PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 in Germany by DAAD (Fully Funded)

Are you a postdoctoral researcher aspiring to build a long-term academic career in Germany? The PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 offered by DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) presents an excellent opportunity for international researchers to carry out independent research while gaining exposure to both German and international research institutions. This fully funded fellowship, supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), allows scholars to experience a unique 18-month research journey — 12 months abroad followed by 6 months of reintegration in Germany.

Let’s explore all the key details of the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26, including benefits, eligibility, structure, and how to apply.

🌍 Program Overview

Host Country: Germany (with a research stay abroad)
Program Duration: 18 months
- 12 months abroad
- 6 months reintegration in Germany
Funding Organization: DAAD, supported by BMBF
Target Group: International Postdoctoral Researchers
Deadline to Apply: August 29, 2025

💰 Fellowship Benefits: Fully Funded Financial Support

The DAAD PRIME Fellowship offers generous financial support to ensure researchers can focus entirely on their projects without financial stress. The support includes:

Employment contract with a German university during the entire 18-month period
Monthly gross salary ranging from €5,000 to €6,400 (depending on experience and host institution)
Additional monthly allowance for the 12-month stay abroad
Lump sum travel allowance for international mobility
Comprehensive health, accident, and personal liability insurance during the stay abroad

This funding structure supports a high standard of living and research experience, both in Germany and internationally.

🔍 Fellowship Structure

The program has a clearly defined structure aimed at maximizing both international collaboration and reintegration into Germany’s research ecosystem.

1. 12-Month International Research Stay

Participants spend the first year conducting independent research at a host institution outside Germany. This could be a university, research institute, or other recognized research body.

2. 6-Month Reintegration Phase in Germany

After completing the international phase, fellows return to their German host university to continue their research and transition back into the German academic system.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26, candidates must meet the following requirements:

General Requirements:

Open to all nationalities
A completed doctorate (Ph.D.) before the fellowship begins. Applicants in the final stages may also apply.
Applicants must not have lived or worked in the proposed foreign host country for more than 12 months in the last 3 years before the application deadline.
The candidate must show a clear intention to pursue a long-term academic career in Germany.
A strong academic background, evidenced by at least one peer-reviewed publication.

Additional Notes:

A mobility rule applies — those who have already spent considerable time in the proposed host country abroad may not qualify.
The applicant is responsible for arranging commitments from both a German host university and a foreign research institution.

🏫 Host Institutions

Applicants must obtain formal invitation letters from:

A German university that will host them during the reintegration phase
A foreign research institution for the international research stay

These letters must outline the institution’s willingness to host and support the research project. Without both commitments, the application will not be considered complete.

📑 Required Documents

An online application must be submitted via the DAAD portal, along with the following documents:

Completed online application form
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Detailed career development plan
Abstract of research project
Comprehensive research proposal
Timeline of research activities
Invitation letters from both German and foreign host institutions
Degree certificates and transcripts
List of publications
Summary of doctoral thesis
Signed ethics checklist
Language certificate (if applicable)
Letter of recommendation

Each document plays a vital role in demonstrating your research capabilities and commitment to a future academic career in Germany.

📅 Important Dates & Application Timeline

Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
Selection Process: Mid-March 2026
Virtual Orientation: March–April 2026
Fellowship Start Window: Between June 1 and November 1, 2026

Applicants are advised to apply well before the deadline and begin securing their host institution agreements early.

🧭 Why Choose the DAAD PRIME Fellowship?

The PRIME Fellowship is more than just funding — it’s a career-building opportunity that combines global exposure with reintegration into Germany’s thriving academic environment. Here’s why this fellowship stands out:

Boost your academic reputation through collaboration with global experts
Strengthen international networks that last a lifetime
Experience two world-class research systems (Germany and the host country abroad)
Position yourself for permanent roles in German universities or research institutions

The structured 18-month format offers both flexibility and career stability — a rare combination in postdoctoral fellowships.

📝 How to Apply?

Applications are to be submitted via the official DAAD application portal. Follow these steps:

Visit the official DAAD PRIME Fellowship page.
Register on the DAAD Portal.
Prepare all required documents in the specified formats.
Submit your completed application before the deadline (August 29, 2025).

Make sure you follow the DAAD’s application guidelines and check for updates on document requirements or eligibility clarifications.

📌 Final Thoughts

The DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 in Germany is a prestigious opportunity designed to attract and retain global talent in the German academic and research ecosystem. With a well-structured format, financial stability, and exposure to global institutions, it provides the perfect foundation for postdoctoral researchers seeking long-term success in academia.

If you have a compelling research idea, international ambitions, and a desire to shape your future in Germany, this is the fellowship to aim for.