The fellowship is targeted toward higher-education graduates in the United States, the People's Republic of China, Brazil, India and South Africa who have an international outlook and initial leadership experience. It is aimed at promoting research-based, independently developed projects at host institutions in Germany to be selected by the candidate. The project should serve to develop the graduates' careers, and also be of social relevance with a long-term, publicly visible impact. After the conclusion of the programme the fellows act as intermediaries between their home countries and Germany, and remain a part of the world-wide Humboldt network.

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany is the patron of the programme, which is funded by the Federal Foreign Office. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants every year up to 50 Chancellor Fellowships which are worth a maximum funding of 2,600 EUR per month; up to 10 fellowships are awarded to prospective leaders from each of the 5 above-mentioned countries. The fellowship entails a preparatory intensive language course in Germany, a half-time conference as well as joint events and networking activities with other fellows.

The programme is designed exclusively for candidates from the United States, the People's Republic of China, Brazil, India and South Africa: emerging thought and opinion leaders from professional fields such as politics, public administration and business, media as well as society and culture.

Bachelor’s degree or academic equivalent, earned less than 12 years prior to the beginning of the fellowship which is 1 October of the year following the application

up to 10 fellowships per country and year

One year, fellowships are recommended to start every year in October.

Funding ranges between 2,000 EUR, 2,300 EUR or 2,600 EUR per month – depending on the applicant's academic level and professional experience. Additionally, a standard mobility allowance and payments towards health- and liability insurances are offered.

Additional benefits:

• research cost allowance to the host(s) in Germany of 500 EUR per month
• additional financial support, e.g., for accompanying family members, for travel costs, health insurance or an additional German language course
• a number of events
• Europe allowance for a stay of 1 to 2 months at an institute in a European country other than Germany (however, not the fellow's country of origin), provided that such a stay is necessary for completing the research project
• extensive alumni support

All application forms and further information can be found here.

Applications are accepted from March to 15 October of each year.