German Chancellor Fellowship: Process, Eligibility & More

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards the German chancellor fellowship. This fellowship is granted to outstanding young professionals from India who have demonstrated leadership potential in their respective fields. The fellowship allows recipients to spend one year in Germany and work on their research projects in their area of expertise. 

Note: The German Chancellor Fellowship is also available for candidates from the United States, the People's Republic of China, Brazil and South Africa.

German Chancellor Fellowship: Eligibility Criteria

German chancellor fellowship eligibility criteria for Indian applicants are listed below. You need to fulfill these conditions to be eligible to apply. 

• Bachelor's degree gained no more than 12 years before the commencement of the program (Fellowship commences on 1st October of the year following the application)
• Previous employment or relevant work experience in politics, governance, society or culture and have creative leadership experience.
• English Language Skills or German language skills and valid certificates.
• Motivation Letter or Statement of Purpose.
• Project proposal and plan with detailed objective, short note and timeline. It has to be independently developed by the applicant. It should have social relevance and significance, and the project should be able to solve a relevant problem and reduce the gap between Germany and their home country. The project has to be discussed with the host university and agreed upon before submission of the fellowship application. 
• Detailed acceptance letter with the project proposal from the host university's expert or professor and supervision confirmation.
• Two Letters of Recommendation. It can be an academic, professional or personal reference issued no longer than 12 months ago.  

German Chancellor Fellowship: Process

The German Chancellor Fellowship’s application process involves:

• Checking the Eligibility: Before starting the fellowship application, meet all the German chancellor fellowship eligibility requirements. Meeting the requirements is essential to be considered for the program. 
• Project Development: Select a socially responsible topic that aligns with the fellowship’s objectives, prepare a detailed proposal and timeline, and showcase your expertise, leadership skills and vision regarding the project's prospects.
• Finding a Suitable Host Institution: Identify a relevant and suitable host institution in Germany to support the project ideas and initiatives. The host university should be able to supervise and provide the necessary resources and mentorship for the successful completion.  
• Preparation of Documents: Once you have received the confirmation from the host university, you can prepare all the necessary documents mentioned in the eligibility criteria. 
• Submit the Application: Once you have prepared all the documents, you can apply to the official website.
• Interview Process: The most promising applicants will be selected for an online interview. You can present your ideas and projects before them, and the selection committee will be responsible for the final selection decision. 

German Chancellor Fellowship: How to Apply

The application process is entirely online, and you can use the application link here, which is available after the announcement of the program. You are not required to submit the hard copy of documents via post.

The online application contains links where the recommendation letters can be uploaded. You should forward these links to relevant individuals and ensure the letters are uploaded as soon as possible. A confirmation mail will be sent to you once all required documents are received. Applicants without recommendation letters will be considered incomplete and not considered for the fellowship. 

Note: Applications are accepted from March till October 15. Beyond this period, you will have to register for the next round of applications; you will then be notified by e-mail when the next round of applications commences.  

German Chancellor Fellowship: Benefits

The following benefits are associated with the German Chancellor Fellowship.

• The fellowship offers grants to the selected participants. Depending upon your training and career level, you can receive €2,200, €2,500 or €2,700 per month. 
• Additional financial support is available for accompanying family members and for an intensive language course before and during the fellowship.
• Individual support for finding accommodation is provided to all the participants.
• You can also get funding for health insurance and cover the travel costs during your stay in Germany. 
• A monthly research allowance of €500 is provided to the host in Germany.
• The fellowship offers extensive networking opportunities with program alumni, which can benefit your career growth. 
• You will receive funding and allowances for a two-week study tour to connect with fellow program members and explore German culture and society.