The DAAD PRIME Fellowship for 2025/26 is now accepting applications. This fully funded program allows international postdoctoral researchers to conduct independent research at a German university. The fellowship lasts 18 months, including a 12-month research period abroad and a 6-month reintegration phase at a German university to aid in returning to the German science system. The fellowship is open to candidates worldwide who aim for a long-term career in Germany and is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). More information about requirements, benefits, and the application process is available below.

Details About PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 in Germany

• Host Country: Germany
• Location: Germany & Abroad
• Duration: 18 Months
• Benefits: Fully Funded
• Deadline: 29th August 2025

Financial Benefits

The Fellowship Covers:

• An Employment Contract.
• Expected Salary range of € 5,000 – € 6,400 per month pre-tax.
• Monthly Allowance while living outside Germany for 12 Months.
• Lump Sum Travel Allowance.

Structure of the Fellowship

• Total Duration: 18 Months
  • 12 Months: The 12-month research stay abroad for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship can be spent at any suitable research institution outside of Germany.
  • 6 Months: The 6-month mandatory return phase of the DAAD PRIME Fellowship program is spent at a German university.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to All Nationalities: Applicants from any country are eligible to apply.
• Doctorate Completion: Must have completed a doctorate with excellent results before the funding period begins. (Applications are accepted if you are in the final stages of your doctorate.)
• Post-Doctorate Timeframe: You can apply up to six years after obtaining your first doctorate. Allowances are made for parental or care periods.
• Publication Requirement: Must have at least one peer-reviewed publication.
• Long-Term Career in Germany: A crucial requirement is a clear intention to pursue your long-term professional academic career in Germany.
• Mobility Rule (Foreign Host Country): You must not have resided or worked in your proposed foreign host country for more than 12 months in total during the last three years leading up to the application deadline.
• Host Institution Commitments: It is your responsibility to identify and secure firm commitments (e.g., invitation letters) from both a German host university and a foreign host institution for each phase of the program.

Timeline & Cycle

• Selection: mid-March 2026
• Orientation meeting for new fellows: March/April 2026 (virtual)
• Fellowship Earliest starting date: 01 June 2026
• Fellowship Latest starting date: 01 November 2026

Required Documents

• Online Application Form
• CV
• Career Plan
• Research Project Abstract
• Full Research Proposal
• Time Schedule
• Commitment Letter (German host)
• Invitation Letter (German host)
• Invitation Letter (Foreign host)
• Degree Certificates + Transcripts
• Publication List
• Summary of PhD Thesis
• Signed Ethics Checklist
• Language Certificate
• Letter of Recommendation.

How to Apply for the PRIME Fellowship 2025/26?

Please follow the step-by-step application process on the DAAD Website. The Link to the official website is below.