CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship 2026: Research Opportunities in Germany for Brazilian Researchers
Brazilian researchers seeking an international research opportunity can apply for the CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship, which supports postdoctoral and experienced researchers undertaking research in Germany. The programme is jointly supported by Brazil’s research funding organisation CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
The fellowship allows successful applicants to conduct their own research in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of their choice. The programme is open to researchers from all academic fields who meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
What Does the CAPES-Humboldt Fellowship Offer?
The CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship provides financial support, professional development and access to an international research network.
For Brazilian postdoctoral researchers, the fellowship provides €3,000 per month plus additional benefits. The fellowship can last between six and 24 months and may be divided into up to three stays within a three-year period.
For experienced researchers, the fellowship provides €3,600 per month plus additional benefits. These fellowships last between six and 18 months and may also be divided into up to three stays within three years.
In addition to the monthly fellowship amount, researchers receive personal support throughout the sponsorship period. Additional financial assistance may include travel allowances and family benefits for children and partners.
Before the research fellowship begins, the researcher and their partner may also attend an intensive language course.
Who Can Apply?
The CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship is specifically aimed at researchers from Brazil with above-average qualifications, regardless of their academic discipline.
Postdoctoral researchers should generally have completed their doctorate within the last four years. Applicants are expected to have publications in academic journals or publishing houses that meet international review standards, in addition to fulfilling the programme’s other requirements.
Experienced researchers can apply if they completed their doctorate within the last 12 years. They should have an extensive publication record, including important publications in which they served as thematic lead. They must also hold a leadership position appropriate to their career level, such as assistant professor, lecturer, head of an independent research group or a higher-level position.
Applicants must also satisfy requirements relating to nationality, residency, research facilities, confirmation from a German host institution and language skills.
Research in Germany
One of the major advantages of the CAPES-Humboldt programme is the opportunity to develop an independent research project within a German research institution.
Applicants must identify a suitable host in Germany and obtain a detailed statement from the host confirming the availability of appropriate research facilities.
The programme therefore provides researchers with an opportunity not only to spend time abroad but also to establish academic relationships that can support future research collaborations.
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted online to both the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and CAPES.
Applicants are required to provide several documents, including:
- A curriculum vitae of no more than two pages
- A research outline of no more than five pages
- A complete publication list
- A list of selected key publications
- Key publications
- A doctoral certificate
- A German language certificate, where required
- Additional publication documentation where required
- A detailed statement from the German host
- Confirmation that appropriate research facilities are available
The application is only forwarded to the Humboldt Foundation once the host institution has uploaded all required documentation.
Application Deadlines
The programme operates with application periods in the first and second halves of the year. According to the published schedule, applications are generally due by 17:00 Brasília time on the last working day of May or November in the year preceding the planned research stay.
The current schedule includes Call 27, with applications running from 1 June to 30 November 2026. The selection result is expected by 25 May 2027, with the fellowship or language course beginning between September 2027 and May 2028.
Researchers should carefully check the current call requirements before submitting an application.
Why Consider the CAPES-Humboldt Fellowship?
The CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship combines financial research support with international academic collaboration and professional development. Fellows can conduct independent research in Germany, develop relationships with German researchers and institutions, and benefit from continued support through Humboldt Foundation alumni programmes.
For qualified Brazilian researchers seeking to expand their academic profile through an extended research stay in Germany, the CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship offers a significant opportunity for international research experience and long-term academic collaboration.
Prospective applicants should review the official programme requirements and submit their applications through the designated CAPES and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation application systems.
