If you’ve just completed your PhD and dream of taking your research career to the next level in Germany while collaborating internationally, the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025 might be the perfect opportunity. Fully funded and prestigious, this fellowship offers a blend of international mobility and academic stability, giving you the best of both worlds.
important details of the Germany DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Germany DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025 |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Degree Level | Postdoctoral Fellowship |
| Eligible Subjects | All academic disciplines |
| Eligible Nationalities | All nationalities (EU & non-EU) |
| Duration | 18 months (12 months abroad + 5–6 months in Germany) |
| Salary | €5,000–€6,400/month (pre-tax) |
| Additional Allowances | Mobility allowance (€1,500–€2,800/month during international phase) + lump sum travel allowance |
| Extra Support | Up to €10,000 for family, disability, or chronic illness |
| Application Opens | 12 May 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 29 August 2025 |
| Results Announcement | February 2026 |
| Fellowship Start Date | Between 1 June and 1 November 2026 |
| Key Eligibility | PhD completed within the last 6 years; not stayed in the host country more than 12 months in the past 3 years |
| Application Portal | DAAD “Stipendiendatenbank für Deutsche” |
| Official Link | DAAD PRIME Fellowship |
What is the DAAD PRIME Fellowship?
The DAAD PRIME (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience) Fellowship is designed for postdoctoral researchers who aim to strengthen their academic profile in Germany while benefiting from research experiences abroad.
It offers:
- 12 months of research at an international institution
- 5–6 months of reintegration at a German university
- Full employment under a German university contract, making you eligible for social security and other employment benefits
This unique structure ensures you gain global exposure without losing your professional ties to Germany.
Degree Level and Eligible Subjects
The Germany DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025 is available for postdoctoral researchers at German universities.
- Degree Level: Fellowship
- Available Subjects: All academic disciplines are welcome.
Fellowship Benefits – Why This is a Career-Changer
The DAAD PRIME Fellowship is more than just funding—it’s a structured, secure, and empowering postdoctoral path.
Financial Benefits
- Full salary under TV-L E13 scale (€5,000–€6,400/month pre-tax)
- Mobility and expatriate allowances (€1,500–€2,800/month during the international phase)
- Lump sum travel allowance based on your destination
- 18 months of guaranteed funding with research freedom
- Additional support for family, disability, or chronic illness (up to €10,000 extra aid possible)
Professional Benefits
- Access to top German and international research facilities
- Opportunities to build global academic networks
- A balanced structure that integrates international exposure with a return to Germany
Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria
The DAAD PRIME Fellowship is open to researchers of all nationalities. Here’s what you need to qualify:
- A PhD completed no later than 6 years before the start date
- Open to all disciplines
- Prior DAAD funding does not disqualify you
- M.D. holders must have a degree equivalent to a PhD
- Must have a strong connection to a German host university
- Cannot have stayed in the target country for more than 12 months in the past 3 years
- Available to both EU and non-EU citizens (with some restrictions on destination countries)
Important Dates for DAAD PRIME 2025
- Applications Open: 12 May 2025
- Deadline: 29 August 2025
- Selection Results: February 2026
- Fellowship Start: Between 1 June and 1 November 2026
How to Apply for DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025
Step 1: Online Application
Access the DAAD portal “Stipendiendatenbank für Deutsche”
Select your subject, country, and choose “Programme für: Promovierte”
Switch to English for easier navigation
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Research project proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (Europass optional, no photo)
- PhD certificate
- Host university declarations (Forms 1 & 2)
- Ethics checklist
- Language proof (if applicable)
- Letters of invitation from both host institutions
Note: All documents must be submitted before the deadline to be considered.
Fellowship Structure
- Optional 1-month preparation at a German host university
- 12-month research at an international institution
5–6 months of reintegration at the German host university
This ensures you gain international research experience while maintaining academic ties in Germany.
Selection Criteria
- Academic excellence and originality of the proposal
- Scientific independence and career development potential
- Quality of collaboration between host institutions
- Feasibility and expected impact of the project
- Clarity and organisation of application documents
Funding Restrictions
- No additional salaries or scholarships allowed
- Conference travel and research infrastructure costs are not covered
- Visa fees are not reimbursed, though DAAD supports with documentation
- Additional funding for other expenses can be applied for separately
Why You Should Apply
The DAAD PRIME Fellowship is not just another scholarship—it’s a strategic career step. It provides:
- Stability through a German employment contract
- International visibility for your research
- Structured reintegration support to boost your academic career in Germany
If you’re aiming for an academic career with international recognition, this fellowship offers the platform to make it happen.
APPLY NOW
The Germany DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025 is a golden opportunity for ambitious postdoctoral researchers who want to combine international mobility with a stable career path in Germany. With competitive pay, strong institutional backing, and the freedom to shape your research, it’s a launchpad for global academic success.
📅 Apply by 29 August 2025—your next big research chapter starts here.
