DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26 | Fully Funded Scholarship in Germany

The DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025–2026 is a fully funded opportunity for postdoctoral researchers seeking to advance their careers through international collaboration. Designed to combine a 12-month research stay abroad with a 6-month reintegration phase in Germany, this fellowship offers a structured path for academic growth. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), it provides a competitive salary under the TV-L E13 scale, mobility and travel allowances, and full social security coverage. If you’re aiming to strengthen your research profile and build long-term academic ties in Germany, this program is one of the most strategic fellowships available today.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Germany
• Host University: Universities in Germany
• Scholarship Category: PhD Scholarships
• Eligible Country: All Countries
• Scholarship Benefits: Tuition fee, Monthly Stipends, etc.

Scholarship Benefits

Here are the benefits attached to DAAD PRIME Fellowship:

• Duration: 18 months
  • 12 months at a foreign host institution
  • 6 months reintegration at a German university
• Employment Contract: Full-time position at the German host university under the TV-L E13 salary scale
• Salary: Approximately €5,000–€6,400 per month (pre-tax)
• Mobility Allowance: Around €1,500–€2,800 monthly during the research abroad phase
• Travel Allowance: One-time lump sum, varies by destination
• Family/Disability Support: Up to €10,000 for additional needs (family accompaniment, disabilities, chronic illness)
• Research Autonomy: Freedom to conduct your project independently
• Access to Institutions: Work with top international and German research partners
• Social Security: Full benefits through German employment system

Eligibility Requirements For DAAD PRIME Fellowship

• Nationality: Open to all nationalities
• Academic Qualifications:
  • PhD completed no earlier than six years before the fellowship start
  • M.D. holders must prove PhD-equivalent research experience
• Mobility Rule:
  • You must not have stayed in the host country for more than 12 months during the last 3 years
• Host Institutions:
  • You must have a German host institution
  • Foreign host institution also required for the 12-month phase abroad
• Previous DAAD Funding: Does not disqualify you
• Research Focus: Must show scientific quality, originality, and relevance
• Integration Potential: Clear plan for return and reintegration into German academia

Documents Required

You must prepare and upload the following:

• Online Application Form
• Detailed Project Proposal: Include objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes
• Curriculum Vitae (Europass format optional)
• PhD Certificate
• Declarations from Hosts:
  • Form 1 from German host institution
  • Form 2 from foreign host institution
• Ethics Checklist (if applicable)
• Language Proficiency Proof (if relevant for the research location)
• Letters of Invitation from both host institutions

Fellowship Application Deadline

• Applications Open: 12 May 2025
• Deadline to Apply: 29 August 2025
• Selection Results: February 2026
• Start of Fellowship: Between 1 June and 1 November 2026

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How to Apply For DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025/26

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Ensure your PhD was completed within the last six years.
• Verify you meet the mobility criteria (no more than 12 months in the target country over the last three years).
• Secure both a German and a foreign host institution for your project.

Step 2: Register Online

• Visit the DAAD application portal called “Stipendiendatenbank für Deutsche”.
• Select the appropriate program for postdoctoral researchers (“Programme für: Promovierte”).
• Use the English interface if needed.

Step 3: Prepare Application Documents

• Online Application Form
• Project Proposal outlining your research goals, methodology, expected outcomes, and timeline
• CV (Europass format optional)
• PhD Certificate
• Host Declarations:
  • Form 1 from the German host institution
  • Form 2 from the foreign host institution
• Letters of Invitation from both hosts
• Ethics Checklist (if applicable)
• Language Proficiency Proof (if required for your destination country)

Step 4: Upload and Submit

• Ensure all required documents are uploaded correctly before the deadline.
• Submit the complete application via the DAAD portal.
• Deadline: 29 August 2025

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10 FAQs About DAAD PRIME Fellowship

1. Who can apply for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship?
Postdoctoral researchers of all nationalities who earned their PhD within the last six years.

2. Is there a mobility requirement?
Yes. Applicants must not have spent more than 12 months in the target host country within the last 3 years.

3. What does the fellowship cover financially?
It includes a full-time employment contract at the German host institution, monthly salary (TV-L E13), mobility allowance, travel allowance, and up to €10,000 for additional support (family or disability needs).

4. How long is the fellowship?
18 months total: 12 months at a foreign host institution, followed by 6 months of reintegration at a German university.

5. Can researchers who have received DAAD funding before still apply?
Yes. Prior DAAD funding does not disqualify you.

6. What types of research fields are eligible?
All disciplines are eligible, as long as the research proposal is scientifically sound and impactful.

7. Do I need both a German and foreign host institution?
Yes. The fellowship requires a structured collaboration between a German host (for employment and reintegration) and a foreign host (for the 12-month research phase).

8. What documents are required for the application?
A project proposal, CV, PhD certificate, host declarations, letters of invitation, ethics checklist (if applicable), and language proof (if required).

9. When is the application deadline?
29 August 2025

10. When does the fellowship begin?
Selected fellows can start between 1 June and 1 November 2026.