Call for International Climate Protection Fellowship in Germany 2027-2028 is open now!!!
Are you working academically or practically in climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation in your country of origin – a non-European developing or transition country? Then they invite you to apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
The Humboldt Foundation aims to achieve a good balance between genders and a high level of diversity among its fellows in all areas. They therefore expressly invite female prospective leaders and members of underrepresented groups to apply.
They welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic, cultural, or social background, gender identity, age, religion, worldview, disability, or sexual orientation.
Get the Youth Opportunities iOS App here for the fully-funded opportunities.
If you are a prospective leader, you will do a one-year research project in Germany as part of your fellowship; if you are a postdoc, long-term academic research (12-24 months). It should focus on combating climate change, adaptation strategies, preserving ecosystems and biodiversity, or on the sustainable use of the seas and oceans. Sustainability topics relating to natural resources, resource-efficient consumption, or urban development are also welcome.
They award up to 15 International Climate Protection Fellowships to prospective leaders working practically and up to five to postdocs each year. The fellowships are funded through the International Climate Initiative. The Initiative (IKI) became the responsibility of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) in 2022. The IKI programme cooperates with its founding ministry, the Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), as well as the Federal Foreign Office.
Youth Opportunities invites you to join your preferred channel to get the latest updates directly to your messenger inbox.
- Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
Location:
GermanyBenefits
- As a prospective leader working practically a monthly fellowship amount of 2,500€, 2,800€, or 3,000€, plus ancillary benefits, depending on your training and career level; as a postdoc, a monthly fellowship amount of 3,000€, plus ancillary benefits
- Individual support during your stay in Germany
- Additional financial support, for example, for accompanying partners and children, for travel expenses, for full private health insurance, or for a German language course
- A three-week introductory event where you can connect with other climate protection fellows, visit businesses and research institutions, and attend cultural events in Germany
- Extensive alumni sponsorship, in particular to support long-term connections with your cooperation partners in Germany over the duration of your entire professional career
- Hosts receive a monthly allowance for research costs of 800€ for projects in the natural and engineering sciences or 500€ for projects in the humanities and social sciences.
Eligibilities
• First university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent), completed less than twelve years
previously, counting back from the application deadline (10 February 2026);
• Leadership skills demonstrated by initial experience in leadership positions and/or
appropriate references;
• Completion of doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent) in the
field of climate protection or climate-related resource conservation: either less than four
years prior to the application deadline or by 31 August of the selection year;
• Scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals according to international standards;
• Conception of a research-based project in the field of climate protection or climate-
related resource conversation, that must be agreed in advance with the host;
• A detailed statement by a host in Germany, including a mentoring agreement;
• Letter of recommendation from the doctoral supervisor and one other person preferably not
working at the applicant’s own institute who can give substantiated comments on the
applicant’s subject-specific qualification and leadership skills;
• Citizenship of a programme country (see list of countries) which is also the applicant’s
habitual residence and place of work;
• Very good knowledge of English and/or German, documented by appropriate language
certificates.
Application Process
- The application is submitted online via the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s homepage. The following application documents are to be included:
- Application form with personal information, letter of motivation, and research project including communication strategy
- Two letters of recommendation (not more than twelve months old) from individuals who can provide information on your professional, personal, and/or academic background. The application form contains links where your references can upload their statements. Please forward these links to the selected individuals promptly. You cannot submit your application until the letters of recommendation have been uploaded.
- An extensive statement, including a mentoring agreement from your host in Germany. As soon as you have submitted your application, your host will receive an email containing a link to your application form and the attached documents with a request to provide a host’s statement and submit a mentoring agreement. Please note that your application will not be forwarded to the Humboldt Foundation until your host has submitted the host’s statement and mentoring agreement.
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026 (56 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
