Call Opens: 15 July 2026
- Earliest Fellowship Start (July 2026 Call): May 2027
About the Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is designed for highly qualified international researchers who wish to undertake an independent research project in Germany in collaboration with a host institution of their choice.
The programme forms part of Germany’s Global Minds Initiative and promotes long-term international academic collaboration. Fellows become members of the worldwide Humboldt Network, gaining access to research funding opportunities, academic events and lifelong professional support even after completing their fellowship.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants receive:
- Monthly fellowship of €3,000 (Postdoctoral Researchers)
- Monthly fellowship of €3,600 (Experienced Researchers)
- Travel allowance
- Individual mentoring and academic support
- Research support for the German host institution
- German language course (where applicable)
- Family allowances (where eligible)
- Health insurance subsidy and additional mobility support
- Lifelong membership of the Humboldt Foundation’s international alumni network.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a researcher from any country except Germany.
- Hold a completed doctoral degree.
- Demonstrate an outstanding academic record.
- Have publications in internationally recognised academic journals or publishers appropriate to their discipline.
- Secure the support of a host researcher at a recognised German research institution.
- Submit a high-quality research proposal.
- Meet the programme’s career-stage requirements for either the Postdoctoral or Experienced Researcher category.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages)
- Research proposal (maximum five pages)
- Complete publication list
- Selected key publications
- Doctoral degree certificate
- Two confidential expert reviews
- Host’s statement and confirmation of research facilities
- Language certificate (where required)
- Additional supporting documents requested by the Foundation.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1
Identify a suitable research institution and academic host in Germany.
Step 2
Develop your research proposal jointly with your proposed host.
Step 3
Create an account on the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation online application portal once the application call opens.
Step 4
Complete the online application form.
Step 5
Upload all required documents, including your CV, research proposal and publication lists.
Step 6
Ensure that your expert reviewers and German host upload their required documents through the online system.
Step 7
Submit your complete application before the application portal reaches its submission limit for the relevant call. Applications are assessed in one of three annual selection rounds.
Important Deadline
Beginning in 2026, the Humboldt Research Fellowship operates through three application calls each year rather than continuous submissions.
For applicants targeting a 2027 fellowship, the relevant schedule is:
- Call Opens: 15 July 2026
- Selection Meeting: March 2027
- Earliest Fellowship Start: May 2027
The Foundation closes each call once the maximum number of applications has been reached (currently 800 applications), so applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible after the call opens.
Related Opportunities
- KAUST Global Fellowship Program 2027 in Saudi Arabia | Fully Funded
- Bond University HDR Scholarships in Australia 2027 (Fully Funded)
- 2027 DAAD MIPLC Scholarship in Germany for Developing Countries (Fully Funded)
Official Application Link
Final Note from AK Travels LTD
The Humboldt Research Fellowship is not a university admission scholarship. Instead, it is a competitive research fellowship that requires applicants to secure a host researcher in Germany before applying. Your research proposal, publication record and the strength of your collaboration with your German host are central to the selection process. Because each application call closes once the submission cap is reached, preparing your documents well in advance of the 15 July 2026 opening date can significantly improve your chances of submitting a complete application.
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📘 Get the Scholarship Blueprint
Want to increase your chances of winning fully funded scholarships abroad? Learn the exact strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and proven application techniques used by successful applicants.
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