Humboldt Foundation Offers Fully-funded Fellowship 2025 for Experienced International Researchers in Germany

Hey Postdocs and Soon-to-Be PhD Grads!

Dreaming of taking your research to the next level on an international stage? Got a strong academic record and ready for a new challenge? Germany might be your next destination!

The renowned Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, working with DAAD, is offering the Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers. This isn’t just any grant; it’s one of Europe’s most respected and flexible opportunities, designed for ambitious researchers like you.

What’s the Deal?

This fellowship is for international scientists and scholars from any field who finished their PhD within the last 12 years. It allows you to design and carry out your own research project in collaboration with a host institution anywhere in Germany. You can stay for 6 to 18 months, giving you substantial time to make real progress.

Could This Be You?

You’re a great candidate if you:

• Come from any country (Note: Researchers from Brazil are currently not eligible for this specific program).
• Completed your doctorate less than 12 years ago.
• Have a solid research profile – think Assistant Professor level, Junior Research Group leader, or several years of independent research experience.
• Have published your work in well-regarded international journals or publishing houses.
• Can find an academic host in Germany who is excited to support your project (you’ll need a confirmation letter from them!).
• Have spent at least 12 months outside Germany in the 18 months before you apply.
• Are comfortable working in German or English (depending on your research field).
• Special note for German Citizens: You can apply if you’ve primarily lived and worked abroad for at least the last 5 years.

Why Apply? The Perks Are Amazing!

The Humboldt Foundation really supports its fellows:

• Generous Stipend: €3,170 per month.
• Mobility & Travel: Allowances to help you get there and settle in.
• Insurance: Contributions towards health and liability insurance.
• Language Support: Funding for a German language course if needed.
• Family Friendly: Extra allowances for spouses and children, plus support for single parents.
• Research Costs: Your host institution gets an allowance too!
• Flexibility: Need to split your research stay? You can divide it into up to three visits over three years.
• Networking: Become part of the prestigious Humboldt Network with long-term sponsorship opportunities.

Ready to Go for It? Here’s How:

1. Find a Host: Connect with a professor or research institution in Germany willing to host you.
2. Prepare Your Documents: You’ll need:
   • A compelling research proposal outlining your project.
   • That detailed letter of invitation from your German host.
   • Two expert reviews (letters of recommendation) from academics who know your work well (international reviewers are a plus!).
   • Your doctoral certificate.
   • Proof of your language skills (German or English).
   • A complete list of your publications.
3. Apply Online: Submit everything through the official application portal here: https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database.pdf?daad=&detail=10000169&origin=103&page=2&q=&status=2&subjectGrps= (Link managed via DAAD)

When’s the Deadline?

Good news! There’s no fixed application deadline. You can apply anytime. However, the Selection Committee reviews applications at specific times. The next review meetings are scheduled for July 2025 and November 2025. Make sure to submit your application well in advance of these dates to be considered in that round!

This is a fantastic chance to boost your research career, build international connections, and experience Germany. Don’t miss out – start exploring potential hosts and preparing your application today.