DAAD Prime Fellowship 2025-26 in Germany (Fully Funded)

Applications are open for the DAAD Prime Fellowship for Postdoctoral researchers seeking to advance their academic careers.

DAAD Prime Fellowship 2025-26 in Germany (Fully Funded)

Opportunity type:

Fellowships

Funding Type:

Fully Funded

Regions:

Germany

Deadline:

2025-08-28

The DAAD PRIME (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience) Fellowship for 2025–26 is a fully funded program designed to support early-career researchers from abroad who aim to pursue a postdoctoral research career in Germany. The fellowship facilitates international mobility and offers fixed-term positions at German research institutions.

Eligibility

  • Open to applicants of all nationalities.
  • Doctorate degree must be completed with outstanding academic performance before starting the fellowship.
  • Candidates should be within six years of earning their PhD, with possible exceptions for reasons like parental leave or caregiving.
  • At least one scientific publication is required; co-authored works are acceptable.
  • Must comply with the mobility rule: applicants cannot have lived or worked in the intended host country for more than 12 months within the last three years.
  • EU citizens or residents are eligible to conduct their research stay outside the EU; non-EU applicants must carry out their research within the EU.
  • A strong commitment to pursuing a long-term academic career in Germany is essential.
  • Applicants who already hold permanent contracts at the host institution are not eligible to apply.

Program Benefits

  • Monthly Stipend: Competitive salary based on the German public service scale (TV-L E13).
  • Research Funding: Financial support for research-related expenses.
  • Mobility Allowance: Funding for travel and relocation costs.
  • Family Allowance: Additional support for accompanying family members.
  • Language Courses: Opportunities to learn or improve German language skills.
  • Networking Opportunities: Access to a network of international researchers and professionals.

Program Date

  • Application Deadline: August 28, 2025
  • Selection: February 2026
  • Orientation Meeting: March/April 2026 (Virtual)
  • Starting Date: June 1 - November 1, 2026 (6 months)

Required Documents

  • Completed online application form via the DAAD portal
  • Tabular CV (no gaps, include months and years)
  • Career plan (maximum 1 page)
  • Research project abstract (maximum ½ page, with keywords and title)
  • Full/Detailed research proposal (maximum 7–8 pages)
  • Time schedule (e.g., Gantt chart)
  • Commitment letter from German host university (Doc 1)
  • Invitation letter from German host (Doc 2)
  • Invitation letter from foreign host institution
  • Degree certificates and transcripts
    • If you already have your PhD, you submit:
      • Your PhD certificate
      • Transcripts (if available)
      • Plus your Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees with transcripts
    • If your PhD is not yet officially awarded, you must submit:
      • A statement from your PhD supervisor confirming when you are expected to complete it
      • Bachelor’s and Master’s certificates and transcripts
  • Publication list (highlight 3 key publications)
  • Summary of PhD thesis (1–2 pages)
  • Signed ethics checklist (Doc 3)
  • Language certificate (if required)
  • One confidential letter of recommendation (uploaded via DAAD portal)

To download the following documents in PDF format, please click here:

  • Declaration of the German Host University
  • Invitation Letter from the German Host
  • Ethics Issues Checklist
  • Application Documents Checklist

Application Process

  1. Find a Host Institution: Identify a German research institution that aligns with your research interests.
  2. Prepare Application Documents: Gather necessary documents, including a detailed research proposal, CV, and reference letters.
  3. Submit Application: Applications are submitted directly to the chosen host institution.
  4. Selection Process: Applications are evaluated based on academic excellence, research potential, and alignment with the host institution's research focus.
  5. Fellowship Award: Successful candidates receive an offer from the host institution and are formally awarded the fellowship.

For more detailed information: https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/scholarships/daad-funding-programmes/prime/prime-applicants

Share

Most read articles