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German Chancellor Fellowship for Prospective Leaders

Time schedule (application procedure and fellowship)
Time schedule
(application procedure and fellowship)

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s German Chancellor Fellowship Programme is for university graduates from the United States, the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China 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.

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 30 German Chancellor Fellowships annually, with up to ten prospective leaders selected from each of the three countries.

Application deadlines:
For applicants from the People's Republic of China: June 30
For applicants from the United States: October 15
For applicants from the Russian Federation: November 15

Online application

Other important details

Further information

  1. citizenship of the United States, the Russian Federation or the People’s Republic of China
  2. Bachelor’s or comparable academic degree, completed less than twelve years prior to the starting date of the fellowship (1 September of the year following application)
  3. demonstrated leadership potential; applicants whose background is largely academic should also have gained some leadership experience beyond their own research activities
  4. either English or German language skills
  5. project plan (approx. 5 pages) detailing the project’s subject matter, goals and a time plan; the candidate must draw up the project plan independently and secure the support of the proposed mentor before submitting an application
  6. a detailed host's statement, including a confirmation of support
  7. two or three expert opinions from individuals qualified to comment on the candidate's professional, personal, and/or academic background

Applicants who have spent more than six months outside of their home countries at the time of, or shortly before, application should contact the Humboldt Foundation (info(at)avh.de) in advance to ascertain whether they may be ineligible to apply on formal grounds.

Online application

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:

  1. Applicant's history and leadership potential
  2. Significance of the fellowship for further career objectives
  3. Future role of the applicant as an intermediary between his/her own country and Germany
  4. International orientation of the applicant and prospective role as an international leader
  5. Prior knowledge and experience to complete the project successfully
  6. Persuasiveness and relevance of the project plan

University graduates interested in graduate study or professional internship or training opportunities in Germany should apply to the programmes offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) or other funding organisations. Post-doctoral researchers planning an academic project should apply to the Humboldt Foundation’s Humboldt Research Fellowship Programme.

Further information:

  • Email advisory service: info(at)avh.de

 

Applications must be completed online. There are different closing dates for the three programme lines:

-For applicants from the People’s Republic of China: 30 June each year
-For applicants from the USA: 15 October each year
-For applicants from the Russian Federation: 15 November each year

Time schedule (application procedure and fellowship)
Time schedule
(application procedure and fellowship)

The completed application form including all the additional documents required must be submitted online by the respective closing date. Click on the tab "Online-Application" to  find additional information on all the documentation required and be able to access the online application procedure. Confirmation that your documents have been received will be sent to you as soon as you have submitted them.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that he or she has submitted all the necessary documents. Incomplete applications may be excluded from the selection procedure.

Your proposed host in Germany should send his/her confidential statement directly to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation by the closing date at the latest.

The selection process involves two stages. The most promising eligible candidates will be invited to a selection interview on the basis of the candidate’s application and written documentation. The interview will take place in the candidate’s home country. Those selected for an interview will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves and to present their projects to an independent selection committee, which determines the allocation of fellowships. Visit the FAQs on the Humboldt Foundation’s website for additional information on the selection procedure. Any other questions on German Chancellor Fellowships may be sent by email to the Foundation (info@avh.de).

Online application

If you wish to submit an application you must register first. Click here to register. Applicants should now choose the appropriate programme line.

Your email address is also your user name. Applicants must choose a password on registration. After registering you will be sent an email with a link which will allow you to log-on and access the application form using your user name and password.

You can interrupt the application process at any time and save your data.

The application may only be submitted once.

Should you experience any problems with the online application please send an email to info(at)avh.de.

Online application

Application documents

One of our hallmarks is the degree of support we try to provide for every single guest researcher. This is why we offer you extra benefits in addition to the monthly research fellowship: from invitations to events, via language courses to family allowances.

Further information

Once a Humboldtian, always a Humboldtian: Even after your research stay has come to an end, we shall still maintain close contact with you. Our alumni sponsorship is flexible and designed to support every Humboldtian’s particular path in life and development as well as collaborations between individuals.

Further information

This programme is financed by the: