Embarking on a CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship 2025 application can feel like a monumental task, but it’s also the first step toward a career-defining research adventure in Germany. If you’re a highly qualified postdoctoral researcher from Brazil, this prestigious fellowship isn’t just a grant; it’s a gateway to joining a global network of excellence, backed by Germany’s renowned Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Brazil’s CAPES. This guide is designed to demystify the process, providing you with a clear, actionable roadmap to craft a compelling application. Let’s turn your ambition into a reality.
CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship 2025
| Feature | Details |
| Target Group | Postdoctoral researchers from Brazil who completed their doctorate within the last 4 years. Humboldt Foundation |
| Monthly Stipend | €3,170 |
| Fellowship Duration | 6 to 24 months CAPES Official Site |
| Location | At a research institution of your choice in Germany. |
Applying for the CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship 2025 is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires meticulous planning, deep intellectual engagement, and a clear vision for your research. But the reward is immense: the chance to work at the forefront of science, build an international career, and join a global network of over 30,000 Humboldtians in more than 140 countries.
This fellowship is a testament to the strong academic ties between Brazil and Germany. Your successful application won’t just advance your career—it will strengthen that very bridge. Start preparing now, believe in the quality of your research, and take this incredible step toward your future.
What Exactly Is the CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship?
Think of this fellowship as a powerful bridge connecting the brilliant minds of Brazil with Germany’s world-class research landscape. It’s a joint initiative between two powerhouses:
- CAPES (Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior): Brazil’s federal agency for the support of graduate education.
- The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation: A German foundation that promotes international academic cooperation between excellent scientists and scholars.
The core mission is to support long-term research projects, enabling talented Brazilian researchers to collaborate with peers in Germany, gain international experience, and build lasting professional networks. It’s more than just funding; it’s an invitation to become a “Humboldtian”—a lifelong member of a prestigious global family.
Are You Eligible? Decoding the Requirements
Before you dive deep into planning, let’s make sure you tick all the boxes. The eligibility criteria are specific, so review them carefully.
- Nationality and Residency: You must be a Brazilian national or hold a permanent visa in Brazil.
- Academic Degree: You must hold a doctorate or a comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc., or equivalent), completed no more than four years before the date of application.
- Research Record: You need to have a strong academic record, demonstrated by a list of your academic publications, which should be peer-reviewed according to international standards.
- No Prior Humboldt Sponsorship: You cannot have already received sponsorship from the Humboldt Foundation.
- Host in Germany: You must have a confirmed research host at an institution in Germany who provides a binding statement of support. This is a crucial step we’ll cover next.
It’s important to note that you don’t need to have extensive professional experience outside of academia. The focus is squarely on your potential as a researcher.
Your Application’s Core: The Research Proposal & Host
Your application rests on two pillars: a brilliant research proposal and a committed academic host. In my experience advising applicants, this is where the most successful candidates invest the majority of their time and effort.
Finding and Securing Your German Host
Your host is not just a supervisor; they are your academic partner in Germany. They will provide the facilities you need and mentor you throughout your project. Finding the right one is paramount.
- Start Early: Begin your search at least six to eight months before the application deadline. Building a professional relationship takes time.
- Use Research Databases: Explore platforms like the German Research Institutions (GERiT) database or the Humboldt Foundation’s network search to find academics in your field.
- Personalize Your Outreach: When you contact potential hosts, don’t send a generic email. Reference their specific work, explain why your research aligns with theirs, and attach a concise summary of your proposed project along with your CV. Show them you’ve done your homework.
Crafting a Winning Research Proposal
Your proposal is your chance to shine. It must convince the selection committee of your project’s value and your ability to execute it. Your proposal should be:
- Innovative: What new knowledge will your research contribute? Highlight its originality and significance.
- Feasible: Is your project achievable within the 6-24 month timeframe? Your methodology should be sound and your goals realistic.
- Coherent: The proposal should be well-structured, clearly written, and easy for an expert in your general field to understand. Avoid jargon where possible.
Remember to develop the research outline in close collaboration with your chosen host. Their feedback is invaluable and their official statement of support is a required part of the application.
A Breakdown of the Fellowship’s Generous Benefits
A key part of planning your research in Germany for Brazilians is understanding the financial support. The CAPES-Humboldt Fellowship is designed to ensure you can focus entirely on your research without financial worry. The benefits include:
- A monthly fellowship of €3,170.
- A lump sum for travel expenses.
- A language fellowship for an intensive German course lasting two to four months before your research begins.
- Family allowances for accompanying spouses and children.
- Extensive alumni sponsorship once your initial fellowship ends, including support for future collaborations and return visits to Germany.
Step-by-Step Application Guide for the 25th Call
Feeling ready to apply? Here’s a simplified, step-by-step process.
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Double-check the PhD completion window and other requirements on the official CAPES-Humboldt page.
- Secure Your Host and Research Plan: This is the most time-intensive step. Finalize your research outline and get the signed host’s statement.
- Gather Your Documents: Prepare your CV, list of publications, key publications, research outline, and doctoral certificate. You will also need two expert reviews (letters of reference).
- Choose Your References: Select referees who know you and your work well and can speak to your academic potential. Give them ample time (at least a month) to write and submit their letters.
- Submit Online: Complete the application form and upload all necessary documents through the Humboldt Foundation’s application portal. Always check the official website for the exact deadline for the 25th Call of Applications.
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FAQ
Q1:Can I apply if I completed my PhD more than four years ago?
Unfortunately, the four-year rule is strict. The period is calculated from the date of conferral of the doctorate to the date the application is received. However, there are exceptions for documented parental leave, so check the official guidelines if this applies to you.
Q2:Is German language proficiency a requirement for applying?
No, it is not mandatory at the time of application. You can conduct your research in English if your host agrees. However, the foundation strongly encourages you to learn German to better integrate into life in Germany and offers a generous subsidy for a pre-fellowship language course.
Q3:How long does the selection process take?
The selection committee meets to decide on CAPES-Humboldt applications in February and June. The entire process, from application submission to notification, typically takes between four and eight months.
Q4:Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. The Humboldt Foundation is very family-friendly and provides monthly allowances for accompanying family members as well as a subsidy towards health insurance for your spouse.
