Philipp Schwartz Initiative Fellowships (Germany)

Fellowships

Philipp Schwartz Initiative, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Deadline: 21 August 2026.

The Philipp Schwartz Initiative enables universities and research institutions in Germany to host researchers at risk on the basis of a full fellowship. Universities, universities of applied sciences and other research institutions in Germany can apply for funding from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to support threatened researchers. Scholars from non-EU countries exposed to significant and acute individual risks can be nominated. Please note that scholars must be nominated by institutions and cannot apply directly.

Successful institutions will receive funds to grant the nominated scholar research stays in the form of a research fellowship of up to 24 months. Successful institutions will also receive a lump sum intended
for measures to support Philipp Schwartz fellows in integrating and in re-starting their careers. An extension of up to 12 months can be granted in the framework of a co-financing model.

Organizers particularly wish to encourage higher education institutions across Germany that are interested in supporting at-risk scholars but have not yet done so, to consider an application. Scholars across all academic disciplines are supported by the Scholars at Risk Network and the Council for At-Risk Academics. These organizations may be able to assist your institution in identifying a candidate for whom nomination in the Philipp Schwartz Initiative might be a pivotal relief.

The following websites provide information on at-risk scholars who are currently seeking a host institution:

Scholars at Risk Network
Council for At-Risk Academics

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the programme director, Ms Cornelia Hörtner, senior programme coordinator Ms Katja Machacsek, or programme officers, Ms Judith Dömer-Warneke, Ms Sandra Grziwa, Ms Mashal Habib, Ms Bianca Schneemayer, Ms Mona Simon, and Ms Lena Vos who can be reached via schwartz-initiative@avh.de.

Humboldt Research Fellowships (& Postdocs) 2026 (Germany)

FellowshipsHumboldt Research Fellowships, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Deadline: Selection committee meets March, July, and November each year, and you should apply well in advance. Applications are usually processed within four to eight months.

The Humboldt Research Fellowship is available to researchers of all nationalities and research areas, at either the postdoctoral or experienced researcher level, to conduct research in Germany. Through the Humboldt Research Fellowship, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe. The fellowship enables you to conduct your own research at various stages of your career in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of your choice. Hosts may apply for a subsidy towards research costs. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation aims to achieve a good balance between genders and a high level of diversity among its fellows in all areas. They therefore expressly invite female scientists and members of underrepresented groups to apply. They welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic, cultural or social background, gender identity, age, religion, worldview, disability or sexual orientation.

Postdocs

Benefit from research sponsorship in Germany at the beginning of your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs enables you to conduct research in Germany. The monthly fellowship amount is €3,000 plus addtional benefits. Fellowships may last from 6 to 24 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years.

Experienced researchers

You can still apply for research sponsorship in Germany even if you are already well advanced in your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers enables you to conduct research in Germany. The fellowship amount is €3,170. Fellowships may last from 6 to 18 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years.

Humboldt Research Fellowships (Germany)

FellowshipsHumboldt Research Fellowships, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Germany. Deadline: Selection committee meets March, July, and September each year, and you should apply well in advance.

The Humboldt Research Fellowship is available to researchers of all nationalities and research areas, at either the postdoctoral or experienced researcher level, to conduct research in Germany. Through the Humboldt Research Fellowship, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe. The fellowship enables you to conduct your own research at various stages of your career in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of your choice. Hosts may apply for a subsidy towards research costs.

Postdocs

Benefit from research sponsorship in Germany at the beginning of your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers enables you to conduct research in Germany. The monthly fellowship amount is €2,670. Fellowships may last from 6 to 24 months.

Experienced researchers

You can still apply for research sponsorship in Germany even if you are already well advanced in your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers enables you to conduct research in Germany. The fellowship amount is €3,170. Fellowships may last from 6 to 18 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years.