DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 – Fully Funded Postdoctoral Research in Germany

DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 offers outstanding postdoctoral researchers the chance to work in Germany while spending 12 months at top international research institutions. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this program provides an 18-month fully funded position with a German university and a mandatory return phase for reintegration into Germany’s scientific community.

About the DAAD PRIME Fellowship

The Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (PRIME) supports researchers aiming for a long-term career in Germany. It combines an international research stay with employment at a German university, ensuring social security coverage and professional development.

Program Structure

• 18 months total funding
• 12 months abroad at one or more research institutions
• 6 months return phase in Germany
• Possible start between 01 June 2026 and 01 November 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• 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

check: Chevening Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded Master’s Study in the UK

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 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: 2026 KF Fellowship – Fully Funded Opportunity in Korea