Are you a postdoctoral researcher seeking a fully funded opportunity to advance your career in Germany and abroad? The 2025 DAAD PRIME Fellowship Program might be exactly what you’re looking for. With a competitive annual salary of up to €80,000, plus coverage for travel, accommodation, and even dependents, this fellowship offers everything you need to elevate your research career.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025: eligibility, benefits, application steps, and important deadlines.

DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025 Overview

What is the DAAD PRIME Fellowship?

The DAAD PRIME (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience) Fellowship is a fully funded program by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). It funds international research stays for postdoctoral researchers, followed by a reintegration phase back in Germany.

The fellowship supports your independent research at top global institutions, while ensuring a structured return to the German academic system.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the 2025 DAAD PRIME Fellowship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Academic Excellence: Open to applicants from all faculties with above-average qualifications.
• Open Nationality: Candidates from any country may apply.
• Career Plans: Applicants must aim to continue their research careers in Germany after the fellowship.
• Doctoral Degree: Must be completed with excellent results before funding starts.
• Postdoctoral Experience: Applicants must have earned their doctorate no more than 6 years prior to applying.
• Host Institution: Cannot already have a permanent contract with the host university.
• Program Commitment: Both the international research phase and return phase in Germany are mandatory.

Fellowship Benefits

The DAAD PRIME Fellowship is one of the most generous postdoctoral funding programs in Europe. Benefits include:

• Salary: 18-month temporary employment at a German university based on pay scale TV-L EG 13 (€70,000 – €80,000/year).
• Expatriate Allowance: Monthly allowance depending on your destination and salary level.
• Travel Grant: DAAD provides a lump-sum travel subsidy.
• Family Support: Spouses and children accompanying you abroad for at least one month are also eligible for travel funding.
• Flexible Research: 12-month research stay abroad + 6-month reintegration period in Germany. You may split the stay across multiple institutions or countries.

Required Documents

When applying for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025, you’ll need to prepare and upload the following documents (in PDF format, in English):

• Completed Application Form
• EU-standard Curriculum Vitae
• Declaration of Support from a German host university
• Invitation Letter from the German host
• Time Schedule for both international and return phases
• Detailed Research Proposal
• One Letter of Recommendation from a university professor
• Abstract/Summary of your research project
• Career Plan (1-page)

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to apply? Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official DAAD Portal: Go to the DAAD website and access the application portal via the “Stipendiendatenbank für Deutsche.”
2. Register an Account: Create your applicant profile.
3. Download the Recommendation Letter Form: Available after portal registration.
4. Prepare and Upload Documents: All attachments should be in PDF format.
5. Submit Your Application: Submit before the August 29, 2025 deadline. You may update your application until the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need IELTS or TOEFL to apply?
No, the DAAD PRIME Fellowship does not require an English proficiency test like IELTS.

Can I bring my family?
Yes, dependents who join you abroad for at least one month are eligible for travel support.

What’s the duration of the fellowship?
18 months in total — 12 months abroad and 6 months back in Germany.

Final Thoughts

The DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2025 is more than just funding — it’s an investment in your future as a researcher. With full financial support, international mobility, and structured reintegration, this program opens doors to global academic collaboration while rooting your career in Germany.

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