Deadline: 10TH February 2026.
With the International Climate Protection Fellowships, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables prospective leaders working practically to implement a research-based proposal in the field of climate protection or climate-related resource conservation during a one-year stay inGermany.
Up to 15 International Climate Protection Fellowships are granted annually, funded under the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The fellowships target prospective leaders from non-European transition and developing countries (see list of countries), who possess extensive practical work experience. Candidates draw up their own research-based proposal which they then implement in collaboration with a host in Germany. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation runs the programme in liaison with the Centre for International Postgraduate Studies in Environmental Management (CIPSEM) at TU Dresden, the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU), the Renewables Academy AG (RENAC), the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Federation of German Industry (BDI).
Sponsorship
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. We 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
The fellowship 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
How to apply
Before applying, you should agree your research project with your independently chosen host.
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 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 and application.
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