Those selected as finalists will be notified by their respective country committee between February and June. It contains information on hundreds of funding opportunities for training in biology and medical science. Language classes for those needing instruction in German begin in August. Scholarship holders can be accompanied by spouses and dependent children. The award pays for living and housing expenses, round-trip travel to Germany from the U.S., the fee for a German language course, and certain special meetings and tours connected with the scholarship.
Married scholars receive an additional allowance.
Applicants must be outstanding young U.S. citizens not more than thirty-two years old with demonstrated leadership ability. Undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, and young professionals are all eligible to apply. The Humboldt Foundation prefers candidates in the humanities, social sciences, law, and economics, but science and engineering are not ruled out. German language proficiency is not required, but candidates who have a background in German are considered to be more desirable. Extensive language training is provided before and at the beginning of each scholar's stay in Germany.