DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025–26 is a fully funded opportunity designed for talented postdoctoral researchers seeking to advance their academic careers through international experience. Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this fellowship supports global research mobility by enabling scholars to undertake a research stay abroad while maintaining employment at a German university.
The program encourages independent, high-quality research and aims to strengthen long-term academic collaboration across borders. With financial support covering travel, living expenses, and employment, the DAAD PRIME Fellowship is an exceptional pathway for researchers committed to global academic excellence and cross-cultural scientific exchange.
Fellowship Summary
- Country: Germany
- Host: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
- Organizer: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
- Study Level: Postdoctoral Research
- Benefit: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 29 August 2025
Benefits of the DAAD PRIME Fellowship
- 18-month employment contract at a German university under pay scale TV-L E13
- 12-month international research stay at a host institution of your choice
- 6-month reintegration phase at the German host university
- Monthly expatriate allowance based on destination and salary
- DAAD lump sum travel allowance (also for spouse/children if accompanying for one month or more)
- Comprehensive administrative and academic support
- Networking opportunities through a virtual orientation seminar
Eligibility Criteria for DAAD PRIME Fellowship
- Everyone from any nationality can apply.
- Must have a completed doctorate with excellent academic results before the fellowship starts.
- Up to 6 years post-PhD (exceptions apply for parental leave, caregiving, etc.).
- Must have at least one scientific publication (co-authorship accepted).
- Must follow the mobility rule: cannot have lived or worked in the proposed host country for more than 12 months in the past 3 years.
- EU nationals/residents can go to non-EU countries; non-EU nationals must conduct their research stay within the EU.
- Must be committed to a long-term academic career in Germany.
- Applicants with permanent contracts at the host institution are not eligible.
Required Documents
- Completed online application form via DAAD portal
- Tabular CV (no gaps, including months and years)
- Career plan (max 1 page)
- Research project abstract (max ½ page with keywords and title)
- Full research proposal (max 7–8 pages)
- Time schedule (e.g., Gantt chart)
- Commitment letter from German host university (Doc 1)
- Invitation letter from German host (Doc 2)
- Invitation letter from foreign host institution
- Degree certificates + transcripts (PhD + Master’s)
- Publication list (highlight 3 key publications)
- Summary of PhD thesis (1–2 pages)
- Signed ethics checklist (Doc 3)
- Language certificate (if required)
- One confidential letter of recommendation (uploaded via DAAD portal)
DAAD PRIME 2025–26 Timeline
- Results Announced: March 2026
- Orientation Meeting: March/April 2026 (Virtual)
- Earliest Fellowship Start Date: 1 June 2026
How to Apply for DAAD PRIME Fellowship
Visit Official Portal: Apply via DAAD PRIME official website
Register on Portal: Use the DAAD scholarship database for German applicants
Fill Out Application: Provide academic background, research plan, and host institution details
Upload Documents: Submit all required PDFs in English (translated certificates if needed)
Submit Before Deadline: Apply online by 29 August 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The DAAD PRIME Fellowship is a highly competitive DAAD programme funding up to 18 months of postdoctoral mobility to Germany, available to eligible international researchers. Only ~12 % of applicants receive support. Details, eligibility, duration and application info are on DAAD’s official site.
What is the DAAD PRIME Fellowship?
The DAAD PRIME Fellowship (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience) offers fixed‑term funding for postdoctoral researchers seeking international mobility via temporary positions at German universities.
Who is eligible for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship?
The fellowship targets postdoctoral researchers of any nationality with above‑average qualifications who plan to build their professional career in Germany. Applicants must have finished their doctorate.
What is the main objective of PRIME?
The PRIME Fellowship enables postdocs to gain international research experience abroad while holding temporary positions at German universities to enhance scientific and methodological skills.
How long is the DAAD PRIME Fellowship duration?
The PRIME Fellowship typically funds postdoctoral positions for up to 18 months, supporting long‑term academic career planning in Germany.
What is the acceptance rate for PRIME?
Selection for PRIME is highly competitive, with an average funding ratio around 12%, reflecting the rigorous selection standards.
How can I find current PRIME fellows?
You can view current and past PRIME fellows on the DAAD website in the “PRIME Fellows 2023/24” list, which is regularly updated with new cohort profiles
How do I apply for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship?
Visit the official DAAD PRIME “Information for Applicants” page to learn application requirements, eligibility and procedures directly from DAAD.
Can researchers from outside Germany apply?
Yes, DAAD PRIME is open to international postdoctoral researchers regardless of nationality, as long as they aim to pursue research in Germany.
What skills does PRIME aim to develop?
The programme supports acquisition of scientific and methodological skills, helps develop research independence and fosters future leadership in academic careers.
Where can I read the official call for 2025/26 applications?
The detailed 2025/26 call is published as a PDF document on DAAD’s PRIME page, outlining objectives, duration, eligibility and application process.
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