The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants up to 60 German Chancellor Fellowships every year to prospective leaders from Brazil, China, India, Russia, South Africa and the USA – irrespective of their field of work. Together with a German host and mentor of their choice, fellows conduct a socially-relevant project they have developed independently.

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s German Chancellor Fellowship Programme is targeted at university graduates who have an international outlook and initial leadership experience. It addresses prospective decision-makers, multipliers and thought leaders from a broad range of professional fields such as politics, public administration and business as well as society and culture. This fellowship programme is intended to give participants the opportunity to spend a year in Germany exploring new solutions to the global issues of our times and widening their networks.

During their stay in Germany, the German Chancellor Fellows pursue self-developed, research-based projects that are societally relevant and have the potential for long-term, publicly visible impact. They’re supervised by hosts in Germany whom they select themselves and who have the necessary level of expertise to mentor the respective topics. Their projects enable the fellows to advance their careers by expanding their specialist knowledge, gaining new international experience and strengthening their intercultural skills in Germany in order to develop into successful international leaders. By sponsoring them through the German Chancellor Fellowship programme the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation invites fellows to become active members of an international network of trust and cooperation characterised by exchange and contacts that persist beyond the shared fellowship experience in Germany.

Who can apply?

Nationals of Brazil, China, India, Russia, South Africa or the United States with a Bachelor’s or equivalent academic degree completed less than twelve years before the beginning of the fellowship. Applicants will need a mentoring agreement from a host in Germany, a project plan which candidates must draw up independently and coordinate with their host, as well as initial proven leadership experience.

Application Process

Further information, a list of all application requirements and a link to the online application form are available on the Humboldt Foundation website

This fellowship programme is under the patronage of the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany and is financed by the Federal Foreign Office.