Are you an ambitious postdoctoral researcher looking to build a long-term academic future in Germany while gaining invaluable international experience? The DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 is your gateway to global research mobility, career advancement, and cross-cultural scientific exchange. This comprehensive blog answers every question, from eligibility and benefits to application tips and living costs — all with top keywords to boost your search visibility.
Basic Information About the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26
The DAAD PRIME (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience) is a prestigious, fully funded fellowship for postdoctoral researchers worldwide. Designed and funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), it offers 18 months of support: a 12-month research stay at a host institution abroad and a 6-month reintegration phase at a German university.
- Duration: 18 months (12 abroad + 6 in Germany).
- Application Deadline: August 29, 2025.
- Fellowship Start: Between June 1 and November 1, 2026.
- Level: Postdoctoral research.
- Eligibility: All nationalities, all disciplines (non-restriction by citizenship or field).
University/Institution Details
- Host Institutions in Germany: Any German university can act as the host. Non-university research institutions (e.g., Max Planck, Helmholtz, Fraunhofer, Leibniz) can be part of the research plan in coordination with a German university.
- Abroad Host Institution: Choose any suitable foreign research entity worldwide, with some restrictions based on residency and mobility rules.
Study Areas: Available Program Names
The DAAD PRIME Fellowship is open to ALL academic disciplines. Researchers from natural sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences, medical fields, and interdisciplinary areas are encouraged to apply.
Scholarship Benefits
DAAD PRIME Fellowship provides:
- Full-time employment at a German university for 18 months under the public sector pay scale (TV-L E13).
- Gross monthly salary: €5,000–€6,400 pre-tax.
- 12-month paid research stay abroad at a host institution of your choice.
- 6-month reintegration at a German university.
- Monthly expatriate allowance while abroad (typically $1,600–$3,000; amount varies by region).
- Lump-sum travel allowance for international mobility (covers accompanying spouse/children if applicable).
- Comprehensive academic and admin support.
- Networking opportunities via orientation programs.
- Disability/health support: Up to €10,000 extra for fellows with disabilities or chronic illness.
Benefits Not Included
- No bench fees or research infrastructure costs are covered – these must be provided by the host institution(s).
- No extra family support or child allowance—funding is via a work contract, which may allow for standard tax deductions only.
- No visa costs are paid by DAAD; fellows must bear their own application fees .
- No coverage for personal conference trips or additional research travel (unless you apply separately for DAAD travel programs).
- No costs for supplementary research equipment or consumables.
- No overhead payments for host institutions.
Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship
- Completed PhD (doctorate) with excellent academic results before fellowship start.
- No more than six years since first doctoral award (allowances for parental/caregiving leave).
- At least one peer-reviewed publication.
- Mobility Rule: Cannot have lived or worked in the foreign host country for more than 12 months during the last three years before the application deadline.
- Intention for long-term career in Germany.
- Applicants employed on permanent contracts at the host university are not eligible.
- No age limit, but “scientific age” may be considered.
- Suitable host commitments and invitations required from both German and overseas institutions.
- Language skills sufficient for research locations. No certificate is required if project language is your mother tongue or English.
Required Documents for the Application
Prepare these documents in English (unless certificates are in another language):
- Completed online application form (DAAD portal).
- Tabular CV (no gaps) – EU style recommended.
- Career plan (max 1 page).
- Abstract of research proposal (max ½ page) with keywords and title.
- Full research proposal (max 7–8 pages).
- Timeline (Gantt chart or schedule).
- Commitment letter from German host university.
- Invitation letter from German host.
- Invitation letter from foreign host.
- Degree certificates and transcripts (PhD/Master’s).
- Publication list (highlight 3 key2 publications).
- Summary of PhD thesis (1–2 pages).
- Signed ethics checklist.
- Language certificate (if required).
- Confidential letter of recommendation (university professor, submitted via DAAD portal).
- Checklist of application documents (form).
Scholarship Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the DAAD PRIME Application Portal: Register and select the PRIME program.
- Choose Your Hosts: Secure invitations from both a German university and a suitable foreign institution. Letters must be signed by authorized scientists or officials.
- Complete the Online Application: Fill out the form with all required academic and project details.
- Prepare and Upload Documents: All PDFs in English (translated if needed), except certificates.
- Submit Before Deadline: August 29, 2025, at 23:59 CET. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- Await Results: Notifications go out in March 2026. Orientation seminar follows for successful fellows.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early—give your host institutions weeks to prepare invitation and commitment letters.
- Ensure a strong, gap-free CV. Use the Europass style.
- Develop an original, high-impact research proposal—demonstrate independence and innovation.
- Match with hosts who offer excellent research environments and mentorship.
- Clearly articulate your long-term academic career plans in Germany.
- Check all documents for completeness and clarity. Incomplete applications are automatically excluded.
- Address any career breaks or changes transparently. Show resilience and adaptability.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
Costs in Germany are moderate by European standards:
Applicants must show proof of at least €992/month (≈$1,090) for visa eligibility. Cities like Munich and Frankfurt will be costlier than smaller towns.
Why Choose This Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- Global Mobility: Combine top-tier international and German research experience, making your profile globally competitive.
- Full Funding Security: Benefit from a reliable salary and allowances throughout your posting—no grant uncertainty.
- All Disciplines Welcome: Apply from any field or nationality; STEM, social sciences, humanities, engineering, and more.
- Pathway to German Career: Build a sustainable academic future in Germany with strong institutional support.
- Expert Mentorship & Networking: Grow professionally with two host mentors and DAAD orientation/networking.
Other reasons: comprehensive health/social benefits, opportunities for research independence, inclusivity for disabled/chronic illness researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the DAAD PRIME Fellowship?
A fully funded, 18-month postdoc program: 12 months abroad and 6 months in Germany, for researchers aiming for a German academic career.
Q2. Who is eligible?
Postdocs of all nationalities, under 6 years post-PhD, with at least one publication, and hosts/invitation in both Germany and the foreign country. Permanent employees at their host are not eligible.
Q3. What’s the application deadline?
Q4. Are all disciplines eligible?
Yes, the DAAD PRIME is open to all research fields.
Q5. What does it not cover?
No payment for bench fees, infrastructure, conference travel, visa fees, or extra family allowances (these are not included in the package).
Q6. How competitive is PRIME?
Only around 12% of applicants are accepted—a highly competitive, merit-based process.
Q7. Can you extend or repeat the fellowship?
No. Once funded, you cannot reapply. If rejected, you may submit one improved application the following year, or after 2 years if the project is new.
Ready to supercharge your postdoc career? Apply for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 and open doors to international research, professional success, and a life-changing academic adventure in and beyond Germany!