DAAD PRIME Fellowship Programme 2025 for Postdoctoral Researchers (Fully Funded)

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The DAAD PRIME (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience) Fellowship Programme is a prestigious opportunity for postdoctoral researchers who aim to build their academic careers in Germany. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this programme supports international mobility by offering temporary employment at German universities, including a research stay abroad and a reintegration phase in Germany.

What is the DAAD PRIME Fellowship?

The DAAD PRIME Fellowship is designed for postdocs from any nationality who see their long-term career in Germany. It funds an 18-month temporary position at a German university, split into:

12 months of research abroad at a host institution of your choice (outside Germany).
6 months of reintegration at a German university to strengthen your academic career in Germany.

This programme provides a unique opportunity to gain international research experience while securing employment with a competitive salary and additional allowances.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025, you must meet the following criteria:

Eligibility Requirements

Academic Qualification: You must have completed your PhD with excellent results before the fellowship starts (between June 1, 2025, and November 1, 2025). If your PhD is not yet completed, your doctoral supervisor must confirm the expected completion date.
Career Stage: You can apply up to six years after your first doctorate. Parental and care periods are considered.
Mobility Rule: You must not have lived or worked in the country chosen for your research stay abroad for more than 12 months in the three years before the application deadline (August 29, 2025).
Career Intent: Applicants must intend to continue their research career in Germany after the fellowship.
Publication Record: At least one publication (co-authorship is acceptable) is required.
No Permanent Employment: You cannot have a permanent employment contract with the German host institution for the intended research activity.

There are no restrictions on nationality or current residency, but some destination countries may have limitations based on your nationality or residence.

More Postdoc Fellowships:

Benefits of the DAAD PRIME Fellowship

The fellowship offers comprehensive financial support to help you focus on your research:

Salary: An 18-month employment contract at a German university based on the TV-L EG 13 pay scale (approximately €70,000–€80,000 per year, depending on experience).
Expatriate Allowance: A monthly allowance during the 12-month research stay abroad, adjusted based on the destination country and your gross income.
Travel Allowance: DAAD provides a lump-sum travel subsidy for you and, if applicable, your spouse or children (if they accompany you abroad for at least one month).
Additional Support: Up to €10,000 for chronically ill or disabled fellows to ensure equal access to research opportunities (assessed individually upon request).
Research Infrastructure: Host institutions in Germany and abroad provide necessary research facilities (note: the fellowship does not cover additional research equipment or conference travel costs).

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online through the DAAD portal by August 29, 2025, at 11:59 PM CET. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so apply early to avoid technical issues.

Steps to Apply

Register on the DAAD Portal: Visit the DAAD scholarship database (Stipendiendatenbank für Deutsche) and select your research subject, destination country, and the PRIME programme.
Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents as PDFs. Except for certificates, all documents must be in English for international reviewers.
Submit Application: Upload all documents to the DAAD portal before the deadline.
Coordinate with Hosts: Secure invitation letters from your German and foreign host institutions in advance, as they are critical for your application.

Required Documents

Completed DAAD application form (available on the portal).
EU-standard Curriculum Vitae (use the Europass template for consistency).
Career plan (max. 1 page) outlining how the fellowship supports your professional development.
Detailed research proposal (7–8 pages, excluding bibliography) coordinated with both host institutions.
Time schedule for your planned work in Germany and abroad.
Invitation letters from both the German and foreign host institutions (signed by the scientific hosts).
Binding declaration from the German host university confirming employment for the 18-month period.
Certificates of your most recent academic degrees.
List of publications (1–3 key publications with details on contributions).
Short summary of your doctoral thesis (max. half a page).
Completed ethics issues checklist.
One confidential letter of recommendation from a university professor.
Language certificates (if required for your research project).
If applicable, a statement from your doctoral supervisor confirming the expected PhD completion date.

Important Dates

Application Portal Opens: May 12, 2025
Application Deadline: August 29, 2025
Selection Results: February 2026
Fellowship Start: Between June 1, 2026, and November 1, 2026

Tips for a Successful Application

Start Early: Contact potential hosts in Germany and abroad well in advance to secure invitation letters and align your research proposal.
Be Clear and Concise: Ensure your research proposal is detailed, feasible, and aligned with your career goals.
Check Completeness: Incomplete applications are rejected. Use the DAAD FAQs and contact prime@daad.de for clarification.
Highlight Career Goals: Emphasize your commitment to a long-term research career in Germany.
Secure Funding for Additional Costs: If your project requires extra resources (e.g., equipment), explain how you will secure them, as PRIME does not cover these costs.

Why Choose the DAAD PRIME Fellowship?

This fellowship is a stepping stone for postdocs aiming to establish themselves in the German academic system. With full funding, international exposure, and a structured reintegration phase, it equips you with the skills and networks needed for a successful research career. Only 12–15% of applications are approved, so a strong proposal and early preparation are key.

How to Learn More

For detailed information, visit the DAAD PRIME Programme page. Check the FAQs or email prime@daad.de for specific questions.

Apply now to take your research career to the next level with the DAAD PRIME Fellowship!