DAAD PRIME Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025/26, Germany
About the Fellowship
The DAAD PRIME (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience) Fellowship 2025/26 supports internationally mobile postdoctoral researchers by funding a unique 18-month position that includes a 12-month research stay abroad followed by a 6-month reintegration phase in Germany. Funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and administered by DAAD, this program is academically valuable, fostering independent research, promoting cross-border academic collaboration, and encouraging long-term integration into the German research ecosystem. It aligns with Germany’s vision of global scientific exchange and strengthening academic networks.
Fellowship Details
- Position: DAAD PRIME Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Institution: German host university (chosen by applicant)
- Administering Body: DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service
- Location: Based in Germany + Research stay abroad (any country except Germany)
- Research field: All disciplines
- Type: Full-time, Fellowship
- Duration: 18 months (12 months abroad + 6 months in Germany)
- Start Date (Anticipated): Between June and November 2026
- Working Hours: As per institutional norms (typically full-time)
- Funding/Compensation:
- TV-L E13 German university salary (18 months)
- Monthly international mobility allowance (zone-based)
- Travel allowance for researcher and family (if applicable)
- Health and accident insurance included
- Required Degree/Diploma: Doctorate
Research Areas Supported
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Health Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Research
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD completed with excellent results before funding begins
- Strong research and publication record
- Must not have resided or worked in the host country abroad for more than 12 months during the past 3 years
- Open to researchers of all nationalities
- Applicant must not hold a permanent position at the intended German host institution
Preferred Qualifications:
- International academic experience
- Evidence of interdisciplinary research
- Identified mentors and institutional support in both host countries
- Career plan oriented toward research in Germany
Not Eligible:
- Applicants with permanent contracts at the German host institution
- Candidates who do not meet the mobility requirement
- Incomplete applications
Fellowship Benefits
- Visa sponsorship support
- Monthly salary as per TV-L E13
- International mobility and travel allowances
- Health and accident insurance
- Dependent travel cost support (if family accompanies for at least 1 month)
- Research development and networking opportunities
- Institutional mentoring in both Germany and abroad
Key Responsibilities
- Design and conduct an independent research project abroad
- Maintain active collaboration with German host institution
- Participate in academic publishing and dissemination of findings
- Reintegrate into German academic system during final 6 months
- Maintain compliance with ethical standards and scientific best practices
Application Process
How to Apply:
- Apply through the DAAD online portal
- Coordinate with both German and international host institutions
- All documents must be submitted in PDF format in English
Application Portal:
https://portal.daad.de
Required Documents:
- Completed DAAD application form
- CV with full academic history
- Project summary and detailed proposal (max. 8 pages)
- Career development plan (1 page)
- Time schedule/Gantt chart
- Letters of support from both host institutions
- Ethics checklist
- Reference letter from doctoral advisor or senior academic
- Degree certificates (PhD and Master’s)
- Publication list with key works highlighted
- Dissertation summary (1–2 pages)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: May 2025
- Deadline: August 29, 2025 (23:59 CET)
- Interview Period: Not applicable (document-based review)
- Final Results Notification: March 2026
- Start of Fellowship: Between June and November 2026
Where to Apply
- Institution Website: https://www.daad.de/prime
- Fellowship/Job Posting: DAAD PRIME 2025/26 Call
- Application Portal: https://portal.daad.de
- 📧 Contact for Queries: prime@daad.de
