Humboldt Research Fellowship: Next Call Opens 15 November After 800 Cap

The current Humboldt Research Fellowship round has reached its 800-application cap, and the next call is scheduled to open on 15 November 2026.

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation says the current application round is closed after receiving its maximum number of applications. The next call opens on 15 November, with selection scheduled for July 2027 and the earliest fellowship start set for September 2027. The programme supports postdoctoral and experienced researchers from across the world for research stays at German institutions. Foundation fellowship page

Humboldt Research Fellowship at a glance

• Status: Current call closed at the 800-application cap; the next call opens 15 November 2026.
• Funding: €3,000 a month for postdocs or €3,600 a month for experienced researchers, plus additional benefits.
• Who can apply: Researchers across academic fields from all countries except Germany, subject to the Foundation’s nationality rules and career-stage criteria.
• Next selection: July 2027; the earliest start is September 2027.
• Official information: programme requirements and online application portal.
• Last checked: 2 November 2026.

Why does the Humboldt fellowship call close at 800 applications?

The Foundation now runs three application calls each year, timed around its selection meetings. Each call accepts up to 800 applications. Once a round reaches that limit, the portal closes to new applications, which means the published opening date and the cap both matter to applicants planning their submission.

The Foundation’s current page says the existing round has reached that ceiling. Its next opening is 15 November 2026, about eight months before the July 2027 selection meeting. The schedule lists September 2027 as the earliest possible fellowship start for candidates considered in that meeting. call schedule

Who qualifies for the Humboldt Research Fellowship?

The fellowship accepts applications across research fields and career stages covered by its two tracks. Postdoctoral applicants generally need a doctorate completed within the previous four years. Researchers expecting to complete their doctorate before the selection meeting can also qualify when they provide a written summary of their findings.

The experienced-researcher track generally covers applicants whose doctorate was completed within the previous 12 years. The Foundation also looks for an extensive publication record, key papers led by the applicant and a leadership role that fits their career stage. In fields or countries where a doctorate is unavailable or uncommon, applicants can qualify up to 16 years after a master’s or other postgraduate degree when their publication record matches their career level.

The programme is for researchers from countries outside Germany. German nationals and applicants with specified German qualifications can qualify through the Foundation’s overseas-residence rules: more than ten years living and working abroad with a long-term intention to continue abroad, or more than five years abroad alongside a strong connection to the current country of residence. Applicants should read the nationality section on the official requirements page before preparing a proposal.

How much funding does the fellowship provide?

Postdoctoral fellows receive €3,000 a month, while experienced researchers receive €3,600 a month. Postdoctoral stays last from six to 24 months; experienced-researcher stays last from six to 18 months. Both tracks can divide the fellowship into up to three stays within three years.

The Foundation lists additional benefits alongside the monthly amount. These include possible family support, help with private full health insurance, travel allowances and an intensive language course for the fellow and partner before the research stay. The Foundation’s host guidance lists a monthly research-cost subsidy of €500 for humanities and social sciences or €800 for natural sciences and engineering when a fellowship is granted. host subsidy details

What does the application require?

Applicants need a German academic host before submitting. The host provides a mentoring agreement, confirms that research facilities are available and prepares a detailed statement. The application also requires two expert reviews, which the reviewers upload through a protected area. The Foundation forwards an application for review after the applicant and host documents are complete.

Core applicant documents include a curriculum vitae of up to two pages, a research outline of up to five pages, a complete publication list, selected key publications and proof of the doctorate or expected completion. Some applicants also need a German-language certificate or translations and summaries of publications. The Foundation lists every document and its format on its application guidance.

How to prepare before the next call opens

1. Check your track and nationality eligibility. Compare your doctorate date, publication record and residence history with the official criteria.
2. Contact a German research host. Agree on a feasible project and request the mentoring agreement, facility confirmation and host statement using the Foundation’s host guidance.
3. Prepare the documents and reviewers. Format the CV and research outline to the page limits, organise publication records and ask two expert reviewers to prepare their confidential reviews.
4. Use the application portal when the call opens. The current round is closed; the next call opens on 15 November 2026. Applicants who need an account can register when that opening begins in the application portal.

Humboldt Research Fellowship: frequently asked questions

Is the Humboldt Research Fellowship open now?

The current call is closed after reaching the 800-application limit. The Foundation schedules the next call to open on 15 November 2026.

How much does the Humboldt Research Fellowship pay?

The monthly amount is €3,000 for postdoctoral researchers and €3,600 for experienced researchers, with additional benefits available under the programme rules.

Can researchers from any country apply?

The programme covers researchers from all countries except Germany, subject to the Foundation’s detailed nationality rules. German nationals and people with specified German qualifications can qualify through the overseas-residence exceptions.

When will successful applicants start the fellowship?

The next selection meeting is scheduled for July 2027. September 2027 is the earliest possible start date for fellowships awarded in that round.