Apply for CAPES – Humboldt Research Fellowship (Brazil)

Deadline: 30-Nov-2026

The CAPES–Humboldt Research Fellowship supports Brazilian postdoctoral and experienced researchers to conduct independent, self-designed research projects in Germany. The programme strengthens international academic cooperation between Brazil and Germany while enabling long-term research mobility across all academic disciplines.

Fellows carry out research at German universities or research institutions with a confirmed host partner and access to required facilities.

About the Fellowship

• The programme supports independent research stays in Germany.
• It is open to researchers from all academic disciplines.
• Fellows design and implement their own research projects.
• A German host institution is required for all applications.
• The fellowship promotes Brazil–Germany academic collaboration.
• Research mobility and international cooperation are key priorities.
• Projects must align with good scientific practice standards.

Objectives

• Strengthen international academic cooperation between Brazil and Germany.
• Support independent, high-quality research across disciplines.
• Promote research mobility and academic exchange.
• Enable long-term collaboration with German host institutions.
• Advance scientific output through international research stays.
• Support career development of emerging and experienced researchers.
• Encourage globally competitive research practices and publications.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality and Residency

• Applicants must be Brazilian nationals or permanent residents in Brazil.
• German nationals may apply only if long-term residents in Brazil.

Postdoctoral Researchers

• Doctorate completed within the last 4 years.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• Must demonstrate early-career research potential.

Experienced Researchers

• Doctorate completed within the last 12 years.
• Extensive international publication record required.
• Must hold a leadership-level academic position such as:
  • Assistant professor
  • Lecturer
  • Head of an independent research group

Additional Requirements

• Confirmation from a German host institution is mandatory.
• Applicants must demonstrate research feasibility and planning.
• Prior Humboldt Foundation funding recipients are not eligible.
• Compliance with good scientific practice is required.
• Language requirements may apply depending on project needs.

Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support

• Postdoctoral researchers: €3,000 per month.
• Experienced researchers: €3,600 per month.

Funding Duration

• Postdoctoral fellowships: 6 to 24 months.
• Experienced researcher fellowships: 6 to 18 months.
• Option to split stay into up to 3 visits over 3 years.

Additional Benefits

• Travel allowances for international mobility.
• Family support where applicable.
• Language courses before departure.
• Research cost subsidies for host institutions.

Research Scope

• All academic fields are eligible.
• Projects must be independently designed.
• Research must be conducted in collaboration with a German host.
• Emphasis on originality, feasibility, and academic quality.
• Interdisciplinary and collaborative research is encouraged.

Application and Selection Process

Application Requirements

• Detailed research proposal.
• Academic CV and publication list.
• Host institution confirmation in Germany.
• Supporting academic references and documentation.

Selection Process

• Independent peer review evaluation.
• Joint selection committee (CAPES and Humboldt Foundation).
• Assessment of academic excellence and project quality.
• Review of feasibility and research impact.
• Host institution endorsement considered.

Selection Rate

• Approximately 20–25% of applicants are selected.

Assessment Criteria

• Academic qualifications and research background.
• Strength and relevance of publication record.
• Quality of proposed research project.
• Feasibility of implementation in Germany.
• Strength of collaboration with host institution.
• Potential contribution to international research fields.
• Alignment with programme objectives.

Why This Fellowship Matters

• Strengthens global academic collaboration networks.
• Supports independent, high-level research development.
• Enhances research mobility between Brazil and Germany.
• Builds long-term institutional partnerships.
• Promotes internationally competitive research output.
• Expands access to world-class research environments.
• Supports career progression for emerging and senior researchers.

Expected Outcomes

• High-quality independent research outputs.
• Strengthened Brazil–Germany academic partnerships.
• Increased international publications and collaborations.
• Development of globally relevant research expertise.
• Enhanced institutional cooperation between host organisations.
• Expanded research mobility opportunities for Brazilian scholars.

Conclusion

The CAPES–Humboldt Research Fellowship enables Brazilian researchers to pursue independent, internationally oriented research in Germany across all disciplines. By combining strong financial support, host institution collaboration, and structured mobility opportunities, the programme strengthens academic excellence and long-term scientific cooperation between Brazil and Germany.

For more information, visit Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.