DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2026 Class Available for New Applicants

The DAAD PRIME Fellowship (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience) is now open for applications for the 2026 cycle, offering outstanding postdoctoral researchers from around the world a unique opportunity to advance their careers through international mobility and research excellence.

Designed to strengthen long-term academic prospects in Germany, this fully-funded scholarship programme combines a research stay abroad with a reintegration phase at a German university, ensuring both global exposure and a strong foothold in Germany’s research landscape.

Funding Package

Successful fellows will receive an 18-month employment contract at a German university, including:

1. 12 months of funded research abroad.
2. 6 months of reintegration support in Germany.
3. A competitive salary according to the German public sector pay scale (TV-L E13).
4. Additional mobility allowance during the foreign research stay.
5. A travel allowance, with possible support for accompanying family members.

Who Can Apply?

The DAAD PRIME Fellowship is open to highly qualified postdoctoral researchers of all nationalities who:

• Have completed their PhD before the fellowship start date.
• Obtained their doctorate no more than six years ago (with exceptions for parental or caregiving breaks).
• Demonstrate a clear commitment to pursuing a long-term academic career in Germany.
• Have not resided or worked in the intended host country for more than 12 months during the past three years.

Applicants must secure both a German host institution and an international host institution before applying.

Application Portal: https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/scholarships/daad-funding-programmes/prime/prime-applicants/

Application Timeline

The last date to apply for the DAAD PRIME Fellowship 2026 is 29 August 2025. Selection results are expected in February 2026, with fellowship start dates between 1 June 2026 and 1 November 2026.