DAAD PRIME Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027

Overview

PRIME (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience) is a DAAD programme for postdocs of any nationality who plan a research career in Germany. Each PRIME award funds 12 months abroad at a partner institution followed by a 6-month reintegration phase at a German university, providing continuity for researchers building a career base in Germany. The application deadline for the 2027 cycle is the last business day of August 2026 (approximately 31 August 2026). Check the DAAD portal for the confirmed date.

PRIME is positioned at German universities, meaning the postdoc holds an employment contract with a German institution throughout. The programme is open to all research fields.

Benefits

• Full salary at the German TV-L E13 level throughout (100%), paid by the host German university.
• 12 months at an international partner institution (research abroad phase).
• 6 months at a German university (reintegration phase).
• Mobility allowance for relocation and travel.
• Family supplements where applicable.
• Health and social insurance throughout.
• Career development workshops and alumni network.

Eligibility

• Open to all nationalities. No residency restriction at application.
• Must have completed your doctorate with excellent results (summa cum laude or equivalent recommended).
• Must apply within 6 years of the date of your first doctorate (parental and care periods are deducted from this count).
• Must have a confirmed German university host agreeing to hold your employment contract and an international partner institution agreeing to host you abroad.
• The fellowship start must fall between 1 June and 1 November of the year following your application.

How to Apply

1. Identify a German university professor willing to hold your PRIME employment contract and an international host institution for the 12-month abroad phase.
2. Review the detailed call for applications on the DAAD portal at daad.de (search “PRIME” in the scholarship database).
3. Submit your application through the DAAD online portal by the deadline (last business day of August 2026, approximately 31 August 2026).
4. Application materials include: research proposal, CV, publication list, letters of acceptance from both German and international hosts, and transcripts.
5. Results are communicated in early spring 2027.