PRIME Fellowship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) | Fully Funded 2026

Scholarships for International

The PRIME Fellowship (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience) aims to support postdoctoral researchers by providing opportunities for international academic mobility through funding a temporary position at a German university, which includes an independent research stay abroad followed by a mandatory return phase for reintegration into the German academic system. The program is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Target Applicants

The program targets researchers who have obtained a doctoral degree, have an outstanding academic record, and envision their long-term professional future in Germany.

Funding Details

Duration of funding: 18 months, divided as follows:
- 12 months of a research stay abroad (may include several institutions or countries).
- 6 months of reintegration phase in Germany.
Salary: Temporary 18-month employment contract at a German university according to the TV-L EG 13 salary scale; the exact amount depends on prior experience.
Monthly expatriate allowance: Based on the researcher’s income and regional classification of the destination country.
Travel allowance: A flat-rate financial support from DAAD, which also covers accompanying spouses/children for at least one month abroad.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must have completed their doctorate with excellent results before the funding begins.
At least one academic publication is required (co-authored papers are acceptable).
No restrictions on nationality or current residence, but destination country eligibility depends on the applicant’s nationality/residence.
Applicants must not have lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months during the three years prior to August 29, 2025.
Applications are accepted up to six years after earning the doctorate (parental/care leave is considered).
Applicants must not hold a permanent position at the intended host institution.
Both the international research stay and return phase in Germany are mandatory.

Host Institutions

In Germany: Must be a university willing to employ the researcher for the full duration, provide scientific supervision, and submit a statement of long-term support for the researcher’s career development.
Abroad: Can be a university, research institute, or industrial research entity, provided they offer the necessary infrastructure and support.

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How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the DAAD online portal.
To access the portal:
1. Visit: Stipendiendatenbank für Deutsche.
2. Choose:
  - Fachrichtung: Your research field.
  - Zielland: The country where your international research stay will take place.
  - Programme für: Promovierte
3. Select the appropriate program, follow the registration instructions, and choose English as the portal and browser language.
4. After registration, go to the "Personal Funding" tab to start the application.

Required Documents

Completed online application form.
Detailed, gap-free CV in tabular format.
Career plan (max. 1 page) outlining how the fellowship will support your academic trajectory.
Research project summary (half a page), including:
- Working title.
- Keywords.
A detailed research proposal developed in coordination with both host institutions (7–8 pages excluding references).
Time schedule for research activities in Germany and abroad (e.g., Gantt chart).
Written confirmation from the German university to provide temporary employment under TV-L EG 13.
Invitation letter from the German host institution, outlining support and long-term prospects.
Invitation letter from the foreign host institution, specifying infrastructure and supervision.
Certificates of the two most recent academic degrees (usually PhD and Master’s), with transcripts.
Publication list categorized by type, with clarification of individual contributions and online links for key publications.
Summary of the doctoral dissertation (1–2 pages).
Signed ethics issues checklist (doc 3).
Language certificate (only if the project requires specific language skills).
One confidential letter of recommendation from a university professor (preferably the PhD supervisor), plus the official DAAD form.
Application document checklist (doc 4).

Note: You will Find the required documents and templates (docs 1–4) in this link.

Important Dates

Call opens: May 2025
Application deadline: August 29, 2025
Selection results: Mid-March 2026
Virtual orientation seminar: March/April 2026
Fellowship start date: Between June 1 and November 1, 2026

Evaluation and Selection Process

Applicants will be notified of eligibility results approximately 6 weeks after the deadline.
Applications are reviewed by expert scientists.
An interdisciplinary selection committee finalizes the ranking.
No interviews are conducted; selection is based solely on submitted documents.
Reviewer feedback is provided approximately two months after the committee meeting.

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Selection Criteria

Academic excellence:
- Grades, duration of studies.
- Number and quality of publications.
- Awards, conferences, teaching experience.
Project quality:
- Originality, relevance, implementation plan, scientific impact.
- Appropriateness and support from the German and foreign host institutions.
Career potential:
- Contribution of the project to the applicant’s long-term career goals.
- Non-academic competencies, language skills, and interdisciplinary experience.

Final Notes

Applicants may reapply only once within two years, after consultation with the PRIME team and submission of an improvement summary.
In some cases, the fellowship may begin with a one-month preparatory phase in Germany to ensure insurance coverage.
Adherence to scientific integrity and ethical standards is mandatory.