The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s German Chancellor Fellowship Program is for university graduates from the United States, the Russian Federation, India, the People’s Republic of China, or Brazil with an interest in international issues and demonstrated leadership potential. The program provides fellows the opportunity to spend a year in Germany, where they will network with other prospective leaders from abroad and explore new solutions to contemporary global issues.
During their time in Germany, fellows conduct independent projects at their host institutions, involving original exploration of a topic or issue, or research in the fellow’s respective field of interest. Projects should be of relevance to modern societies, have a long-term and visible impact, and help to advance fellows’ careers and professional development.
Fellowship stipends includes a travel allowance and a contribution towards health and liability insurance. For fellows with little or no German, the program begins with a mandatory three-month intensive language course from June through August. The twelve-month fellowship period begins in October and includes a two-week study tour of Germany, attendance at the Humboldt Foundation’s annual meeting, a reception hosted by the German Federal President, and other activities.
Candidates must be citizens of the U.S., Russia, India, China, or Brazil and have completed a bachelor’s or comparable degree within the twelve years leading to the fellowship’s start date. Candidates should have demonstrated leadership potential, English or German language skills, a clear project plan for their time in Germany, and confirmation of support from their host institution.
Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their prior history and leadership potential, the significance of their fellowship projects for future career objectives, the knowledge and experience they bring to ensure the success of their projects, the persuasiveness and relevance of their project plans, their future roles as intermediaries between their home countries and Germany, and their international orientation.