Humboldt Research Fellowship FAQ 2027: 17 Answers From the Foundation’s Own Rules

Researchers of any nationality and any discipline who completed a doctorate within the last 4 years (postdocs) or 12 years (experienced researchers), have peer-reviewed publications, have a host in Germany, and have spent no more than 90 days in Germany in the 18 months before the application is received.

Not a fixed one. There are three calls a year opening on 15 March, 15 July and 15 November. Each closes once it reaches 800 applications. The next call opens on 15 November 2026 for the July 2027 selection meeting.

Yes, if you will complete the doctorate before the selection meeting and can provide a written summary of findings. You will be formally rejected if your dissertation is unpublished and you have no other publications.

Not as a postdoc, unless recognised career breaks extend the window (up to six years in total, including two years per child for mothers). You can apply as an experienced researcher if you hold a leadership role and have papers as thematic lead.

Not in the natural sciences and engineering, where good English is enough. In the humanities, social sciences and medicine you need German, with a certificate, only if the research requires it.

Only if you have lived and worked abroad for more than 10 years, or more than 5 years with strong ties such as a tenured post, local citizenship or permanent residence, and you intend to stay abroad afterwards. The same applies to people who did school and a degree, or a degree and doctorate, in Germany.

Yes, if you declare them in the form and inform the foundation of other decisions. You cannot apply to several Humboldt fellowship programmes at once.

No. You choose and approach your host yourself. The foundation lists search portals such as GERiT and GEPRIS, and its Network Online of past fellows.

In practice, no. Returning to your doctoral supervisor, or to a postdoc mentor of more than 12 months, is generally rejected for lack of independent development. Relatives and partners cannot host at all.

EUR 3,000 a month for postdocs and EUR 3,600 for experienced researchers, plus EUR 100 a month mobility allowance, EUR 70 or 130 towards health insurance, a EUR 430 initial lump sum and a travel lump sum. Family allowances are EUR 506 for a partner and EUR 259 per child if no German child benefit is paid.

The foundation’s guidelines say Humboldt fellowships are exempt from German income tax and are not subject to social insurance deductions. Your home country may have its own rules.

Yes, into up to three stays of at least three months each, used within three years of starting (48 months if extended).

Sometimes, for field work, archives or facilities, or personal reasons. You need at least six months at the German host, and time abroad should usually not exceed 25% of the funding period.

Usually at least two months after selection (three if you need a visa), and no later than 12 months after. The fellowship is not paid retroactively if you are already at the host.

For upcoming meetings, the foundation expects to approve 20–25% of applications. That is its own forecast.

Yes, with a significantly improved application. The foundation suggests waiting about two years. After a unanimous rejection you must wait at least 18 months.

You cannot apply again. Former fellows and award winners use the alumni programmes instead.