The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants up to 50 German Chancellor Fellowships to prospective leaders from Brazil, China, India, South Africa and the USA – irrespective of their field of work. Together with a German host and mentor of their choice, fellows conduct a socially relevant project they have developed independently.
Due to the war in Ukraine, the German Chancellor Fellowship for prospective leaders is not open to applicants from the Russian Federation this year. More information on the Humboldt Foundation’s response to the war and our measures to support at-risk researchers from affected countries is available here.
This fellowship for prospective leaders brings you to Germany for one year to implement a project idea you have developed yourself. We will help you network with international future leaders here to find new answers to the global issues of our time.
Who?
The German Chancellor Fellowship sponsors future decision-makers, multipliers and thought leaders – regardless of industry. We invite you to apply if you
- hold Brazilian, Chinese, Indian, South African or American citizenship
- work in a field such as politics, business, media, administration, society or culture and have demonstrable initial leadership experience
- will have completed your first academic degree (Bachelor or comparable degree) no more than twelve years ago. The key date for calculating this twelve-year period is 1 October 2023.
- want to conduct an independently developed project with a host of your choice in Germany
- have good knowledge of English and/or German
Application requirements
- The applicant must be a national of Brazil, People's Republic of China, India, South Africa or the United States.
- Bachelor’s or equivalent academic degree completed less than twelve years before the beginning of the fellowship
- A mentoring agreement from the host in Germany
- A project plan in which candidates must draw up independently and coordinate with their host (examples of projects)
- Initial proven leadership experience
What?
Fellowship benefits
- A monthly fellowship of €2,000, €2,300 or €2,600, depending on the applicant’s qualifications
- Flexible timing: 12-month fellowship between 1 August 2023 – 31 March 2025
- Individual mentoring during the stay in Germany
- Additional financial support such as mobility allowance, subsidies towards insurances, family benefits and support towards travel expenses
- Intensive preparatory German course and further language support Joint programme events with an opportunity to meet the German Chancellor, and an invitation to a study tour of Germany
- The chance to actively participate in a vibrant network and cooperate in peer groups
- Extensive alumni sponsorship, particularly to help sustain contact with collaborative partners in Germany during the fellow's entire professional career
Recommended period of sponsorship: 1 October 2023 – 30 September 2024.
Deadline: 15 October 2022.