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 Track this application

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: 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).
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).

Recorded funding information

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.

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.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

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 eligibility

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).

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

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

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

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult 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 to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: 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).. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Applications can be submitted at any time. The Selection Committee meets every February, June and October.. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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

Provider deadline information: Applications can be submitted at any time. The Selection Committee meets every February, June and October.. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Applications can be submitted at any time. The Selection Committee meets every February, June and October.
Provider deadline information: Applications can be submitted at any time. The Selection Committee meets every February, June and October.. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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Frequently asked questions

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

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 funding does the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation: Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Postdocs offer?+

Listed 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.. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Applications can be submitted at any time. The Selection Committee meets every February, June and October.. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult 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 to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: 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).. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Applications can be submitted at any time. The Selection Committee meets every February, June and October.. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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