Georg Forster Research Fellowship for Sustainable Development: Funded Research Opportunities in Germany for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers 2025

The Georg Forster Research Fellowship, awarded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, is a prestigious program that provides funding for researchers from developing and transition countries. Designed to support academic work that contributes to the sustainable development of the fellows’ home regions, the fellowship promotes international collaboration and scientific excellence.

Eligible researchers can pursue independent research projects in collaboration with a host institution in Germany. The program is open to applicants across all academic disciplines, as long as their research aligns with the goals of sustainable development.

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Objectives of the Fellowship

The program aims to enhance scientific capacity in the Global South by fostering strong networks between international researchers and German research institutions. It seeks to support individuals whose work is directly relevant to the social, economic, and environmental challenges faced by their countries of origin.

Through this fellowship, researchers gain access to world-class facilities and the opportunity to exchange ideas and expertise with leading academics in Germany, while contributing to global efforts to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

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Fellowship Tracks and Duration

The Georg Forster Research Fellowship offers two distinct tracks based on the applicant’s career stage:

Postdoctoral Researchers

• Monthly stipend: €2,700

• Fellowship duration: 6 to 24 months

• Fellowship can be divided into multiple stays within a three-year period

Experienced Researchers

• Monthly stipend: €3,200

• Fellowship duration: 6 to 18 months

• Can also be divided into several stays over three years

In both cases, fellows are granted flexibility in selecting the start date of their fellowship.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Be nationals of a developing or transition country (excluding PR China and India)
• Have lived and worked in one of the eligible countries for at least 12 months within the past 18 months
• Hold a doctoral degree or equivalent academic qualification
• Demonstrate a publication record aligned with international academic standards
• Conduct research relevant to the sustainable development of their region
• Have not lived in Germany for more than six months within the past 18 months before the application
• Fulfill language requirements: fluency in English or German (depending on the field of research)

For experienced researchers who are not currently residing in an eligible country, they must hold a permanent position in one of the eligible countries to qualify.

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Funding and Benefits

The fellowship covers:

• Monthly stipend (€2,700 for postdocs; €3,200 for experienced researchers)
• Travel expenses
• Subsidies for accompanying family members
• Private health insurance subsidy
• German language course (optional but recommended)
• Research cost subsidy for host institutions

In addition to financial support, the foundation offers professional support and guidance throughout the research stay, as well as alumni sponsorship programs for future collaborations, return fellowships, and continued academic networking.

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Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents via the Humboldt Foundation’s online application system:

• A completed application form
• Curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages)
• Research outline (maximum 5 pages)
• Complete list of publications and a separate list of key publications
• Copies of doctoral certificate or confirmation of impending graduation
• Language certificate (if applicable)
• Written confirmation from a German host institution
• Two academic references

These documents must strictly adhere to the format and specifications provided in the application guidelines. Applications that are incomplete or do not comply with requirements will be formally rejected without review.

Hosts and reviewers must upload their documents independently through a secure link. Applications can only be submitted once all supporting materials have been received.

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Selection Process

The selection committee for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship meets three times a year—in February, June, and October. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and must be submitted well in advance of the desired selection date. It typically takes four to eight months for the application to be processed.

Applicants may begin their research stay in Germany between two and twelve months after selection. If an application is rejected, candidates may reapply after making significant improvements. In the case of unanimous rejection, a mandatory waiting period of 18 months applies before reapplication.

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How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s application portal. Prior to submission, applicants should ensure that all required documents are prepared and comply with the formatting rules.

For further questions or guidance, applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation directly at info@avh.de.

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The Georg Forster Research Fellowship is a valuable opportunity for emerging and experienced researchers from developing countries to collaborate with German institutions on projects that contribute to sustainable development. It supports knowledge exchange, strengthens scientific capacity in the Global South, and enables long-term international cooperation.

For more details on the application process, eligibility, and fellowship benefits, visit the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s official website.

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For more global research and funding opportunities like this, visit the Opportunities for Youth website.