The DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025–26 offers a prestigious opportunity for postdoctoral researchers worldwide to pursue an international research stay with full support. This fully funded fellowship program, supported by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), allows postdocs to conduct independent research abroad while being employed at a German university.
With its unique structure—12 months abroad followed by a 6-month reintegration phase in Germany—this fellowship program is designed to strengthen Germany’s scientific network and promote academic excellence globally.
The DAAD PRIME Fellowship provides an ideal platform for postdoctoral researchers who are committed to building a long-term academic career in Germany while gaining valuable international experience. The program ensures full financial coverage, including salary, expatriate allowances, and travel grants for the fellow and accompanying family members. You can also apply for the United Nations Nippon Foundation Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)
DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025–26 Details:
- Host Country: Germany (with 12-month research stay abroad)
- Funded by: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
- Organized by: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)
- Study Level: Postdoctoral Research
- Program Duration: 18 Months
- Eligible Nationalities: Open to all nationalities
Benefits of the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025–26:
- 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
Check UBC Fellowships in Canada 2025-2026 (Funded)
Eligibility Criteria for DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025–26:
- 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:
- Deadline: 29 August 2025
- Results Announced: March 2026
- Orientation Meeting: March/April 2026 (Virtual)
- Earliest Fellowship Start Date: 1 June 2026
Check ETH Pioneer Fellowship 2025 in Switzerland | Zurich University
How to Apply for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025–26?
Follow these steps to apply successfully:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the DAAD PRIME official portal.
- Register on the Portal: Use the DAAD scholarship database for Germans (PRIME fellows are employed in Germany).
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in all required information about your academic background, research plan, and host institutions.
- Upload Required Documents: Prepare and upload all documents in PDF format. Make sure to use English for all documents (except certificates with translations if needed).
- Submit Before Deadline: Submit your complete application by 29 August 2025.
