Postdoc2,700 EUR per month for 6 to 24 months, plus additional benefits including mobility allowance, insurance subsidy, travel allowance, initial subsidy, language course, allowances for family members, and research costs for hosts.

Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdocs

The Georg Forster Research Fellowship is for highly qualified scientists and scholars from eligible developing or transition countries (excluding PR China and India) to conduct a long-term research project (6 to 24 months) of their own design in cooperation with an academic host they have chosen at a research institution in Germany. The research must deal with issues of major relevance to the future development of the applicant's home country or region of origin.

Provider: DAAD EPOS
Host country: Germany
Deadline: Applications can be submitted at any time. The Selection Committee meets every February, June and October.

Official source

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdocs is open to African students applying to study in Germany at the Postdoc level, with 2,700 eur per month for 6 to 24 months, plus additional benefits including mobility allowance, insurance subsidy, travel allowance, initial subsidy, language course, allowances for family members, and research costs for hosts. funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Postdoc · applicants for Germany
Funding: 2,700 EUR per month for 6 to 24 months, plus additional benefits including mobility allowance, insurance subsidy, travel allowance, initial subsidy, language course, allowances for family members, and research costs for hosts.
Study level: Postdoc
Deadline: Applications can be submitted at any time. The Selection Committee meets every February, June and October.

Key eligibility criteria

Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent), completed less than 4 years prior to the date of application. Candidates who have nearly completed their doctoral degrees are eligible to apply provided that they submit the manuscript of their dissertation or publications containing the results of their dissertation, however, at the earliest, 6 months prior to the completion of their dissertation. Citizenship as well as principal place of residence and work in a programme country (excluding PR China and India).

What the 2,700 eur per month for 6 to 24 months, plus additional benefits including mobility allowance, insurance subsidy, travel allowance, initial subsidy, language course, allowances for family members, and research costs for hosts. award covers

Monthly stipend
Return airfare
Language preparation

About the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdocs (2026)

## Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdocs ### Overview The Georg Forster Research Fellowship, offered by the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation, is designed for highly qualified scientists and scholars from eligible developing and transition countries (excluding PR China and India). This fellowship provides an opportunity for early-career postdoctoral researchers to conduct a long-term research project (6 to 24 months) of their own design in collaboration with an academic host at a German research institution. The research undertaken must address issues of significant relevance to the future development of the applicant's home country or region. The program aims to foster international scientific cooperation and support research that contributes to sustainable development. ### Benefits Successful fellows receive a monthly allowance of 2,700 EUR for the duration of 6 to 24 months. In addition to the monthly stipend, the fellowship offers a comprehensive package of supplementary benefits. These include a mobility allowance, a subsidy towards medical and liability insurance costs, and a travel allowance to facilitate relocation. An initial subsidy is provided to help with initial settling-in expenses. Fellows can also benefit from an intensive language course in Germany, enhancing their linguistic skills for research and daily life. For those with families, allowances for accompanying family members and a flat-rate allowance for single parents with children are available. Furthermore, the host institution receives an allowance for research costs, and fellows gain access to extensive alumni sponsorship, fostering long-term professional connections and support. ### Eligibility Applicants must be highly qualified scientists and scholars from selected developing or transition countries (a list of eligible countries is provided through a linked document on the official site; PR China and India are explicitly excluded). A key academic requirement is a doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc., or equivalent) completed less than four years prior to the application date. Candidates nearing the completion of their doctoral degrees may apply up to six months before completion, provided they submit their dissertation manuscript or publications based on their dissertation. For those who completed their education in Germany, eligibility is possible if their habitual place of work and residence has been in a developing or transition state for at least five years permanently. Applicants must hold citizenship and have their principal place of residence and work in a program country. ### Required Documents While the specific application forms are linked externally, the general requirements indicate several crucial documents and submissions. These include academic publications that have been peer-reviewed according to international standards and published in reputable journals or by publishing houses. A critical component is a confirmation from an academic host at a German research institution, affirming the availability of research facilities, including a mentoring agreement, and a detailed expert's opinion on the applicant's research proposal. Furthermore, applicants must provide expert reviews from their doctoral supervisor and another academic qualified to assess their qualifications, preferably someone not affiliated with the applicant's current institute. ### How to Apply Applications can be submitted at any time, as there are no fixed annual deadlines. Prospective applicants are advised to visit the official Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation website for detailed application forms and comprehensive information regarding the application procedure. (Links to the application forms and further information on the application procedure can be found here: https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/georg-forster-research-fellowship). The application portal is best accessed via a desktop computer, as mobile device usage may be limited. Applicants must ensure their research proposal aligns with issues of major relevance to the future development of their home country or region. ### Key Dates There is no specific application deadline for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. However, selection committees convene three times annually to review applications. These meetings take place in February, June, and October. Therefore, while applicants can submit at any time, the review process is tied to these specific committee meeting months. This continuous application cycle allows flexibility for researchers to apply when their proposals and necessary documentation are fully prepared. ### Selection Criteria Selection for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship is highly competitive and based on several crucial criteria. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic qualifications, evidenced by their doctorate and a strong record of academic publications in internationally recognized journals or publishing houses. The proposed research project must be of high quality, innovative, and explicitly address issues of significant relevance to the future development of the applicant's home country or region of origin. The feasibility of the research project, as confirmed by the host institution, and the strength of the expert reviews from the doctoral supervisor and an independent academic expert are also paramount to a successful application. ### Tips To enhance your application, ensure your research proposal clearly outlines its relevance to the development of your home country or region. Begin seeking an academic host at a German research institution well in advance, as their confirmation, mentoring agreement, and expert opinion are critical components of your application. Pay close attention to the quality and international standing of your academic publications. Secure strong, detailed letters of recommendation from your doctoral supervisor and another qualified academic. Even if not strictly required for natural sciences and engineering, a good knowledge of German or English is essential for successful project execution and integration into the German academic environment. Thoroughly review all application requirements and utilize the official website's resources. ### Official Source For the most precise and up-to-date information regarding the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdocs, please refer to the official DAAD scholarship database page: https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=&origin=&subjectGrps=&daad=&intention=&q=&page=1&lang=en&sd=1&detail=10000195&page=1. Additional important information and application forms can be found on the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation's dedicated fellowship webpage: https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/georg-forster-research-fellowship. These sources provide comprehensive details on eligibility, application procedures, and all other pertinent data.

What the 2,700 EUR per month for 6 to 24 months, plus additional benefits including mobility allowance, insurance subsidy, travel allowance, initial subsidy, language course, allowances for family members, and research costs for hosts. Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdocs covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Monthly stipend
Return airfare
Language preparation

Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdocs eligibility for Germany applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent), completed less than 4 years prior to the date of application. Candidates who have nearly completed their doctoral degrees are eligible to apply provided that they submit the manuscript of their dissertation or publications containing the results of their dissertation, however, at the earliest, 6 months prior to the completion of their dissertation. Citizenship as well as principal place of residence and work in a programme country (excluding PR China and India).

Documents required for the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdocs application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdocs 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=&origin=&subjectGrps=&daad=&intention=&q=&page=1&lang=en&sd=1&detail=10000195&page=1 and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent), completed less than 4 years prior to the date of application. Candidates who have nearly completed their doctoral degrees are eligible to apply provid…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=&origin=&subjectGrps=&daad=&intention=&q=&page=1&lang=en&sd=1&detail=10000195&page=1, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Applications can be submitted at any time. The Selection Committee meets every February, June and October. (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, DAAD EPOS will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdocs deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdocs?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Postdoc level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by DAAD EPOS, and be able to relocate to Germany for the duration of the programme.

Is the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdocs fully funded?+

Funding model: 2,700 EUR per month for 6 to 24 months, plus additional benefits including mobility allowance, insurance subsidy, travel allowance, initial subsidy, language course, allowances for family members, and research costs for hosts.. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Applications can be submitted at any time. The Selection Committee meets every February, June and October.. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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