German Chancellor Fellowship

© iStock
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants up to 60 German Chancellor Fellowships every year to prospective leaders from Brazil, China, India, 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, 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.

Advertisements by German Universities

1/11

Get a truly international education!

Are you looking to study at a German university that will launch your international career? Join us at ESB Business School for a top-tier education!

More

Natural and Applied Sciences in Cottbus – Senftenberg

Would you like to study in German, but are still not sure? Start online at home – finish in person in Germany!

More

M.Sc. in Geomatics for Environmental Monitoring

Study an International Master’s program and apply satellite, mapping and geodetic tools to solve today’s environmental challenges.

More

“Level up your finance future — propel your career with our MBA in Fin...

“Unlock your finance and leadership potential – our premium, accredited MBA in Financial Management opens doors to top careers in Germany’s thriving market.”

More

Boost your career with the International Master‘s in Project Managemen...

Boost your career! Earn a German Master’s degree in Data Science & Project Management. Join the MPMD programme at HTW Berlin!

More

MBA & Engineering in Life Science Management Programme

Internationally accredited MBA&E providing life science expertise required in leaders of the future combining comprehensive, industry-specific knowledge and management skills.

More

M.Sc. in Chemistry, Engineering, Sustainability

Interested in chemistry, engineering, sustainability? Boost your career by studying in Germany, one of the top Chemistry nations worldwide!

More

Study in Berlin - MBA & International Master’s Programmes

Study management in English. Improve your leadership skills. Gain digital know-how. Become part of an international student body. Benefit from many corporate activities, valuable career consultation a...

More

Enhance your career in the field of International Cooperation!

Apply until 9 March 2026 to Kehl University for our English-language and career-integrated Master Programme Public Management in International Cooperation – Designing African-European and Intra-Afri...

More

Discover the business of tomorrow – enhance your career opportunities ...

Advance your career with an MBA from Pforzheim University, one of the leading Business Schools in Germany!

Mehr

MBA IN INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT --> YOUR KEY TO SUCCESS

Esslingen University - one of Germany’s leading universities for applied sciences. Core areas: engineering, management, applied research.

More

Contact

  • DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg

    Jorissen Street SM3151, Third Floor, Solomon Mahlangu House, University of the Witwatersrand. | PO Box 269, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa, Johannesburg Telephone: +27 (0) 11 717 9334
    E-mail: daadwits.ac.za
Location pin on map display