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Grants
On-Site
About the Call for Grant
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation International Climate Protection Fellowship supports prospective leaders and postdoctoral researchers from non-European developing and transition countries. The program funds independent, 12-to-24-month research or practical projects in Germany focused on combating climate change, adaptation strategies, ecosystem preservation, biodiversity, sustainable marine protection, and resource-efficient urban development. Rather than focusing solely on basic laboratory research, this fellowship is split into two distinct tracks: one for academic postdocs and another for hands-on, practically working professionals in NGOs, public sectors, or environmental enterprises.
Eligibility
The fellowship utilizes a targeted geographic and career framework:
- Geographic Inclusivity: Citizens of non-European developing and transition countries (including Kazakhstan and other Central Asian states) who live and work in their country of origin are fully eligible to apply.
- Academic and Professional Split:
1. For Practical Leaders: Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree completed within the last 12 years, combined with a minimum of 24 months of verified practical leadership or professional environmental experience.
2. For Postdocs: Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate directly related to climate/resource conservation awarded within the last 4 years (or completed by August 31 of the selection year), alongside international peer-reviewed publications.
- Language Capacity: Applicants must demonstrate strong command of either English or German.
- Host Requirement: Candidates must independently find and secure a commitment from a mentor/host institution in Germany (university, research center, or NGO) before applying.
Priority Action Fields
- Global Climate Change Mitigation and Structural Adaptation Strategies
- Preservation of Terrestrial Ecosystems and Transboundary Biodiversity
- Sustainable Management of Resource-Efficient Urban Systems and Public Infrastructures
- Marine and Ocean Protection Engineering and Environmental Policy Reform
Format:
Sponsorship Architecture & Active Application Deadlines
💰 Financial Scope & Fellowship Benefits:
The program provides an extensive, comprehensive financial care package directly to the individual fellow:
- Monthly Stipend: Postdocs receive a flat rate of €3,000 per month. Practical leaders receive a tiered stipend of €2,500, €2,800, or €3,000 per month based on professional seniority.
- Family Allowances: Additional financial support is injected for accompanying partners, spouses, and children, alongside comprehensive private health insurance coverage and paid German language course modules.
- Institutional Allowance: The chosen host institution in Germany receives a monthly research cost allowance (€800 for natural/engineering sciences, €500 for humanities/social sciences).
The foundation funds up to 15 practical leaders and 5 postdoctoral researchers globally each year.
⏱️ Fellowship Duration:
- Practical Leaders Track: Strictly formatted for a 12-month duration.
- Postdocs Track: Flexible long-term academic research spanning from 12 to 24 months.
📅 Application Windows & Deadlines:
The program operates on a rigid annual intake protocol:
- Current Status: Closed for the current round.
- Next Intake Start: The subsequent application cycle is officially scheduled to open in Autumn 2026.
- Typical Submission Window: Portals remain open until early February (e.g., standard deadline is February 10th).
Applicants are strongly advised to secure their German hosting agreement and letters of recommendation several months prior to the autumn launch.