Deadline: February 10, 2026
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation International Climate Protection Fellowship 2026 supports individuals working on climate protection, climate adaptation, and sustainability-related challenges. The programme is aimed at strengthening international cooperation, promoting leadership capacity, and fostering long-term professional ties between fellows and German institutions.
Fellows develop and implement projects that contribute to practical climate solutions while gaining professional exposure within Germany’s research, policy, and innovation ecosystem.
Fellowship Focus Areas
Projects under this fellowship must relate clearly to climate protection or sustainable development. Key focus areas include:
- Combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Climate adaptation and resilience strategies
- Ecosystem conservation and biodiversity protection
- Sustainable use of natural resources and oceans
- Urban sustainability and resource-efficient consumption
- Environmental policy, governance, and climate-related innovation
Projects may be research-oriented or practice-based, depending on the applicant category.
Fellowship Categories
1. Prospective Leaders (Practical Fellowship)
This category is designed for early-career professionals with relevant practical experience in climate protection or sustainability fields.
Eligibility requirements:
- A first academic degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) completed within the last 12 years
- At least 24 months of relevant professional experience, or
- A Master’s degree plus at least 12 months of relevant experience
- Demonstrated engagement in climate protection and leadership potential
2. Postdoctoral Researchers
This category is open to researchers pursuing academic or applied climate-related work.
Eligibility requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree completed within the last 12 years
- A doctorate awarded no more than four years before the application deadline, or to be completed by 31 August 2026
- Research focus aligned with climate protection or sustainability
General Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of non-European developing or transition countries
- Be living and working in their country of origin at the time of application
- Demonstrate strong commitment to climate protection and sustainability
- Show leadership potential and capacity for long-term impact
- Have very good English and/or German language skills
Fellowship Duration
- Prospective Leaders: 12 months
- Postdoctoral Researchers: 12 to 24 months
The fellowship takes place in Germany and includes structured mentoring and professional development support.
Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support
Selected fellows receive comprehensive financial and institutional support, including:
Monthly Fellowship Stipend
- Prospective Leaders: approximately €2,500 – €3,000, depending on career level
- Postdoctoral Researchers: €3,000 per month
Additional Benefits
- International travel allowance
- Health insurance coverage
- Language course support (German)
- Family benefits for accompanying dependants
- Participation in an introductory programme in Germany
- Access to a global alumni network for long-term collaboration
Host Institution Support
German host institutions receive a monthly allowance (approximately €500 – €800) to support project-related costs.
Host Institution Requirement
Applicants must independently identify and secure a German host institution before applying. The host must provide:
- A formal host’s statement
- A mentoring agreement outlining project supervision and support
Without a confirmed host statement, the application will not be processed.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete online application that includes:
- Completed application form
- Letter of motivation
- Detailed project proposal and communication strategy
- Two letters of recommendation
- Host’s statement and mentoring agreement from a German institution
All documents must be submitted before the stated deadline.
Application Deadline
📌 Application Deadline: 10 February 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official Alexander von Humboldt Foundation application system.
Need Support With Your Application?
We provide professional support for proposal drafting, refining, and review to strengthen your application and improve your chances of success.
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