Fellowship to enable scientists in non-European transition or developing countries to conduct a research-based project in cooperation with specialist colleagues in Germany to meet the challenges of climate change.

The Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung (Alexander von Humboldt Foundation) supports foreign students and researchers during research visits to Germany.

The International Climate Protection Fellowship enables prospective leaders and postdoctoral researchers to conduct a research-based project in the field of climate protection and climate-related resource conservation during a one-to-two-year stay in Germany.

The objective is to facilitate the mutual exchange of knowledge, methods and techniques between the fellows and their hosts in Germany to promote the development of long-term cross-border and cross-disciplinarian networks for building an international expert network on climate protection and climate-related resource conservation.

Eligible to apply are citizens of a non-European transition or developing country (see list of countries) which is also the applicant’s habitual residence and place of work. They must have a very good knowledge of English and/or German. Applicants must not have lived outside a programme country for more than 90 days within the 18 months preceding the application deadline.

The programme is open to:

• Prospective leaders who have completed their first academic degree (Bachelor’s) during the last 12 years and who have relevant professional experience of at least 24 months. Alternatively, they may have a Master’s degree in any field plus at least 12 months of relevant professional experience after the first degree.
• Postdoctoral researchers who have completed their first academic degree (Bachelor’s) during the last 12 years. They must have completed their doctorate no more than four years ago or are expected to complete it until 31 August of the selection year. In addition, the researchers must have published in academic journals and publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards.

The fellowship amount varies according to the fellow’s career stage. Monthly stipends are set between €2,500 and €3,000, plus additional benefits.

Applications for the 2026 fellowships must be submitted by the deadline of 10 February 2026.