The Humboldt Research Fellowship is awarded to international students pursuing postdoctoral research in German universities and institutions. This fellowship has been designed to allow the researchers to carry on further research work for the tenure of 6 to 24 months in a university in Germany.
It is at the discretion of the candidate to select a topic for carrying out research and their academic host. The past year’s records of the Humboldt Research Fellowship award indicate that approximately 25% to 30% of the applications had been accepted successfully.
Scholarship Type | Merit-Based |
Offered by | Trust |
Organization | Alexander von Humboldt |
Application Deadline | N/A |
Number of Scholarships | N/A |
Amount | $34,906 ($34,906) |
Renewability | One Time Payment |
International Student Eligible | Yes |
Scholarship Website Link | https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/web/humboldt-fellowship-postdoc.html |
The eligibility for the Humboldt Research Fellowship is determined on the basis of various factors. Prospective fellowship applicants must ensure that they fulfill all these requirements:
The academic publications of the candidate will be reviewed in accordance with the international standards and must be printed in the journal by publishing houses only.
Applicants must submit confirmation showing that research facilities are available to them. Also, the mentoring agreement and expert’s report has to be submitted by an academic host/ university to study in Germany.
A doctoral supervisor and an academically qualified supervisor must provide reviews with detailed comments.
The comments must also mention something about the eligibility and should be written by a person other than someone working at the candidate’s institution.
The applicants from the humanities, physics or social science background should have good language skills in German or English to perform their research successfully.
Candidates who meet the above-mentioned criteria must also ensure that they have stayed outside Germany for at least 12 months in the preceding 18 months from the date of application. German nationals can apply provided they have been relocated for work and residence in the 5 previous years.
Note: Candidates whose dissertations have not been published will be rejected. Also, students whose education was sponsored by the Humboldt Foundation previously do not qualify to apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship program.
All the applications for the Humboldt Research Fellowship have to be submitted online. There is no specific deadline as the foundation accepts applications throughout the year. However, Humboldt Research Fellowship applications must be accompanied by all other necessary documents.
Additional Requirements: Publisher’s letter(s) of acceptance, translations of the key publications.
It is preferable for the applicants to complete the formalities at least four to six months before the selection date. Students will get a confirmation receipt upon their application being received by the foundation.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship foundation informs the students regarding the receipt of their application and other documents as soon as they are received. The selection decision is based upon the academic qualifications of the individual.
Following the submission, the committee checks the application and other documents to ensure that the formal requirements specified are fulfilled. The Selection Committee meetings occur in March, July, and November every year. The committee informs the candidates about tentative selection dates.
Applications are REJECTED due to lack of publications, lack of independent academic work, lack of originality, personal profile, and academic achievements. In the event of rejection of the application, the candidate can mail and ask for the reason for rejection. Rejected applicants can re-apply only after a period of 18 months.
To study in Germany is definitely an exciting opportunity for students across the world. Humboldt Research Fellowship program provides students at the postgraduate level to extend their research up to 24 months with the help of this award. The amount awarded is approximately 2670 EUR per month.
The Humboldt Research Fellowship amount covers the expenses for research as well as contributes towards the health insurance and liability of the candidate. Apart from the amount awarded to recipients, they are eligible to a number of other benefits like
Therefore, the Humboldt Research Fellowship is an opportunity for students to focus their research by making their travel and accommodation in Germany convenient and easier.
The foundation expects students to go through the Rules of Good Scientific Practice as they are as legally binding on the students. The fellowship is a great opportunity for researchers with a strong academic background.