The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s German Chancellor Fellowship Programme is for university graduates from the United States, the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of China, Brazil and India with an interest in international issues and demonstrated leadership potential. The programme is targeted at accomplished young professionals who are likely to become decision-makers, thought leaders, and influential voices in their respective fields. Fellows will be recruited from a broad range of areas such as politics and public policy, law, media, business, the non-governmental sector, and the arts. The programme provides fellows the opportunity to spend one year in Germany, where they will network with other prospective leaders from abroad and explore new solutions to the global issues of our times. This prestigious programme builds on Germany’s established and growing reputation as a favored destination for problem-focused international dialogue and a meeting place for tomorrow’s international leaders.
During their time in Germany, Federal Chancellor Fellows conduct independent projects at their host institutions. The project should involve original exploration of a topic or issue, or research in the fellow’s respective field of interest. The fellows are mentored by hosts in Germany, whom the fellows have chosen on the basis of their expertise in their respective areas. Projects should be of relevance to modern societies, have a long-term and visible impact, and help to advance fellows’ careers and professional development. Through their experience in Germany, fellows will acquire greater knowledge of their fields, gain new international experience, and strengthen their intercultural competence – all essential qualities for future professional leaders.
After completion of their stay in Germany, fellows serve as vital professional links between their home countries and Germany and continue to be part of the Humboldt Foundation’s worldwide network. The alumni of the German Chancellor Fellowship Programme have forged particularly close contacts amongst themselves, resulting in the creation of a growing network of international professional leaders.
The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany is the patron of this sponsorship programme, which is financed by the Federal Foreign Office. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants up to 50 German Chancellor Fellowships annually, with up to ten prospective leaders selected from each of the five countries.
Specific 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
Applicants who have been in Germany for more than six months at the time of the application deadline (15 September) are not eligible to apply.
Anyone who has already been sponsored by the Humboldt Foundation cannot apply to the Foundation for the German Chancellor Fellowship and should instead refer to the Foundation’s Alumni Programme for support for further stays in Germany.