Alexander Von Humboldt International Climate Protection Fellowship 2027 in Germany | Fully Funded — Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
⚠️ This scholarship's deadline has passed and it's no longer accepting applications.
Climate expertise built in Germany and carried back home is the entire premise of the Humboldt Foundation’s International Climate Protection Fellowship, one of the more generously funded programmes open to professionals from the developing world.
About the Scholarship
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation designed this fellowship for prospective leaders and postdoctoral researchers from non-European developing and transition countries who want to spend time in Germany implementing a research-based project in climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation. Up to 15 fellowships go to professionally experienced prospective leaders each year, with up to five more reserved for postdocs.
Scholarship Benefits
The funding package scales with career stage and is notably generous compared to many fellowships.
- A monthly fellowship allowance of 2,500 EUR, 2,800 EUR, or 3,000 EUR for prospective leaders, depending on qualifications
- A monthly allowance of 3,000 EUR for postdoctoral fellows
- A mobility allowance to support relocation to Germany
- A subsidy toward medical and liability insurance costs
- Funding for 12 months for prospective leaders, and 12 to 24 months for postdocs
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be citizens of a non-European developing or transition country and have predominantly lived and worked there, with extensive practical work experience relevant to climate protection or resource conservation. Prospective leaders typically hold a university degree and demonstrate clear leadership potential in their field, while postdoctoral applicants must hold a completed doctorate. A German host institution and a research-based proposal must be identified before applying.
Fields of Study Covered
The fellowship covers climate protection broadly, including renewable energy, sustainable resource management, climate adaptation, environmental policy, and related interdisciplinary research areas.
Required Documents
- Online application through the Humboldt Foundation portal
- Research proposal outlining the climate-related project
- Confirmation of a German host institution willing to supervise the stay
- CV detailing professional experience and leadership roles
- Letters of reference, including one from the German host
- Proof of citizenship and residence in an eligible country
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Identify a German host institution and researcher willing to support the proposed climate project.
2. Develop a clear, feasible research proposal connecting the applicant’s professional background to climate protection.
3. Gather letters of reference, including one from the prospective German host.
4. Submit the complete application through the Humboldt Foundation’s online system by the February deadline.
5. Await review by the foundation’s selection committee.
6. If selected, coordinate visa and relocation arrangements ahead of the fellowship start date.
Selection Process
The Humboldt Foundation evaluates the applicant’s leadership potential or postdoctoral research record, the quality and feasibility of the proposed project, and the strength of the partnership with the chosen German host institution. Preference goes to proposals with clear, practical relevance to climate challenges in the applicant’s home country or region.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Securing a strong, engaged host institution before applying often makes the difference between a workable proposal and one that reviewers see as unrealistic, so reaching out to potential hosts early is worth the extra effort. Framing the research proposal around a concrete climate challenge specific to the applicant’s home region, rather than a broad global issue, tends to resonate more with the selection committee. Researchers interested in other Humboldt Foundation routes may also want to compare this with the Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdoctoral Researchers, which has a broader disciplinary scope but no climate-specific focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this fellowship only for postdoctoral researchers?
No, it funds two separate tracks, prospective leaders with strong professional experience and a university degree, and postdoctoral researchers with a completed doctorate.
Can applicants from European developing countries apply?
No, the fellowship is specifically reserved for citizens of non-European developing and transition countries.
Is a German host institution required before applying?
Yes, applicants need to identify and secure support from a German host institution as part of the application process.
How many fellowships are awarded each year?
Up to 15 fellowships go to prospective leaders annually, with up to five additional fellowships reserved for postdoctoral researchers.
Does the fellowship cover family members?
The core allowance covers the fellow’s own living costs; additional family-related support is handled separately and should be discussed with the foundation directly.
What happens after the fellowship ends?
Fellows are expected to return home and apply their research and training to climate protection efforts in their own country or region, in line with the programme’s mission.