The next Humboldt Research Fellowship call opens on 15 November 2026 for researchers planning a fellowship in Germany. Pakistani postdoctoral and experienced researchers from any discipline may apply if they meet the career-stage rules and have a German academic host. The earliest stated selection date for this call is July 2027, with the earliest fellowship start in September 2027.
Quick Overview
| Provider | Alexander von Humboldt Foundation |
|---|---|
| Host country | Germany |
| Fields | All academic disciplines |
| Next call opens | 15 November 2026 |
| Earliest selection | July 2027 |
| Earliest start | September 2027 |
| Monthly fellowship | EUR 3,000 for postdocs; EUR 3,600 for experienced researchers |
| Official application | Humboldt Research Fellowship |
About the Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship enables qualified researchers from outside Germany to conduct an independent research project with an academic host in Germany. It is open to Pakistani researchers in all disciplines, from the natural sciences and engineering to the social sciences and humanities.
The Foundation limits each call and closes the portal when the stated application cap is reached. The previous call reached its maximum, so applicants should prepare before the 15 November reopening instead of waiting for the portal to remain open indefinitely.
Financial Benefits
The current official funding levels are:
- EUR 3,000 per month for postdoctoral researchers
- EUR 3,600 per month for experienced researchers
- Possible family benefits
- Subsidy toward medical and liability insurance
- Travel allowance under the Foundation’s rules
- Optional intensive German-language course where approved
These are fellowship payments, not an employment salary. Applicants should review the Foundation’s rules for taxation, insurance, family benefits, and any income received during the fellowship.
Fellowship Structure
Postdoctoral researchers can receive support for six to 24 months. Experienced researchers can receive support for six to 18 months, which may be divided into multiple stays under the programme rules.
The applicant develops a research outline with a host at a German research institution. The host supplies a mentoring agreement and confirmation that research facilities are available. Independent reviewers and the Foundation’s selection committee assess the candidate’s record, research quality, feasibility, host fit, and future potential.
Eligibility Requirements
Postdoctoral researchers
- Normally completed the doctorate within the previous four years.
- If the doctorate is not yet formally complete, provide evidence that it will be completed before the selection meeting, including a written summary of the dissertation.
- Have an academic publication record appropriate to career stage.
Experienced researchers
- Normally completed the doctorate within the previous 12 years.
- Have a substantial publication record and a clearly defined academic profile.
- Show leadership experience or other evidence of an advanced research career.
Requirements for both tracks
- Be a citizen of a country other than Germany and meet the Foundation’s mobility rules.
- Have spent no more than 90 days in Germany during the 18 months before applying.
- Secure a host at an eligible German research institution.
- Provide two expert reviews.
- Demonstrate good German or English language skills, depending on the field and project.
- Propose an original and feasible research project.
Career breaks and special circumstances can affect how the doctorate-age rules are assessed. Applicants with parental leave, illness, military service, or other recognized interruptions should read the official flexibility provisions.
Required Documents
- Curriculum vitae, normally limited to two pages
- Research outline, normally limited to five pages
- Complete list of publications
- Selected key publications
- Doctoral certificate or proof that the doctorate will be completed before selection
- Language certificate where required
- Two expert reviews
- Host’s mentoring agreement
- Host institution’s confirmation of available research facilities
The host statement and expert reviews must follow the Foundation’s instructions. Applicants should give referees and the host enough time to prepare specific, evidence-based documents.
How to Apply
- Read the official fellowship page and call timetable.
- Define a focused research question and identify a suitable German host.
- Discuss the project, facilities, schedule, and mentoring plan with the host.
- Prepare the CV, research outline, publications, doctorate evidence, and language proof.
- Arrange two expert reviews and the host documents.
- Submit through the Foundation’s online portal after the call opens on 15 November 2026.
- Keep the earliest July 2027 selection and September 2027 start dates in mind when planning employment, visas, and travel.
A complete application does not guarantee selection or a German visa. Do not make non-refundable travel plans before receiving formal decisions.
Further Research Opportunities
- Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship guide
- Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships guide
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship guide
AI research opportunity: Researchers can also review the Impact AI Fellowship 2027, which offers a €5,000 stipend and closes on 15 January 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Humboldt Research Fellowship open now?
The previous call is closed after reaching its application cap. The Foundation states that the next call opens on 15 November 2026.
Can Pakistani researchers apply?
Yes. The programme accepts applicants from all countries except Germany, subject to its nationality, mobility, career-stage, host, and research-quality requirements.
Do I need a German host before applying?
Yes. The host must support the project, provide a mentoring agreement, and confirm that the necessary research facilities are available.
Is the fellowship only for science and engineering?
No. Researchers from all academic disciplines can apply.
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