DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 in Germany | Fully Funded Research Opportunity for Postdoctoral Scholars
Applications are now open for the prestigious DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26, a highly competitive and fully funded international research fellowship designed to support postdoctoral researchers who aim to establish long-term academic careers in Germany. Administered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this unique program provides selected fellows with an opportunity to conduct independent research both abroad and at a German university.
With a total fellowship duration of 18 months, the program includes a 12-month research stay at a host institution outside of Germany, followed by a 6-month reintegration phase at a German higher education institution. This structured design not only promotes international collaboration but also facilitates career reintegration into the German research landscape.
This fellowship is open to applicants from all nationalities, making it one of the most inclusive and attractive postdoctoral fellowship programs in Europe.
Summary of Key Details
- Host Country: Germany
- Research Location: International (12 months abroad) + Germany (6 months reintegration)
- Fellowship Duration: 18 months
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Target Group: Postdoctoral researchers from all nationalities
- Monthly Compensation: €5,000 to €6,400 (pre-tax)
- Fellowship Cycle Deadline: 29 August 2025
- Program Organizer: DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)
- Funding Body: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany
- Fields: Open to all disciplines
- Official Website: DAAD PRIME Fellowship
What Is the Structure of the DAAD PRIME Fellowship?
The PRIME Fellowship (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience) consists of two core components:
1. International Research Stay – 12 Months
During the first 12 months, the fellow will conduct research at a non-German host institution, which must be identified and confirmed during the application process. This phase fosters international academic cooperation and exposure to global research networks.
2. Return Phase in Germany – 6 Months
Following the international stay, fellows must return to a German university or research institution for the final 6 months. This reintegration phase aims to support the fellow’s long-term academic development in Germany and ensure continuity in their research career.
Financial Benefits of the PRIME Fellowship (Fully Funded)
The DAAD PRIME Fellowship offers extensive financial support, allowing fellows to focus entirely on their research goals. Benefits include:
- Formal employment contract with the German host institution for 18 months
- Gross monthly salary ranging from €5,000 to €6,400 (pre-tax), based on standard academic salary scales
- Monthly allowance to support living expenses during the 12-month research stay abroad
- One-time travel lump sum for international mobility
These comprehensive funding elements make it one of the top fully funded fellowships in Europe for postdoctoral researchers.
Eligibility Criteria for PRIME Fellowship 2025/26
To qualify for this prestigious fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Open to candidates of all nationalities
- Academic Qualification: Must hold a completed doctorate or be in the final stages of completing their doctoral degree (with excellent academic standing)
- Postdoctoral Experience: Applicants can apply within six years of completing their first doctoral degree; extensions are possible for parental or caregiving leave
- Research Publication: At least one peer-reviewed publication is required
- Career Objective: A Clear intent to pursue a long-term academic career in Germany is mandatory
- Mobility Requirement: Must not have resided or worked in the proposed foreign host country for more than 12 months during the 36 months before the application deadline
- Host Institution Commitments: Candidates must secure letters of commitment (invitations) from both:
- A German host institution (for the reintegration phase)
- A foreign host institution (for the international research phase)
Required Documents for Application
The application package must be submitted via the DAAD online portal and should include:
- Completed online application form
- Detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
- Career development plan aligned with long-term academic goals in Germany
- Abstract and full proposal of the planned research project
- Schedule covering the entire fellowship duration
- Letter of commitment from the German host institution
- Invitation letter from the foreign research institution
- Copies of degree certificates and academic transcripts
- List of publications
- Summary of the doctoral thesis
- Signed ethics checklist
- Language proficiency certificate (if required by host institution)
- A letter of recommendation from a senior academic or previous supervisor
Timeline for DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26
- Application Deadline: 29 August 2025
- Selection Results: March 2026
- Virtual Orientation Program: March or April 2026
- Earliest Start Date: 1 June 2026
- Latest Start Date: 1 November 2026
How to Apply for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship?
To apply for the PRIME Fellowship 2025/26, applicants must follow the detailed instructions provided on the official DAAD portal:
- Visit the DAAD official program page: DAAD PRIME Fellowship
- Download and review the current call for applications and guidelines
- Prepare all required documents
- Complete the online application form and upload all necessary materials before the deadline
It is highly recommended that applicants start early to secure host institution invitations and finalize all documents in time.
Why Choose the DAAD PRIME Fellowship?
The PRIME Fellowship is ideal for early-career researchers seeking to establish international collaborations while preparing for a permanent academic position in Germany. It distinguishes itself from other fellowships by offering:
- A fully funded research experience abroad and in Germany
- A structured reintegration phase that supports career development in the German academic system
- Formal employment status with benefits during the fellowship
- Opportunities for networking with leading research institutions worldwide
Conclusion
The DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 presents an unparalleled opportunity for postdoctoral scholars from around the world to pursue high-impact research while strategically positioning themselves for a long-term academic future in Germany. The fellowship offers financial stability, global exposure, and institutional support for reintegration into the German research landscape.
Interested candidates should begin preparations well in advance to ensure a competitive application and secure invitations from both foreign and German research institutions.
For further information and to begin the application process, please visit the official page:
Apply for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship
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