Applications for the DAAD PRIME Fellowships 2025/26 in Germany are now open!
This is a fully funded fellowship program for international postdoctoral researchers who wish to pursue their research at a German university. The fellowship is for a duration of 18 months. It includes: 12 months of research in another country. 6 months ago in Germany, to help you continue your career there. People from all over the world can apply. The program is for postdocs who plan to build a long-term research career in Germany. The DAAD PRIME Fellowship is paid for by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
To learn more about who can apply, what the fellowship offers, and how to apply, see the information below.
More Information About PRIME Fellowship in Germany
- Host Country: Germany
- Location: Germany & Abroad
- Duration: 18 Months
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 29th August 2025
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Financial Benefits
The Fellowship Covers:
- Lump Sum Travel Allowance.
- An Employment Contract.
- Monthly Allowance while living outside Germany for 12 Months.
- Expected salary range €5,000 – €6,400 per month before tax.
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Structure of the Fellowship
- Total Duration: 18 Months
- The 12-month research stay abroad for the DAAD Prime Fellowship can be spent at any suitable research institution outside Germany.
- The 6-month mandatory return phase of the DAAD Prime Fellowship programme is spent at a German university.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to All Nationalities: Candidates from all countries are eligible to apply.
- Doctorate Completion: Must have completed a doctorate with the best results before the funding period begins. (Applications are accepted if you are in the final stages of your doctorate.)
- Postdoctoral Timeframe: Applicants can apply up to six years after obtaining their first doctoral degree. Allowances are made 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 your long-term professional academic career in Germany is a key requirement.
- 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 obtain firm commitments (e.g., invitation letters) from both the German host university and the foreign host institution for each stage of the programme.
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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
Documents Required
- CV
- Online Application Form
- Career Plan
- Commitment Letter (German host)
- Invitation Letter (German host)
- Research Project Abstract
- Full Research Proposal
- Time Schedule
- Invitation Letter (Foreign host)
- Letter of Recommendation.
- Degree Certificates + Transcripts
- Summary of PhD Thesis
- Publication List
- Signed Ethics Checklist
- Language Certificate
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How to Apply for the PRIME Fellowship 2025/26?
Please follow the step-by-step application process on the DAAD official Website. The Link to the official website is given below.
