Applications are now open for the 2025/26 DAAD PRIME Funding for research stays abroad

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Closing Date: 29 August 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025/26 DAAD PRIME Funding for research stays abroad

Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (PRIME)

DAAD PRIME funds the international mobility of postdoctoral researchers with temporary positions at
German universities. Postdocs who see their long-term career perspectives in Germany receive funding for an independent research stay abroad, based on temporary employment at a German university. The grant also includes a mandatory return phase for reintegration into the German science system. The programme aims to provide participants with an important qualification for a continued career in
science. The target group are postdoctoral researchers who see their long-term professional career in
Germany. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) provides the funds for this programme.

Who can apply?

Applicants with above-average qualifications from all faculties may apply. They must have completed their doctorate with excellent results before the start of DAAD PRIME funding.
There are no restrictions regarding nationality and current residency. However, depending on nationality and place of residence, restrictions may apply when choosing the destination country for the stay abroad

What can be funded?

DAAD provides funding for an 18-month employment contract at a German university to conduct a 12 month research stay abroad with a subsequent return phase to Germany.
During your 12 months abroad, you may combine stays at several research institutions in one or several countries. Please indicate all host institutions in the application form.

Duration of funding

DAAD provides support for 18 months: the first 12 months are spent abroad, and the remaining 6 months of the return phase are spent in Germany (funding cycle 12+6). If your science or insurance and residence law requires an alternate schedule, other models may be chosen with approval of DAAD. Integration into the German social security system is a prerequisite for the research stay abroad, therefore funding may have to begin with a 1-month starting phase in Germany (funding cycle 1+12+5). The respective local statutory insurance determines your status.

Support

The DAAD will conclude a grant agreement with the respective German university covering the costs for the regular salary and the monthly expatriate allowance.

Salary: temporary 18-month employment contract at a German university according to pay scale TV-L EG 13. Your exact pay is determined by the universities based on your previous work experience.
Expatriate allowance: A monthly expatriate allowance for the research stay abroad is based on an area classification of the destination and the gross income of the fellows.
Travel allowance: PRIME Fellows receive the DAAD lump sum travel subsidy for postdoctoral scientists. Spouses (either by marriage or according to German law on civil partnerships) and children are also eligible if they accompany the fellow for at least one month during the research stay abroad. The travel allowance is not part of the grant agreement with the German university but is paid directly by DAAD.