Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
مؤسسة ألكسندر فون هومبولت
ForsaEduforsaedu.comAbout the scholarship program
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Bonn is funded by the German government to bring outstanding researchers from around the world to work with colleagues in Germany. Its best-known programme is the Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdoctoral and experienced researchers, backed by a worldwide alumni network.
Information last verified: November 2, 2026Official source
Available programmes
Each programme has its own requirements, documents and benefits. Open it to see them in full with the application steps:
- View Details
Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers
PostdocFully FundedAll fieldsRolling admissions (open all year)
Life and living
Germany
Life and living
Germany
Studying and living in Germany
Costs and living
Tuition: • No tuition at public universities in 14 states for bachelor’s, consecutive master’s and doctorates; students only pay the semester contribution (about €100–350 per semester, often including a transport ticket). • Baden-Württemberg (e.g. Heidelberg, Stuttgart, Freiburg, KIT): €1,500 per semester for non-EU students. • Technical University of Munich (TUM): €2,000–3,000 per semester for bachelor’s and €4,000–6,000 for master’s (rising from winter 2027/28). • Doctorates are tuition-free in every state. Living: proof of €992 a month (€11,904 a year) is required, usually through a blocked account (Sperrkonto). Students typically spend about €850–1,100 a month depending on the city (Munich and Hamburg are more expensive). Statutory student health insurance costs about €120–140 a month.
Working while studying
International students may work 140 full days or 280 half days a year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency, and up to 20 hours a week during the lecture period. Student assistant jobs at the university do not count towards this limit. After graduation: a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for a job matching your qualification, then a switch to a skilled-worker permit or the EU Blue Card.
Last verified: October 2026· Source
Guide to studying in GermanyFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Key questions and answers regarding eligibility, documents, and application steps.
Funding type: Fully Funded. Announced benefits: €3,000–3,600 a month, Mobility allowance and travel costs, German language course, Family allowances, Research costs for the host.
Eligible levels: Postdoctoral.
Rolling admissions (open all year). Follow the official website for updates.
Required documents: Online application form, Proof of the doctorate, Key publications, Research outline agreed with the host, Host's statement, Two expert reviews.
Apply directly on the official website: https://www.humboldt-foundation.de. ForsaEdu does not receive applications or charge any fee.
Track your academic readiness
Use the checklist in your profile to prepare your documents and make sure you meet this scholarship’s requirements.
Open readiness checklistSimilar scholarships
GermanyDAAD Scholarship
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is Germany's largest scholarship provider, offering dozens of programs for international students and researchers — mainly for master's, doctoral studies and research stays. Scholarships usually include a monthly stipend, health insurance and a travel allowance, and may include support for German language courses. Requirements and deadlines differ by program, so use the scholarship database on the official DAAD website. If you already study at or have been admitted to a German university, you can also apply through it for the Deutschlandstipendium: an extra EUR 300 a month, a separate programme from DAAD.
GermanyQS #22Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Europe's top technical universities and offers students awards such as the Deutschlandstipendium national scholarship and TUM scholarships for high-achieving and international students. Awards are usually based on academic merit and social commitment and are typically paid as a monthly amount for a fixed period. Most can be applied for once you are enrolled, with deadlines published on the official scholarships page.
GermanyChemnitz University of Technology
Chemnitz University of Technology in Germany offers international students several forms of support, including performance scholarships funded through programs such as the DAAD's STIBET and the Deutschlandstipendium, plus completion grants for students in the final phase of their studies. Awards are usually monthly payments for a limited period and are for enrolled students. Deadlines and conditions are published on the scholarships page for international students.