Hey future research gurus! Ever dreamt of taking your cutting-edge research to Germany and working with some of the best minds out there? Well, hold onto your lab coats because the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship is calling!
This isn’t just any funding opportunity; it’s a prestigious programme designed to support brilliant researchers from all around the world (yes, that includes you, South Africa!) to conduct their studies in Germany. Imagine diving deep into your passion, collaborating internationally, and advancing your career – all while being fully supported. The Humboldt Foundation is all about empowering top-tier scientists and scholars. If you’ve got an impressive academic background and a killer research proposal, this fellowship could be your golden ticket to an extended research period in Germany, helping you make a real impact in your field.
Who Can Apply?
So, who exactly is the Humboldt Foundation looking for? This fellowship is open to researchers of all nationalities and across all disciplines, but there are a few key things they’ll be looking for in your application:
- Doctoral Degree: You’ll need to have completed your doctorate or an equivalent academic degree. For postdocs, this should be no longer than four years prior to your application date, and for experienced researchers, within the last twelve years. If a doctorate isn’t common in your subject or country, a Master’s or Diploma degree completed up to 16 years ago can also qualify, provided your publication record is strong.
- Research Prowess: They want to see that you’re making waves in your field! This means having academic publications in journals and with publishers that are reviewed according to international standards. Your work should show originality, innovation, and clearly highlight your contribution, especially in cases of multiple authorship.
- A Host in Germany: You’ll need to have secured a research institution in Germany willing to host your project. This includes a mentoring agreement and a detailed expert’s statement from your academic host.
- Expert Reviews: Get those references ready! You’ll need two expert reviews from important collaborative partners and/or academics, ideally from your own institute and other institutions, and even outside your home country if possible. Postdocs, make sure one of these comes from your doctoral thesis supervisor!
- Language Skills: For humanities, social sciences, and medicine, good knowledge of German is a must if it’s necessary to carry out your research successfully; otherwise, good knowledge of English is sufficient. For natural sciences and engineering, good knowledge of German or English will do.
What Does It Cover?
Let’s talk money, honey! Or rather, what amazing support you’ll get as a Humboldt Fellow. This isn’t just a pat on the back; it’s a comprehensive package designed to let you focus purely on your research without financial stress:
- Generous Monthly Stipend: You’ll receive a monthly fellowship rate of 2,700 EUR for postdocs and a fantastic 3,200 EUR for experienced researchers.
- Additional Allowances: This includes a mobility allowance and a subsidy towards the cost of medical and liability insurance.
- Travel & Settling In: A lump sum for travel expenses and an initial subsidy are also paid to help you get started.
- German Language Course: Worried about the language? Don’t be! Before the start of the fellowship, the Humboldt Foundation provides an intensive language course in Germany lasting two or four months – and yes, this can include accompanying partners! How cool is that?
- Family Support: Bringing your family along? Great news! A family allowance for accompanying partners and/or children under 18 will be granted if they are staying in Germany for at least three months.
- Extra Benefits: The following benefits may also be applied for: a subsidy towards the cost of medical and liability insurance for an accompanying partner and/or children under the age of 18; a flat-rate allowance for single parents with accompanying children; and an extension of the fellowship for research fellows accompanied by children or for a maternity period.
How to Apply?
Ready to jump into this incredible opportunity? The application process for the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship is ongoing, meaning you can apply anytime!
This isn’t a South African bursary application platform like some others you might be used to; it’s an international fellowship with a very specific process. The key is to head straight to the official Humboldt Foundation website. You’ll find all the detailed information there, including the specific forms, requirements, and how to submit your research proposal and supporting documents. Don’t delay – thorough preparation is key for such a prestigious fellowship. Click the link below to start your journey!
Visit the Official Webpage of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship
So, if you’re a passionate researcher looking to make a global impact and experience top-tier research facilities, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship is definitely worth exploring! Don’t let this chance to advance your career and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries pass you by. Apply now and keep exploring more incredible opportunities right here on Bursaries Room!
