German Chancellor Fellowship

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers prospective leaders from Brazil, China, India, Russia and the USA the opportunity to conduct a project as guests of the partner of their choice in Germany.

With the support of your host you can spend a year concentrating on a project you have chosen yourself and give your career that crucial boost. German Chancellor Fellowships are open to an array of sectors such as politics, economics, the media, administration and culture.

During a four-week preparatory phase in Bonn and Berlin, you will be able to make contact with the other fellows. You will meet them again at various events in the course of the fellowship: Together, you will be invited to attend a reception at the German Chancellery, travel around Germany and visit important public institutions and companies. An intensive German course will help smooth your path into everyday life in Germany.

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany is the patron of this fellowship programme. The Foundation grants up to 50 German Chancellor Fellowships annually, with up to ten prospective leaders selected from each of the five countries.

Submit your application by 15 September. The fellowship begins on 1 October of the following year.

Benefits

• The fellowship amount is 2,150 EUR, 2.450 EUR or 2,750 EUR per month, depending on the fellow’s qualifications. This stipend includes a travel allowance and a contribution towards health and liability insurance.
• an allowance for research costs of 500 EUR per month to be paid to the host in Germany
• a lump sum to cover the fellow’s return travel expenses, if the costs are not borne by a third party
• family allowances for family members spending at least three months in Germany (up to 326 EUR per month for the fellow’s spouse and up to 234 EUR per month for each child)
• German language courses in the fellow’s home country before the start of the stay in Germany as well as during the stay in Germany to expand the skills acquired during the intensive language course
• a Europe allowance for a stay of one to two months at an institute in another European country (not, however, the fellow’s home country) if a stay of this kind is necessary to carry out the project
• extensive alumni sponsorship following successful completion of the fellow’s stay in Germany, particularly for the purpose of sustaining contact with collaborative partners in Germany during the alumni’s entire professional career

Eligibility & Criteria

• citizenship of the United States, the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, Brazil or India
• Bachelor’s or comparable academic degree, completed less than twelve years prior to the starting date of the fellowship (1 October of the year following application)
• demonstrated leadership potential; applicants whose background is largely academic should also have gained some leadership experience beyond their own research activities
• Either English or German language skills
• a letter of motivation (approx. 2 pages)
• a project plan (approx. 3 pages); the candidate must draw up the project plan independently and secure the support of the proposed mentor before submitting an application
• a detailed host’s statement, including a confirmation of support
• two letters of recommendation from individuals qualified to comment on the candidate’s professional, personal, and/or academic background

Click here for further details and application