DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 offers outstanding postdoctoral researchers a unique opportunity to build an international research profile while maintaining strong ties to Germany’s academic system. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the program provides an 18-month fully funded position at a German university, including a structured international research phase at a leading institution abroad. also check: Rhodes Scholarship 2026
A key feature of the DAAD PRIME Fellowship is the 12-month international research stay, which allows fellows to gain valuable global research experience and collaborate with top international institutions. This is followed by a mandatory return phase in Germany, ensuring smooth reintegration into Germany’s scientific community. Through this structure, the fellowship strengthens both international mobility and long-term academic career prospects in Germany.
The Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (PRIME) is designed for researchers who aspire to establish a long-term career in Germany. In addition to international research exposure, fellows are employed by a German university, benefiting from full social security coverage and professional development opportunities. By combining mobility, stability, and career support, the DAAD PRIME Fellowship serves as a powerful pathway for postdoctoral researchers seeking academic excellence and international impact. check: Schwarzman Scholarship program 2026
Program Structure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Funding Duration | 18 months |
| International Phase | 12 months abroad (one or more research institutions) |
| Return Phase | 6 months in Germany |
| Possible Start Period | Between 01 June 2026 and 01 November 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria
- Have completed their PhD with excellent results before the funding start date
- Apply within six years after the first doctorate (parental/care leave considered)
- Have at least one publication (co-authorship accepted)
- Follow the mobility rule – must not have lived or worked in the chosen country for over 12 months in the past 3 years before the application deadline
- Be committed to a long-term research career in Germany
- Have a German university host willing to employ them during the funding period
Benefits of the DAAD PRIME Fellowship
- Salary: 18-month employment contract under German TV-L E13 pay scale
- Expatriate allowance based on destination country and gross income
- Travel allowance for fellows, spouses, and children (if accompanying for at least one month)
- Research freedom to choose host institutions abroad
- Professional integration into Germany’s scientific network
Application Documents Required
- Completed application form (via DAAD portal)
- CV in tabular format
- Career plan (max 1 page)
- Research project summary (half page) + keywords
- Detailed research proposal (7-8 pages)
- Time schedule (e.g., Gantt chart)
- Binding declaration from the German host university
- Invitation letters from German and foreign hosts
- Degree certificates (PhD + Master or equivalent)
- Publication list (mark top 3 publications)
- Summary of PhD thesis (1-2 pages)
- Ethics checklist
- Language certificates (if applicable)
- One confidential recommendation letter
Key Dates
- Call opens: May 2025
- Deadline: 29 August 2025
- Results: Mid-March 2026
- Earliest start: 01 June 2026
- Latest start: 01 November 2026
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the DAAD PRIME Fellowship Portal. Ensure all documents are in PDF format and in English. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Why You Should Apply
The DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 is more than just funding it’s a career booster. You’ll get international research experience, strengthen your professional network, and integrate into Germany’s top research environment. With full salary, travel support, and research freedom, this is one of the most attractive postdoctoral opportunities worldwide. check: gates scholarship 2026
