If you’re an early-career researcher looking to build a long-term academic career in Germany, the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2027-2028 is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss. Offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), this prestigious programme supports outstanding postdoctoral researchers from all academic disciplines through an 18-month funding model. The fellowship combines a 12-month international research stay with a mandatory six-month reintegration phase in Germany, helping researchers strengthen their global research profile while continuing their academic careers within the German research system. Along with international research experience, fellows receive employment on the German TV-L E13 pay scale, generous financial support, and access to Germany’s world-class research environment.

What This Fellowship Offers

The DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2027 is more than a traditional research grant. Instead of providing only a scholarship, the programme offers full employment through a German university while supporting international research mobility. Successful fellows receive a salary based on the German TV-L E13 pay scale, with an expected monthly income of approximately €5,000–€6,400 before tax. During the 12-month research stay abroad, fellows also receive an expatriate allowance of approximately €1,500–€2,800 per month, depending on their destination and salary level. The programme includes a 12-month research placement at an eligible institution outside Germany, followed by a six-month reintegration phase at a German university. Fellows are also integrated into the German social security system, and eligible researchers with chronic illnesses or disabilities may receive up to €10,000 in additional accessibility support.

In some cases, funding may begin with a one-month starting phase in Germany before the 12-month international research stay, followed by a five-month reintegration period.

Who Can Apply for DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2027?

The fellowship is open to excellent postdoctoral researchers from all academic disciplines and nationalities, although restrictions may apply to the choice of the research host country. Applicants must have completed their PhD with excellent results before the fellowship begins and should generally be within six years of earning their doctorate, with eligible parental or care leave taken into account. You must have spent at least three of the previous five years studying or working within the German higher education or research system and have at least one academic publication, including co-authored work. Applicants must not hold a permanent position at their proposed German host university and should demonstrate a clear intention to continue their academic career in Germany after completing the fellowship. In addition, you must not have lived or worked in your intended host country for more than 12 of the previous 36 months.

How to Apply for DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2027-28?

The DAAD PRIME application portal is expected to open in January 2027, with applications closing in mid-April 2027. Before applying, you’ll need to secure invitations from both your German host institution and your international research host, as well as a commitment from a German university to employ you throughout the 18-month fellowship period. A complete application generally includes an online application form, a detailed CV, a career plan, a research summary, a full research proposal, a research timeline, academic transcripts and degree certificates, a publication list highlighting your three most relevant publications, a summary of your doctoral thesis, an ethics declaration, language certification where required, and one confidential academic recommendation letter. All documents must be submitted in English through the DAAD online portal in PDF format. The earliest fellowship start date is 1 April 2028, while the latest possible start date is 1 September 2028.

Key Details at a Glance

Particular	Information
Fellowship	DAAD PRIME Fellowship
Target Group	Excellent postdoctoral researchers
Academic Fields	All academic disciplines
Nationality	No general nationality restriction
Funding Model	18 months
Research Abroad	12 months
Reintegration in Germany	6 months
Expected Salary	Approximately €5,000–€6,400 per month before tax
Expatriate Allowance	Approximately €1,500–€2,800 per month
Additional Accessibility Support	Up to €10,000 where applicable
Portal Opens	January 2027
Application Deadline	Mid-April 2027
Earliest Funding Start	1 April 2028
Latest Funding Start	1 September 2028

If you are an excellent postdoctoral researcher seeking international research experience while building your academic career in Germany, the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2027-2028 offers a unique opportunity to combine employment, international mobility, and structured reintegration. The portal is expected to open in January 2027, with applications closing in mid-April 2027. Check the official DAAD PRIME Fellowship information page for applicants for the latest requirements and application instructions.

Subscribe to our platform for more international fellowships, postdoctoral opportunities, research grants, and academic funding programmes. All of these are to help researchers build successful global careers.