Scholarship details
Introduction
Have you ever dreamed of studying in Germany, the land of poets and thinkers? Do you want to pursue a research project or a doctoral degree in one of Europe’s most prestigious and well-funded institutions? If you answer yes, you might be interested in applying for the Full Humboldt Scholarship 2024 in Germany.
The Full Humboldt Scholarship is a highly competitive and prestigious scholarship program that offers full financial support and academic guidance to outstanding international researchers and scholars who want to conduct research or pursue a doctoral degree in Germany. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation funds the scholarship. This non-profit organization promotes international academic cooperation and fosters the development of future leaders in science, humanities, and social sciences.
Scholarship Provider
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is one of the most renowned and respected organizations in academia. It was established in 1953 by the German government to honor the legacy of Alexander von Humboldt, a 19th-century German naturalist and explorer who made significant contributions to various fields of knowledge and culture. The foundation aims to support excellent researchers and scholars from all disciplines and countries who share Humboldt’s vision of exploring the interconnectedness of nature and society.
The foundation has a network of over 30,000 Humboldtians from more than 140 countries, including 56 Nobel laureates, who maintain lifelong ties with the foundation and each other. The foundation also organizes various events and programs to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences among its members and partners.
Eligible Applicants
The Full Humboldt Scholarship is open to international researchers and scholars who have completed their master’s degree or equivalent within the past six years, or their doctoral degree within the past four years. They have not lived in Germany for more than six months before applying. The applicants must have a well-defined and innovative research proposal relevant to their field of study and humanity’s current challenges. The applicants must also have an academic host in Germany who agrees to supervise their research project or doctoral degree.
The scholarship is not restricted to any specific discipline or nationality. However, the applicants must demonstrate high academic excellence, originality, and potential for leadership in their respective fields. The applicants must also have a good command of English or German, depending on the language of their research project or doctoral degree.
Host Country
Germany is among international students and researchers’ most popular and attractive destination. It offers a rich and diverse academic landscape, with over 400 universities and research institutions covering various disciplines and specialties. Germany is also known for its high-quality education, cutting-edge research, and generous funding opportunities. Moreover, Germany is a culturally and historically vibrant country with a modern and dynamic society that welcomes and respects diversity and multiculturalism.
Studying and researching in Germany can provide many benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth. You can access world-class facilities and resources, collaborate with leading experts and peers, expand your network and horizons, and immerse yourself in a new and exciting environment. You can also enjoy the beauty and charm of Germany’s natural and urban landscapes and its rich and varied cultural heritage and traditions.
Scholarship Worth
The Full Humboldt Scholarship covers all the expenses and provides additional benefits for the selected scholars. The scholarship includes:
- A monthly stipend of 2,670 euros for doctoral candidates and 3,170 euros for postdoctoral researchers is tax-free and adjusted according to the cost of living and family status of the scholars.
- A travel allowance for the round-trip flight from the home country to Germany and any necessary trips within Germany or abroad related to the research project or doctoral degree.
- A research allowance of up to 800 euros per month for doctoral candidates and up to 1,500 euros per month for postdoctoral researchers can be used to purchase books, equipment, materials, or services related to the research project or doctoral degree.
- A language course allowance of up to 1,200 euros can be used for taking German or English courses before or during the scholarship period.
- A family allowance of up to 346 euros per month for married scholars or scholars with children and a child care allowance of up to 400 euros per month for scholars with children under three.
- A health insurance allowance of up to 200 euros per month which covers the costs of a comprehensive health insurance plan for the scholars and their accompanying family members.
- Personal mentorship and guidance from the Humboldt Foundation and its network of Humboldtians offer academic, professional, and social support and advice to scholars throughout their scholarship period and beyond.
- Participation in various seminars, workshops, conferences, and events organized by the Humboldt Foundation and its partners provides opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration with other scholars and experts from different disciplines and countries.
The scholarship duration is between six and 24 months for postdoctoral researchers and between six and 48 months for doctoral candidates, depending on the research project’s or doctoral degree’s length and scope. The scholarship can be divided into up to three stays within three years, allowing the scholars to return to their home countries or visit other countries for academic or personal reasons.
Level and Field of Study
The Full Humboldt Scholarship is available for researchers and scholars who want to conduct research or pursue a doctoral degree in any discipline and field of study, as long as it relates to their previous academic background and qualifications and the current challenges facing humanity. The scholarship is not limited to any specific level of study. Still, it is more suitable for those who have already completed their master’s degree or equivalent or their doctoral degree and want to advance their academic career and expertise.
The scholarship is also flexible and adaptable to the needs and preferences of the scholars. The scholars can choose to conduct an independent research project, enroll in a structured doctoral program, or do both, depending on the requirements and expectations of their academic host and field of study. The scholars can also choose to work individually or as part of a research team or to collaborate with other scholars and institutions, depending on the nature and scope of their research project or doctoral degree.
How to Apply
The application process for the Full Humboldt Scholarship is simple, but it requires careful planning and preparation. The applicants must follow these steps:
- Find an academic host in Germany who agrees to supervise their research project or doctoral degree and provide them with a letter of invitation and a statement of support.
- Prepare a detailed and convincing research proposal that outlines the objectives, methods, significance, and feasibility of their research project or doctoral degree, as well as their expected outcomes and contributions to their field of study and society.
- Prepare a comprehensive and updated curriculum vitae highlighting their academic achievements, publications, awards, and experiences, as well as their personal and professional skills and interests.
- Prepare copies of their academic transcripts and diplomas, as well as proof of their language proficiency in English or German, depending on the language of their research project or doctoral degree.
- Fill out the online application form on the Humboldt Foundation’s website and upload all the required documents and attachments, including the letter of invitation and statement of support from their academic host, their research proposal, their curriculum vitae, their academic transcripts and diplomas, and their language proficiency certificate.
- Submit their online application form before the deadline, April 30, 2024, for the scholarship period starting in October 2024 or October 31, 2024, for the scholarship period starting in April 2025.
The applicants will receive an acknowledgment of receipt from the Humboldt Foundation after submitting their online application form. The applicants will then undergo a rigorous and competitive selection process, which involves an initial screening, an external peer review, and a final decision by an independent selection committee. The applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by July 2024 for the scholarship period starting in October 2024 or by January 2025 for the scholarship period starting in April 2025.
Countries that can Apply
The Full Humboldt Scholarship is open to researchers and scholars from all countries and regions except for Germany. The scholarship aims to promote international academic cooperation and diversity and foster future leaders’ development in science, humanities, and social sciences. The scholarship also encourages applications from women, underrepresented groups, and developing countries, as well as from interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspectives.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the Full Humboldt Scholarship are as follows:
- The applicants must have completed their master’s degree or equivalent within the past six years, or their doctoral degree within the past four years, at the time of applying.
- The applicants must have a well-defined and innovative research proposal relevant to their field of study and humanity’s current challenges.
- The applicants must have an academic host in Germany who agrees to supervise their research project or doctoral degree and provide them with a letter of invitation and a statement of support.
- The applicants must have a good command of English or German, depending on the language of their research project or doctoral degree, and provide proof of their language proficiency.
- The applicants must not have lived in Germany for more than six months before applying unless they have returned to their home country for at least 18 months before applying.
- The applicants must be willing and able to participate in the activities and programs organized by the Humboldt Foundation and its network of Humboldtians and contribute to the academic and social development of their host institution and country.
Scholarship Deadline
The deadline for applying for the Full Humboldt Scholarship is April 30, 2024, for the scholarship period starting in October.
