Deadline: February 10, 2026
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 apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship 2026 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.
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.
Benefits
The fellowship facilitates the mutual exchange of knowledge, methods and techniques with hosts in Germany; this also extends to questions of practical applicability in your country of origin. They offer you:
- 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.
Eligibility
They invite you to apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship if you:
- Engage with climate change issues;
- Are a citizen of a non-European developing or transition country (see list of countries, PDF) and have been predominantly living and working there;
- Have initial experience in a leadership role and corresponding leadership skills;
- Have very good knowledge of English and/or German.
In addition, you meet the following criteria as a prospective leader or postdoc:
Prospective leaders working practically
- Did you complete your first academic degree (Bachelor’s or comparable degree) during the last twelve years (cut-off date is the application deadline on 10 February 2026)?
- Do you have relevant practical professional experience in the fields of climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation following the first university degree (at least 24 months by the application deadline) – or alternatively a Master’s degree in any field (or comparable degree) plus at least twelve months of relevant practical professional experience related to climate issues after the first university degree? If so, apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship.
Postdocs
- Did you complete your first academic degree (Bachelor or comparable degree) during the last twelve years (cut-off date is the application deadline on 10 February 2026)?
- Do you additionally hold a doctorate that is clearly related to the fields of climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation and was awarded no more than four years prior to the application deadline (10 February 2026), or will you be completing your doctorate by 31 August of the selection year?
- Have you published in academic journals and publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards? If so, apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship for postdocs.
Application
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 recommendations have been uploaded.
- extensive statement including 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.
For more information, visit International Climate Protection Fellowship.
