The International Climate Protection Fellowship 2026, funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the International Climate Initiative (IKI), invites young leaders and postdocs from non-European developing and transition countries to Germany. The program awards up to 15 fellowships for practical leaders and 5 for postdocs. Recipients receive a monthly stipend (between €2,500 and €3,000) to conduct a 12–24 month research project focused on climate protection, resource conservation, or urban sustainability. Key requirements include a bachelor’s degree earned within the last 12 years and a mentoring agreement from a German host. The application deadline is February 10, 2026.
International Climate Protection Fellowship 2026 Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Alexander von Humboldt Foundation |
| Monthly Stipend | €2,500 – €3,000 (plus ancillary benefits) |
| Fellowship Duration | Leaders: 12 months; Postdocs: 12–24 months |
| Total Fellowships | 20 (15 Leaders, 5 Postdocs) |
| Eligible Countries | Non-European developing/transition countries |
| Education Requirement | First degree within last 12 years |
| Application Deadline | February 10, 2026 |
International Climate Protection Fellowship 2026 Details
The International Climate Protection Fellowship is designed for changemakers who are working either practically or academically on the front lines of the climate crisis. The fellowship seeks to foster a global exchange of knowledge by bringing international experts to Germany to work with local hosts.
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Projects should focus on climate adaptation, ecosystem preservation, or sustainable resource management. The program emphasizes diversity, expressly inviting female leaders and members of underrepresented groups to apply.
International Climate Protection Fellowship 2026 Benefits
- Stipend: Monthly payment of €2,500 – €3,000 based on career level.
- Family Support: Additional financial aid for accompanying partners and children.
- Travel & Health: Coverage for travel expenses and full private health insurance.
- Networking: A three-week introductory event and lifetime access to the Humboldt Alumni network.
- Language Training: Support for German language courses.
- Host Allowance: Monthly research cost allowance for the German host (€500–€800).
International Climate Protection Fellowship 2026 Application Criteria
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of an eligible non-European developing/transition country.
- Leadership: Must demonstrate initial experience in a leadership role.
- Language: Proficiency in English or German.
- Education Timeline: First academic degree must have been completed after February 10, 2014.
- Professional Experience: *
- Leaders: At least 24 months of practical climate-related experience.
- Postdocs: Must have a climate-related PhD awarded within the last 4 years.
International Climate Protection Fellowship 2026 Required Documents
- Application Form: Including a detailed research project and communication strategy.
- Letter of Motivation: Personal statement of intent.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Professional or academic references.
- Host Statement: An extensive mentoring agreement from a host institution in Germany.
- Publication List: Required for Postdoc applicants.
International Climate Protection Fellowship 2026 Step-by-Step How to Apply
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Check the official list of countries to ensure you are a citizen of an eligible non-European developing or transition country.
Step 2: Find a Host in Germany
You must contact a potential host (at a university or research institution) and secure a mentoring agreement. This is mandatory before the application is complete.
Step 3: Request Recommendations
Send the digital upload links to your two referees early. Your application cannot be submitted until these letters are in the system.
Step 4: Submit Online
Complete the application form and attach your research project plan. Ensure your host submits their statement by the February 10, 2026 deadline.
Application Deadline: 10 February, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply if I am currently living in Europe?
No. Applicants must have been predominantly living and working in an eligible non-European developing or transition country for the period leading up to the application.
2. Is there a specific age limit for the fellowship?
There is no strict “age” limit, but there is a career-stage limit: your first academic degree (Bachelor’s) must have been completed within the 12 years prior to the deadline.
3. What is the difference between the “Leader” and “Postdoc” tracks?
Leaders work practically (e.g., in NGOs, government, or industry) and receive a 12-month fellowship. Postdocs focus on academic research, must have a PhD, and can stay for 12 to 24 months.
4. Do I need to speak fluent German to apply?
No. You must have very good knowledge of either English or German. If your project is in English, you do not need German proficiency, though the Foundation offers language courses as a benefit.
5. Can I bring my family with me to Germany?
Yes. The fellowship provides additional financial support for accompanying partners and children, as well as assistance with health insurance for family members.
6. Who can serve as my “Host” in Germany?
A host can be any researcher or professional working at a university, research institution, or even a sustainability-focused organization in Germany who agrees to provide you with a workplace and mentorship.
7. Does the project have to be purely scientific?
Not necessarily. While it must be a “research project,” the Foundation welcomes practical, application-oriented projects focusing on policy, urban development, or social adaptation strategies.
8. What happens if my host doesn’t submit their statement by the deadline?
Your application is only considered complete once the host’s statement and mentoring agreement are submitted. If they miss the deadline, your application will likely be disqualified.
9. Are there restrictions on the research topic?
The project must be related to climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation. This includes fields like biodiversity, marine protection, or sustainable energy.
10. Is the stipend taxable?
In Germany, fellowship payments from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation are generally exempt from income tax, though you should verify the specific tax laws of your home country.
