Georg Forster Research Fellowship in Germany for Students from Developing Countries (Fully Funded)

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers the Georg Forster Research Fellowship to highly qualified researchers from all academic fields from developing and emerging countries (refer to the foundation’s country list). Female scientists are especially encouraged to apply.

Host CountryGermany
Host InstituteVarious
LevelPostdoctoral
Eligible NationalityDeveloping countries
Fellowship TypeFully Funded
Duration6-24 months
Opening DateOpen throughout the year
Closing DateFebruary, June, and October
Summary of Georg Forster Research Fellowship

Details of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s Georg Forster Research Fellowship

The Georg Forster Research Fellowship, provided by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, is designed to help researchers from developing countries, emerging economies, or transition states pursue research in Germany. The program encourages collaboration with German academic institutions and aims to contribute to the sustainable development of researchers’ home regions.

Georg Forster Research Fellowship in Germany for Students from Developing Countries
image: Georg Forster Research Fellowship in Germany for Students from Developing Countries

What are the benefits of the Georg Forster Research Fellowship

The Georg Forster Research Fellowship provides comprehensive benefits to support researchers during their stay in Germany. Here’s what fellows can expect:

Monthly Fellowship Stipend

  • Postdoctoral Researchers: €2,670 to €2,700 per month.
  • Experienced Researchers: €3,170 per month.

Additional Financial Support

  • Mobility Allowance: Covers expenses for essential conference trips, research travel, and visits to archives or libraries, both within Germany and abroad.
  • Insurance Subsidies: Assistance with private health insurance and liability insurance costs.
  • Return Travel Costs: A lump sum to cover travel back to your home country if no other funding is available.
  • Language Course Funding: Financial support for a 2–4 month intensive German language course before starting your research. This can also include funding for a partner attending with you.
  • Family Allowances:
    • Financial assistance for family members who stay in Germany for at least three months.
    • A flat-rate allowance for single parents with children under 18 years of age.

Research Support

  • Research Cost Subsidy:
    • Hosts in Germany receive monthly funding to support research-related expenses:
    • €800 for natural sciences and engineering projects.
    • €500 for humanities and social sciences projects.

Fellowship Duration

  • Postdoctoral Researchers: Fellowships last 6–24 months.
  • Experienced Researchers: Fellowships last 6–18 months.
  • Fellows can divide their stay into multiple visits over a three-year period, allowing flexibility for their research.

    What are the eligibility criteria for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship

    To apply for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

    General Requirements

    • Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of a developing or transition country (excluding China and India), based on the foundation’s list.
    • Residency: Candidates need to have lived and worked in an eligible country for at least 12 out of the past 18 months before applying. If living elsewhere, experienced researchers must hold a permanent position in one of the eligible countries.
    • Research Focus: The proposed research project must address issues that are significant to the sustainable development of the applicant’s region of origin.

    Academic Qualifications

    • Postdoctoral Researchers:
      • Should have completed their doctorate within the last four years or be close to completing it (within six months).
      • Must have publications in internationally recognized journals.
    • Experienced Researchers:
      • Should have completed their doctorate within the last 12 years (or up to 16 years after finishing a master’s degree, if a Ph.D. isn’t common in their field).
      • An extensive record of publications in internationally recognized journals is needed.

    Additional Conditions

    • Applicants must not have spent more than six months in Germany during the 18 months before applying.
    • Those who earned their doctorate or degree in Germany are eligible only if they’ve lived and worked in a developing or transition country for at least five years and plan to continue doing so long-term.
    • Language Proficiency:
      • Natural sciences/engineering: Applicants need good knowledge of German or English.
      • Humanities, social sciences, and medicine: German proficiency is required if necessary for the research; otherwise, English suffices.

    Deadlines for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship

    The Selection Committee reviews applications three times a year—in February, June, and October. To ensure your application is considered for a specific meeting, submit the completed application form and all required documents well ahead of your preferred selection date.

    Applications typically take 4–8 months to process. Incomplete or incorrect submissions may take longer to review and could be delayed until a future Selection Committee meeting.

    How can I apply for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship?

    If you meet the eligibility requirements, follow these steps to apply:

    • Confirm Eligibility: Check that you meet the nationality, residency, and academic criteria for the fellowship.
    • Prepare Documents: Gather the required materials, including:
      • A CV (max. two pages)
      • Research proposal (max. five pages)
      • Complete list of publications and copies of key publications
      • Doctoral certificate (or proof of completion within six months)
      • Language certificates (if applicable)
      • Additional documents like translations or acceptance forms, if needed.
      • Find a Host Institution: Secure a letter of agreement from a researcher at a German institution confirming they will host you and provide research facilities.
    • Obtain Expert Reviews:
      • Postdoctoral applicants: Submit reviews from your doctoral supervisor and another researcher.
      • Experienced researchers: Submit reviews from collaborators or researchers outside your home country.
    • Submit Online Application: Use the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s online portal to upload all documents and complete your application. Once submitted, you’ll receive confirmation via email.

    How can I find a suitable host institution in Germany?

    To find a suitable host institution, try these strategies:

    Use Online Resources:

    • GERiT Directory: A database of German research institutions.
    • International University Cooperation Database: Lists partnerships between German universities and institutions worldwide.
    • Research in Germany Portal: Offers helpful tools and advice for planning your research stay in Germany.

    Network:

    • Leverage your professional network, including colleagues and alumni, to connect with researchers in Germany.
    • Contact German organizations in your country, such as embassies or the Goethe Institute, to seek advice.

    Direct Outreach:

    • Identify researchers or institutions whose work aligns with your project, and reach out to them directly. Be clear about your research goals and how a collaboration would benefit both sides.
    • Attend conferences or academic workshops in your field to meet potential hosts.

    Prepare a Strong Proposal:

    • Write a clear and compelling research proposal to help spark interest from potential host institutions.

    By following these steps, you can find a suitable host and submit a strong application for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship.

    More Scholarships?

    Funded Scholarships for Foreign Students in Sweden

    Fully Funded Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford University England

    Schwarzman Scholars Program – Fully Funded Scholarships without IELTS in China

    SINGA Scholarships for International Students in Singapore

    KAPLAN High Fliers Undergraduate Scholarship at the University of Birmingham

    Join the “DAAD Scholarships for AllFacebook group to unlock the doors to a brighter future through scholarship opportunities!

    DAAD Scholarships for All