The DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025–2026 is now open for applications, offering an exceptional and fully funded opportunity for postdoctoral researchers from around the world to advance their academic careers through international research. Organized by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this program is designed to support innovative research while strengthening Germany’s global scientific collaborations.
The fellowship consists of a 12-month international research stay at a host institution outside Germany, followed by a 6-month reintegration phase at a German university. This structure not only promotes academic mobility but also helps fellows integrate into the German academic system for long-term career development.
Fellowship Overview
- Host Country: Germany (with international research stay)
- Funded by: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
- Organized by: German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- Fellowship Duration: 18 months (12 months abroad + 6 months in Germany)
- Level of Study: Postdoctoral research
- Eligible Nationalities: Open to applicants from all countries
Benefits of the DAAD PRIME Fellowship
- Fully funded 18-month employment contract at a German university
- Monthly salary based on the TV-L E13 scale (German public sector pay scale)
- 12-month fully supported research stay at a foreign institution of your choice
- Monthly expatriate allowance adjusted to cost of living in the host country
- Travel allowance for the fellow and family (if joining for at least 1 month)
- Full repatriation and reintegration support during the final 6 months in Germany
- Access to professional academic networks, orientation seminars, and career development opportunities
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to applicants of any nationality
- Applicants must hold a completed doctoral degree before the fellowship begins
- A maximum of 6 years postdoctoral experience (exceptions for parental leave, caregiving, etc.)
- Must have at least one scientific publication (co-authorship is acceptable)
- Mobility requirement: cannot have spent more than 12 months in the host country in the past 3 years
- EU nationals/residents can choose a non-EU host country; non-EU nationals must choose a host country within the EU
- Must demonstrate a long-term academic career commitment in Germany
- Applicants with permanent employment contracts at the German host institution are not eligible
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents in English via the DAAD online portal:
- Completed DAAD online application form
- Detailed CV with no chronological gaps
- Career development plan (1 page)
- Research project abstract (max ½ page)
- Full research proposal (max 7–8 pages)
- Time schedule or Gantt chart
- Commitment letter from the German host university
- Invitation letter from the German research mentor
- Invitation letter from the foreign host institution
- PhD and master’s degree certificates and transcripts
- Complete publication list (highlight three major works)
- Summary of the doctoral thesis (1–2 pages)
- Signed DAAD ethics checklist
- Language certificate (if applicable)
- One confidential letter of recommendation (uploaded separately via the portal)
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: 29 August 2025
- Results Notification: March 2026
- Virtual Orientation Seminar: March/April 2026
- Fellowship Start Date: Earliest possible start is 1 June 2026
How to Apply for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship
Follow these steps to complete your application:
- Review the Requirements: Carefully read all eligibility criteria and required documents.
- Prepare All Documents: Gather and format all required documents in PDF format.
- Register on the DAAD Portal: Use the DAAD online portal designated for PRIME fellowship applications.
- Complete the Application: Fill out the application form with accurate academic and research details.
- Upload and Submit: Upload all documents and submit your complete application before the deadline.
For complete details and to apply, visit the official DAAD PRIME fellowship portal:
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