DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025–2026 in Germany (Fully Funded)

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.