German Chancellor Fellowship opens for Tomorrow’s Leaders

Deadline: 15 September 2019

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is looking for the leaders of tomorrow from Brazil, China, India, Russia, and the USA.

This fellowship programme is under the patronage of the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany and is financed by the Federal Foreign Office. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants up to 50 German Chancellor Fellowships every year – up to ten of which go to prospective leaders from each of the five countries named above.

Benefits

The fellowship grant amounts to €2,150, €2,450 or €2,750 per month, depending on the applicant’s qualifications. The fellowship also includes a mobility allowance as well as a contribution to health and liability insurance.

The stay in Germany begins with a language scholarship for an obligatory two-month intensive German language course which takes place during August and September. Depending on the individual German language knowledge, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation may grant an additional language course in July or approve a reduction of the course. The German Chancellor Fellowship is granted for twelve months and starts in October with a four-week introductory seminar in Bonn and Berlin. This provides varied insights into the social, political, economic and cultural life in Germany. It is followed by eleven months of individual project work starting in November.

During the spring, a two-week study tour of Germany takes place. Other events within the scope of the fellowship include the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s annual meeting with a reception held by the Federal President and a final meeting in Berlin which includes a reception at the Federal Chancellery. Fellowship extensions of up to three months are possible.

Additional benefits

allowance for research costs amounting to €500 per month for the hosts in Germany
lump sum for the fellow’s travel to and from Germany if these costs are not borne by a third party
allowances for family members accompanying the fellow to Germany for a minimum of three months (up to €326 a month for marital partners and up to €244 a month for each child)
German courses in the fellow’s own country prior to the stay in Germany as well as during the stay in Germany to intensify the knowledge of German acquired during the intensive language course
Europe allowance for a stay of one to two months at an institute in Europe (not, however, in the fellow’s own country) if such a stay is necessary to conduct the project in question
extensive alumni sponsorship after the stay in Germany has been completed successfully, in particular, to promote networking with the collaborative partners in Germany during the alumni’s entire professional careers

Eligibility Criteria

Applicant must be a national of the United States, the Russian Federation, The People’s Republic of China, Brazil or India
Bachelor’s or equivalent academic degree completed less than twelve years before the beginning of the fellowship (1 October of the year following application)
initial proven leadership experience; applicants with a preponderantly academic background should have acquired initial leadership experience in addition to their own research activity
German or English language skills
a letter of motivation
a project plan; candidates must draw up their project plan independently and discuss it with their intended host prior to application
a detailed statement, including confirmation of supervision, by the host in Germany
two references by individuals qualified to comment on the candidate’s professional, personal and/or academic background

Potential applicants who have been in Germany for more than six months immediately prior to the application deadline may not apply.

Potential applicants who have already been sponsored by the Humboldt Foundation are not eligible to apply for one of the Foundation’s other fellowships but should seek support for a further stay in Germany from the Foundation’s Alumni Programme.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are selected according to the following criteria: