CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship, Germany 2025-2026

Are you a researcher in Brazil and thinking about taking your work to the next level? Let me tell you about something exciting—the CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship. This program gives Brazilian researchers a chance to work in Germany, collaborate with top experts, and push their research further. Whether you’re just starting as a postdoc or already experienced, this fellowship could be your next big step. Let’s break it down together so you can see if it’s the right fit for you.

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What is the CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship?

This fellowship is a partnership between CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. It started back in 2013 with one big goal: to support Brazilian researchers who want to carry out independent research in Germany.

Here’s how it works. You pick your own research project and work with a host institution in Germany. They’ll provide the resources you need to complete your work, and the fellowship will give you financial support to focus fully on your research. It’s open to all fields of study, so whether you’re working in science, technology, humanities, or anything else, you can apply.

Why Should You Apply?

Here are some great reasons to consider applying for this scholarship:

• • Financial Support:
    • If you’re a postdoc, you’ll get €2,600 every month.
    • If you’re an experienced researcher, your monthly stipend is even higher—€3,100.
    • These funds are there to help with living costs while you focus on your work.

• Freedom in Research:

• • • You get to work on your own project with a German institution. It’s not just about following someone else’s lead—you have independence in what you do.

• Language Learning:

• • Before your fellowship begins, you can take a German language course to prepare yourself. This even includes options for your spouse or partner.
• Family Support:
  • If you have kids or a partner, there’s help for them too, like additional allowances for travel and living expenses.
• Networking:
  • Once you’re part of this fellowship, you’ll join a huge network of alumni and researchers. This opens doors for future collaborations, return visits to Germany, and even more opportunities down the line.
• Flexibility:
  • For experienced researchers, you can split your fellowship into multiple stays in Germany. For example, you can go for a few months at a time instead of staying continuously.
  • It’s not just about funding—it’s about giving you everything you need to thrive as a researcher.

What Subjects Are Covered?

The scholarship is open to the following programs at the participating universities:

• All courses

Benefits of the CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship

The CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship offers several benefits to eligible students:

• Stipends:

• €2,600 per month for postdocs.

• €3,100 per month for experienced researchers.

• Research Subsidy:

• Your host institution may also receive additional funding to cover research costs.

• Language Courses:

• Free German language training before your fellowship begins.

• Family Benefits:

• Allowances for spouses, partners, and children.

• Travel expense support to make your move easier.

• Networking Opportunities:

• Lifelong access to the Humboldt Foundation’s alumni programs.

Who Can Apply?

This scholarship is intended for research students who fall into the following categories:

• For Postdoctoral Researchers:

• • • You must have finished your PhD within the last 4 years.
    • You should have published your work in internationally reviewed journals or publishing houses.

• For Experienced Researchers:

• • • You must have completed your PhD within the last 12 years.
    • You’ll also need a strong track record of publications in your field.

• In addition, you must:

• Be a Brazilian citizen or hold permanent residency.
• Have been living in Brazil (and not Germany) for at least 12 of the past 18 months.
• Get confirmation from a German host institution that they’re ready to work with you and have the resources you need.

Required documents: below is the list of the needed documents for the scholarship:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV): Keep it short, no more than 2 pages.

• Research Outline: A detailed plan of your project (up to 5 pages).

• Publication List: Include all your publications, following the format they provide.

• Key Publications: Highlight your most important works. If they aren’t in English, you’ll need summaries or translations.

• Doctoral Certificate: Proof of your PhD.

• Language Certificate: If needed, proof of your German language skills.

• Host Institution Statement: A letter from your German host confirming they’ll provide resources and mentorship.

How to Apply for CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship

Interested in joining the CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship? Here is a straightforward guide to help you apply: 

• Find a German Host: Contact a researcher or institution in Germany that aligns with your project. They need to agree to host you and provide resources.
• Prepare Your Documents: Collect everything on the required document list.
• Submit Online: Go to the CAPES website and fill out the application form. Make sure all documents, including those from your host, are uploaded.

Application Deadline(s)

Application deadline has not been announced yet.

Conclusion

If you’re a Brazilian researcher with big ideas and a desire to grow, this fellowship could be your chance to make it happen. Take your time to prepare your application, connect with a German host, and make sure your research outline is strong. This is your opportunity to work in one of the most innovative research environments in the world.

So, what are you waiting for? Visit the CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship page via the link under the ‘HOW TO APPLY’ section above.