DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 Offers Fully Funded Postdoctoral Research in Germany

Applications are now being accepted for the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) PRIME Fellowship 2025/26, a fully funded program designed to support international postdoctoral researchers seeking to conduct independent research at German universities. The fellowship provides an 18-month opportunity, including a 12-month research stay abroad followed by a mandatory 6-month reintegration phase at a German university, aimed at facilitating a return to the German academic landscape. This initiative, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), is open to candidates from all nationalities and specifically targets researchers aspiring to a long-term academic career in Germany. The deadline for applications is August 29, 2025.

Fellowship Details

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

Financial Support

The DAAD PRIME Fellowship offers comprehensive financial support, including:

An employment contract with a salary range of €5,000 – €6,400 per month (pre-tax). A monthly allowance while living outside Germany for 12 months. A lump sum travel allowance.

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship is structured as follows:

12 Months: Research stay at a suitable research institution outside of Germany. 6 Months: Mandatory return phase at a German university.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Nationality: Open to all nationalities. Doctorate Completion: Must have completed a doctorate with excellent results before the funding period begins. Applications are accepted from those in the final stages of their doctorate. Post-Doctorate Timeframe: Applicants can apply up to six years after obtaining their first doctorate, with allowances for parental or care periods. Publication Requirement: Must have at least one peer-reviewed publication. Long-Term Career in Germany: A clear intention to pursue a long-term professional academic career in Germany is essential. Mobility Rule (Foreign Host Country): Applicants must not have resided or worked in their 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: Applicants are responsible for securing firm commitments (e.g., invitation letters) from both a German host university and a foreign host institution for each phase of the program.

Timeline and Cycle

Selection: Mid-March 2026 Orientation meeting for new fellows: March/April 2026 (virtual) Fellowship Earliest starting date: June 1, 2026 Fellowship Latest starting date: November 1, 2026

Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application:

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

Interested candidates should follow the step-by-step application process detailed on the DAAD website. The official website provides further information and the application portal.

Expert Perspective on the Importance of Postdoctoral Fellowships

Dr. Anya Sharma, a professor of Higher Education at the University of Berlin, emphasizes the critical role of postdoctoral fellowships like the DAAD PRIME in fostering international collaboration and career development. "Postdoctoral fellowships are essential stepping stones for early-career researchers. They provide the time and resources necessary to develop independent research agendas, build international networks, and enhance their competitiveness for faculty positions. The PRIME fellowship, with its emphasis on both international experience and reintegration into the German academic system, is particularly valuable in preparing researchers for long-term success in Germany," she notes. Dr. Sharma also highlights the historical context, explaining that Germany has a long tradition of supporting international scholars, recognizing the benefits of diverse perspectives in advancing research and innovation.

The Evolution of Research Funding in Germany

The DAAD PRIME Fellowship is part of a broader trend in Germany to internationalize its research landscape. Historically, German universities relied heavily on government funding. However, in recent decades, there has been a push towards competitive funding models, such as fellowships and grants, to attract top talent from around the world. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the importance of international collaboration in addressing complex global challenges. According to a recent report by the German Research Foundation (DFG), international researchers contribute significantly to the quality and impact of German research, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise that enhance innovation and discovery.