Apply for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship Program 2025/2026 and receive funding for a 12-month research stay abroad plus a 6-month reintegration phase in Germany. Open to postdocs of all nationalities with career goals in Germany.
The DAAD PRIME Fellowship Program 2025/2026 offers a unique opportunity for postdoctoral researchers who aspire to establish a long-term academic career in Germany. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this programme supports international mobility combined with reintegration into the German science system through an 18-month employment contract at a German university.
The programme enables qualified postdocs to conduct independent research abroad for 12 months, followed by a mandatory six-month return phase in Germany. This structure aims to enhance global experience while strengthening ties to German research institutions.
Table of Contents
Summary: DAAD PRIME Fellowship Program
| Fellowship Name | DAAD PRIME Fellowship Program 2025/2026 |
|---|---|
| Host Organisation | DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) |
| Funding Type | Full funding (salary + allowances) |
| Eligibility | Postdoctoral researchers of all nationalities |
| Eligible Courses | All academic disciplines |
| Duration | 18 months (12 months abroad + 6 months in Germany) |
| Salary | TV-L EG 13 (€70,000–€80,000 annually, approx.) |
| Application Deadline | 29 August 2025 |
| Start Date | Between 1 June 2026 – 1 November 2026 |
| Official Call for Applications | DAAD PRIME 2025/26 PDF |
What the DAAD PRIME Fellowship Covers
The DAAD PRIME Fellowship includes the following benefits:
- Salary: Temporary 18-month employment contract at a German university, paid according to TV-L EG 13 scale (€70,000–€80,000 depending on experience).
- Monthly Expatriate Allowance: Amount based on your gross income and the destination’s cost-of-living classification.
- Travel Allowance: A lump sum travel subsidy for postdocs, spouses, and children (if they accompany the fellow for at least one month abroad).
- Reintegration Phase: A compulsory six-month return phase at the German host institution.
- Flexible Location: The 12-month research stay abroad can be split between multiple countries or institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/2026, applicants must:
- Hold a completed doctorate with excellent results (before funding starts).
- Be within six years of their first doctoral degree.
- Intend to pursue a long-term research career in Germany.
- Be willing to conduct a 12-month research stay abroad, followed by a 6-month return phase in Germany.
- Not have a permanent contract with the host institution at the time of application.
- Be of any nationality (German and international postdocs may apply).
- Have above-average qualifications from any academic discipline.
🔔 Note: Candidates living abroad must state a clear intention to return and work in Germany post-fellowship.
Eligible Courses and Disciplines
The DAAD PRIME Fellowship is open to all fields of research, including but not limited to:
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
- Arts
- Law
- Environmental Studies
- Education
- Computer Science
Selection Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 12 May 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 29 August 2025 |
| Selection Decision | February 2026 |
| Start of Fellowship | Between 1 June – 1 November 2026 |
Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
- Completed Application Form
- EU standard CV
- Binding declaration from a German host university (form required)
- Invitation letter from the German host institution
- Detailed time schedule for research in both countries
- Research proposal (independently prepared)
- Letter of recommendation (confidential, from a professor)
- Short project abstract
- Career plan (maximum one page)
How to Apply for DAAD PRIME Fellowship Program 2025/2026
- Download the official Call for Applications PDF.
- Prepare all required documents as listed.
- Submit your completed application according to the instructions in the PDF.
For further details, contact:
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Section ST43 – Research Programmes / PRIME
Kennedyallee 50
53175 Bonn
Germany
📧 Email: prime@daad.de
FAQs DAAD PRIME Fellowship Program 2025/2026
Who is eligible to apply for DAAD PRIME?
Postdoctoral researchers from any country who have completed their doctorate within the last six years and aim to build a research career in Germany.
Is the programme open to all disciplines?
Yes, the fellowship is open to all fields of study and research.
Can I choose more than one institution abroad?
Yes, the 12-month research stay can involve multiple institutions and countries.
What is the value of the stipend and salary?
Fellows receive a TV-L EG 13 level salary (€70,000–€80,000 annually) plus monthly expatriate and travel allowances.
Is the return phase in Germany mandatory?
Yes, the 6-month reintegration phase at a German university is compulsory.
Can family members join me during the research stay abroad?
Yes, and they are eligible for the travel subsidy if they stay with you for at least one month.