- The International Climate Protection Fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded research fellowship offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for prospective leaders and postdoctoral researchers with expertise in climate protection and climate-related resource conservation. This fellowship supports professionals from non-European developing and transition countries to carry out a 12 to 24-month research or practice-oriented project in Germany, contributing to global solutions for climate change.
The International Climate Protection Fellowship is designed to strengthen international cooperation, promote climate-focused leadership, and foster long-term professional networks between fellows and German host institutions. With a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and impact, the fellowship targets individuals who are positioned to become decision-makers and multipliers in their home countries.
Background and Overview of the International Climate Protection Fellowship
The International Climate Protection Fellowship is funded through the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and implemented by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Since 2022, the IKI has been under the responsibility of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), in cooperation with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) and the Federal Foreign Office.
This fellowship addresses urgent global challenges such as climate change mitigation, adaptation strategies, biodiversity protection, ecosystem preservation, sustainable ocean use, and responsible natural resource management. Sustainability-related topics including urban development, resource-efficient consumption, and climate-relevant innovation are also welcomed.
Each year, the programme awards:
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Up to 15 fellowships for prospective leaders working practically, and
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Up to 5 fellowships for postdoctoral researchers.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for the International Climate Protection Fellowship?
The International Climate Protection Fellowship has clearly defined eligibility requirements depending on whether an applicant is a prospective leader working practically or a postdoctoral researcher.
General Eligibility Requirements (All Applicants)
Applicants must:
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Be actively engaged in climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation
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Be citizens of non-European developing or transition countries (as per the official country list provided by the programme)
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Have been predominantly living and working in their country of origin
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Demonstrate initial leadership experience and leadership potential
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Possess very good knowledge of English and/or German
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Be committed to international cooperation and long-term climate impact
The programme explicitly encourages applications from women and individuals from underrepresented groups, regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation.
Eligibility for Prospective Leaders Working Practically
Applicants applying as prospective leaders must meet one of the following criteria:
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Completed a first academic degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) within the last 12 years (cut-off date: 10 February 2026), and
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Have at least 24 months of relevant practical professional experience in climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation after the first degree
OR
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Hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any field plus
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At least 12 months of relevant practical professional experience related to climate issues after the first academic degree
Eligibility for Postdoctoral Researchers
Applicants applying as postdocs must:
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Have completed their first academic degree within the last 12 years
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Hold a doctorate directly related to climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation
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Have received the doctorate no more than four years before the application deadline, or
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Be completing the doctorate by 31 August of the selection year
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Have a record of peer-reviewed academic publications that meet international standards
Postdoctoral researchers whose work is not climate-related are advised to explore alternative Humboldt programmes.
Fellowship Programme Details
Location
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Germany, at an independently chosen host institution
Duration
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Prospective leaders: 12 months
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Postdoctoral researchers: 12 to 24 months
Structure of the Fellowship
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Research or practice-oriented project hosted by a German institution
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Three-week introductory programme in Germany
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Academic and professional exchange with German experts
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Cultural activities and institutional visits
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Long-term alumni support after completion
Financial Support and Benefits
The International Climate Protection Fellowship provides:
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Monthly stipend
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€2,500 – €3,000 for prospective leaders (depending on career level)
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€3,000 for postdoctoral researchers
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Additional benefits including:
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Travel expenses
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Full private health insurance
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Support for accompanying family members
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German language courses
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Monthly research cost allowance for hosts:
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€800 (natural and engineering sciences)
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€500 (humanities and social sciences)
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How to Apply for the International Climate Protection Fellowship
Applications must be submitted online via the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation portal. Before applying, candidates must secure agreement with a host institution in Germany.
Required Application Documents
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Online application form including:
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Personal information
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Letter of motivation
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Research or project proposal with communication strategy
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Two letters of recommendation (not older than 12 months)
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Host’s statement and mentoring agreement from the German host institution
Applications are only considered complete once all documents, including host materials, have been submitted.
Important Dates and Deadline
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Application Deadline: 10 February 2026
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Selection committee notification: End of June
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Virtual selection meeting: September
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Fellowship start: Following selection and preparatory language courses
Applicants are strongly advised to coordinate with their host institution at least one week before the deadline.
Application Portal Official Link
The International Climate Protection Fellowship by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers a unique, fully funded opportunity for climate professionals and researchers from developing and transition countries to advance their expertise in Germany. By supporting leadership development, international collaboration, and applied climate solutions, the fellowship plays a critical role in shaping the future of global climate protection. Eligible prospective leaders and postdocs with a strong commitment to climate action are encouraged to apply before the 10 February 2026 deadline.
