Summary
The Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation offers the International Climate Protection Fellowship for prospective leaders and postdoctoral researchers with expertise in climate change. The grant focuses on experts in climate change from non-European developing countries who will come to Germany to conduct research projects for 12 to 24 months. The fellowship provides monthly stipends, travel support, and additional benefits for successful research applicants.
About The International Climate Protection Fellowship
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is a German institution that promotes international academic cooperation by awarding competitive fellowships to researchers and professionals. To be eligible for this fellowship, applicants must be experts in climate change research and show proof of leadership. The International Climate Protection Fellowship is coordinated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and cooperating ministries.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers up to 15 international climate protection fellowships for prospective leaders and five awards to postdoctoral researchers annually. For every successful postdoctoral researcher applicant, they will do a 12 – 24-month research project in Germany and for prospective leaders, who can do up to 12-month research studies.
Support is given for spouses and children of successful applicants, and travel expenses and health insurance are also awarded. The application deadline is February 10, 2026.
Funding Size
-
- Typical grant amount: 2,500€ – 3,000€
- Maximum award: 3,000€
- Project duration supported
- Prospective leaders: 12 months
- Postdoctoral researchers: 12–24 months
Who Can Apply
-
- Eligible organisation types: Postdoctoral researchers and Prospective leaders.
- Registration requirements:
-
- Applicants must be citizens of non-European developing or transition countries.
- Must be living in these selected countries to be an expert in climate change.
- Should have knowledge of the English or German language.
- Must show proof of leadership roles.
- Applicants should have completed their first degree not more than twelve years and have relevant professional experience.
- Postdoctoral researchers must have published in peer-reviewed academic journals that meet accepted international standards.
- Geographic eligibility: non-European developing or transition countries.
- Sector or thematic focus:
- Climate protection and climate-related resource conservation
- Adaptation strategies
- Ecosystem, biodiversity, or sustainable resource use research
- Urban sustainability and related sustainability issues
Application Process
- Submit a filled and completed application form on the Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation official page.
- Include two letters of recommendation, personal information, a letter of motivation and a research project outline.
- Mentoring statement from the host in Germany. This will be issued once the application form and the request to provide host statements are submitted.
Read Also: Duchess of Edinburgh bonds with mischievous puppy at Hampshire charity
Required Materials
- Completed online application form, including personal and project details.
- Research project description agreed with a German host institution.
- Two letters of recommendation not older than 12 months.
- Host’s statement and mentoring agreement from the German host.
- Evidence of relevant academic and professional background.
Key Dates
-
- Application deadline: 10 February 2026
- Notification timeline:
- Invitation to suitable applicants: End of June
- Virtual selection meeting: September
- Intensive German course: January or February
- Introduction meeting: March
- Individual project work commences: April – February
Selection Notes
- Fellowships are competitive, with peer review by an independent selection committee.
- Priority focus areas: Climate protection, resource conservation, adaptation and sustainability topics.
- Known exclusions: Applicants previously funded by the Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation cannot reapply.