Post by Aigbekaen Osagie Collins
Senior International Educational Student Advisor | Student Counseling, University Partnerships, Recruitment Strategies
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation provides long-term fellowships for highly qualified international academics of any discipline or nationality to carry out research in Germany 🇩🇪 Eligibility is divided into two distinct career stages: 1. Postdoctoral Researchers: Open to those who completed their PhD within the last 4 years. The sponsorship lasts between 6 and 24 months. 2. Experienced Researchers: Open to those who completed their PhD within the last 12 years. The sponsorship lasts between 6 and 18 months. Fellowship Structure The program is designed solely for extended research projects, meaning brief visits, training courses, or conference attendance do not qualify. Flexible Timing: The total fellowship duration can be split into a maximum of three separate stays, provided each stay lasts at least 3 months. Completion Window: The entire research project must be completed within 36 months, though this can be extended up to 48 months under specific conditions. Financial Provisions & Benefits Fellows receive robust financial support alongside specialized allowances tailored to their personal situations: Monthly Allowances: Postdoctoral researchers receive 3,000 EUR per month, while experienced researchers receive 3,600 EUR per month. Standard Stipends: Both tiers receive a mobility allowance, travel expense lump sums, an initial settling-in subsidy, and contributions toward health and liability insurance. Language Preparation: Prior to commencing research, the Foundation funds an intensive German language course lasting either 2 or 4 months, which accompanying partners are also welcome to attend. Family Support: If an accompanying partner or children under 18 stay in Germany for at least 3 months, a family allowance is provided. Supplemental Benefits: Fellows can request extra support, including insurance subsidies for family members, a flat-rate allowance for single parents, and fellowship extensions for maternity leave or childcare. Health Accommodations: Additional specialized support is available for researchers managing chronic illnesses or disabilities. Application Rounds and Caps The Foundation reviews applications three times a year during designated selection meetings. Timeline: Application windows open roughly 8 months prior to a selection meeting. The 800-Submission Limit: Each application round enforces a strict maximum cap of 800 submissions. If this limit is reached before the official deadline, the round closes immediately. Interrupted Applications: If the current quota fills up while you are working on an application, you can continue to edit your draft, but you will not be allowed to submit it until the subsequent application round officially opens. #StudyInGermany #StudyAbroad #StudyInUK #PhD #postdoc
