Are you an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher looking to broaden your academic experience on a global scale? The DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025-26 offers you the chance to advance your research abroad while staying professionally connected to Germany. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this prestigious fellowship supports postdoctoral researchers across all disciplines with an 18-month contract, alongwith a fully-funded 12-month international research stay as well as a 6-month reintegration phase in Germany. If your long-term career goals are rooted in Germany and you aim to sharpen your global research network, this program is tailored for you.

About DAAD and the PRIME Program

The Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) is one of the world’s largest funding organizations supporting international academic exchange. DAAD’s Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (PRIME) program provides structured support for postdocs to conduct high-impact research outside Germany while being formally employed by a German university. The fellowship not only covers your salary but also supports your reintegration into the German academic system, ensuring long-term career development.

DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025-26 Overview

Feature	Details
Name of Fellowship	DAAD PRIME (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience)
Host Organization	DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
Duration	18 months (12 months abroad + 6 months in Germany)
Application Deadline	August 29, 2025
Fellowship Start Dates	Between June 1 – November 1, 2026
Who Can Apply	Researchers of all nationalities with a completed doctorate
Funded Fields	All disciplines
Type of Funding	Full employment contract + travel + allowances

Fellowship Benefits

• Full-time, fixed-term employment contract at a German university
• 12-month international research phase at one or multiple foreign institutions
• 6-month reintegration phase in Germany for continuity
• Salary aligned with German public service pay scale TV-L E13
• Expatriate allowance based on destination and gross income
• Lump-sum travel grant for the fellow and accompanying spouse/children
• Eligibility for additional allowances for dependents
• Strong career-building support through global mobility and reintegration

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants of any nationality or field may apply
• Doctoral degree must be completed with excellent academic records
• You must apply within 6 years of your PhD completion (extensions for parental/care leave possible)
• At least one publication (co-authorship accepted) is required
• Must comply with mobility rule (research stay must be outside Germany)
• For EU researchers, it is allowed to choose countries outside the EU for the mobility phase
• Non-EU researchers must choose a country within the EU
• You have to show your long-term intent to pursue your academic career in Germany
• Not eligible if already permanently employed at the proposed host university in Germany

Required Documents

All documents must be uploaded via the DAAD Application Portal:

• Completed online application form
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Career development plan (max 1 page)
• Abstract of proposed research (half page)
• Full research proposal (coordinated with host institutions)
• Gantt chart or timeline for the 18-month research cycle
• Invitation letters from both German and foreign hosts
• Declaration of host university (Germany)
• Copies of PhD and Master’s degree certificates with transcripts
• Publication list
• Summary of doctoral thesis (1–2 pages)
• Ethics issues checklist (DAAD format)
• Language certificates (if applicable)
• Confidential letter of recommendation from a professor
• Application document checklist

How to Apply for DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025-26

1. Visit the official DAAD PRIME webpage
2. Choose a German host university and foreign research institution
3. Prepare the research proposal in consultation with both host institutions
4. Gather and scan all required documents
5. Apply online through the DAAD portal before August 29, 2025

Comparison with Similar Fellowships

Fellowship Name	Funding Duration	Host Country Requirement	Salary Provided	Reintegration Phase	Eligibility
DAAD PRIME	18 months	Germany + international	Yes (TV-L E13)	6 months in Germany	All fields, PhD
Marie Skłodowska-Curie (IF)	2 years	European host institution	Yes	No	All fields, PhD
Humboldt Fellowship	Up to 2 years	Germany	Yes	No	All fields, PhD
Fulbright Scholar	Varies (up to 1 year)	U.S. abroad programs	Yes	No	U.S. citizens

FAQs about DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025-26

1. Is DAAD PRIME open to non-German citizens?
   Yes, applicants of all nationalities can apply.
2. Am I allowed to select any country for the research stay abroad?
   Yes, but non-EU citizens must choose an EU country for the 12-month mobility phase.
3. Is there an age limit for applying?
   There is no formal age limit, but applicants must apply within 6 years of receiving their PhD.
4. What if I have family? Can they accompany me?
   Yes, spouses and children are eligible for a travel subsidy if they accompany you for at least one month.
5. Having a permanent job offer from a German university is acceptable for applying?
   No, applicants with a permanent contract at the proposed German host university are not eligible.
6. Is the reintegration phase in Germany mandatory?
   Yes, the final 6 months must be spent at the German host university.
7. Do I need to upload my recommendation letter myself?
   No, it must be submitted confidentially via DAAD’s recommendation form by your referee.
8. How competitive is the PRIME fellowship?
   It is highly competitive, requiring an excellent academic record and a compelling research proposal.
9. Can I reapply if rejected once?
   Yes, but only one reapplication is allowed within two years of the original submission.
10. Do I need to submit a language certificate?
    Only if your research requires specific language proficiency.

If you’re a highly motivated postdoc ready to expand your global research experience and secure your future academic career in Germany, the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025-26 is a golden opportunity. Make sure to prepare your documents well in advance and connect with your host institutions early to align your research plans. APPLY NOW.