International Climate Protection Fellowship 2026

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is now accepting applications for its International Climate Protection Fellowship 2026. This program is designed to support future leaders and postdocs from non-European developing and transition countries, fostering international cooperation on climate protection and resource conservation.

📖 About the Fellowship

The International Climate Protection Fellowship enables fellows to carry out research projects in Germany that address critical issues such as:

• Climate change
• Adaptation strategies
• Biodiversity
• Sustainable resource use
• Urban sustainability

This program is aimed at fostering the exchange of knowledge, methods, and techniques between fellows and their hosts in Germany, with a focus on practical applicability in the fellows' countries of origin.

🎁 Benefits

The fellowship offers the following benefits:

• Monthly Fellowship Amount:
  • For prospective leaders working practically: 2,500€, 2,800€, or 3,000€ (depending on training and career level) plus ancillary benefits.
  • For postdocs: 3,000€ per month plus ancillary benefits.
• Individual Support during your stay in Germany.
• Additional Financial Support, including:
  • Support for accompanying partners and children.
  • Travel expenses.
  • Full private health insurance.
  • German language courses.
• A three-week introductory event to connect with other fellows, visit businesses and research institutions, and attend cultural events in Germany.
• Extensive alumni sponsorship to maintain long-term connections with cooperation partners in Germany throughout your professional career.

Additionally, hosts receive a monthly allowance for research costs:

• 800€ for projects in natural and engineering sciences.
• 500€ for projects in humanities and social sciences.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

You are eligible to apply for the fellowship if you:

• Engage with climate change issues.
• Are a citizen of a non-European developing or transition country (refer to the list of countries).
• Have been predominantly living and working in your country of origin.
• Have initial experience in a leadership role and corresponding leadership skills.
• Possess very good knowledge of English and/or German.

Additional Criteria for Prospective Leaders:

• Completed your first academic degree (Bachelor’s or comparable degree) within the last 12 years (cut-off date: 10 February 2026).
• Have at least 24 months of relevant practical professional experience in climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation after your first degree, OR
• Hold a Master’s degree (or comparable degree) plus at least 12 months of relevant practical professional experience related to climate issues after your first degree.

Additional Criteria for Postdocs:

• Completed your first academic degree (Bachelor’s or comparable degree) within the last 12 years (cut-off date: 10 February 2026).
• Hold a doctorate clearly related to climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation, awarded no more than 4 years prior to the application deadline (10 February 2026) or to be completed by 31 August 2026.
• Have published in academic journals and publishing houses reviewed according to international standards.

📝 Application Process

The following documents are required for your application:

1. Application Form:
   • Include personal information, a letter of motivation, and a research project with a communication strategy.
2. Two Letters of Recommendation:
   • Must be no older than 12 months.
   • References upload their statements via links provided in the application form.
   • Applications cannot be submitted until the letters are uploaded.
3. Extensive Statement and Mentoring Agreement from your host in Germany:
   • After submitting your application, your host will receive an email with a link to your application and attached documents.
   • The host must provide a statement and submit a mentoring agreement.
   • Applications will not be forwarded to the Humboldt Foundation until the host completes this step.

📅 Application Deadline

• 10 February 2026

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the fellowship on the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation website.
• Apply directly via the application portal.

This fellowship is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about climate protection and sustainability to advance their careers while contributing to global efforts in addressing climate challenges.

• Monthly fellowship amount of 2,500€, 2,800€ or 3,000€ plus ancillary benefits for prospective leaders; 3,000€ plus ancillary benefits for postdocs
• Individual support during your stay in Germany
• Additional financial support for accompanying partners and children, travel expenses, full private health insurance, or a German language course
• Three-week introductory event to connect with other climate protection fellows, visit businesses and research institutions, and attend cultural events in Germany
• Extensive alumni sponsorship to support long-term connections with cooperation partners in Germany