Are you a postdoc who loves working with people from around the world on scientific research? Would you like to be able to do a research project in another country with financial help and then be reintegrated into the German research community? If so, the DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (PRIME) might be the best chance for you.
We’ll talk about everything you need to know about the DAAD PRIME program in this blog post. This includes who can apply, how much funding that is available, and how to apply for the 2025/2026 cohort. We will also give you useful advice on how to improve your chances of being chosen and get you started on the road to an exciting, international postdoctoral career.
What does the DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers PRIME Program do?
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is responsible for the funding of the DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (PRIME). This program helps postdoctoral researchers who want to stay in Germany for the long term by giving them a unique chance to do research abroad.
Participants in PRIME will also get a temporary job at a German university. This job will include research stays abroad and a mandatory return phase that will help them reintegrate into the German research system.
This is a one-of-a-kind chance for ambitious postdocs who want to grow their research and make connections with people around the world to get top-notch funding and help with their career development in Germany.
DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers PRIME Program
The DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers PRIME Program was set up to help postdoctoral researchers to travel globally and start long-term research careers in Germany.
The program allows participants conduct a 12-month independent research project abroad by giving them a temporary job at a German university. After this time, the participants go back to Germany to finish a reintegration phase that helps them connect with the German science system.
What Is Special About DAAD PRIME?
- International Mobility: PRIME pays for a 12-month research stay at an institution outside of Germany, which can be split between several institutions in different countries.
• Return Phase: After your time abroad, participants will go back to Germany for a phase focused on reintegrating into the German academic system.
• Allowances: Participants will be paid generously and enjoy other benefits from the whole program. This will allow participants to be wholly focused on the research without any need to worry about funding. so you won’t have to worry about money while you do your research.
Eligibility Criteria for the DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers PRIME Program
You must meet the following requirements to apply for the DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers PRIME Program:
1. Academic Credentials
Before the funding starts, you must have finished your doctorate with very good grades. This is to ensure that applicants have a strong academic base to work from while doing research abroad.
2. Nationality and Residency
There are no restrictions based on nationality or current residency, so it is open to all nationalities. But there may be some restrictions with regards to where you will conduct your research depending on your nationality and where you reside now.
3. Focus of the Research
You must have a clear research plan that fits with the goals of the program. The DAAD PRIME program seeks applicants whose research interests align with Germany’s priorities in science and innovation.
4. Work Authorization
For the research stay, applicants must have the right to work in the country they want to go to.
How to Apply for the DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers PRIME Program
The application process for the DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers PRIME Program is simple. All you need to do is carefully follow all the steps to make sure your application stands out:
- Prepare Your Documents
To apply, you will need to put some of your documents and credentials together such as:
- Your most recent resume or CV
- A detailed research proposal
- Transcripts of your academic qualifications
- A letter of recommendation from your current supervisor
- Complete the Application Form
Fill out the online application form on the DAAD website once you have all the necessary papers.
Be sure to clearly outline your research objectives, the institutions you intend to collaborate with, and the potential impact of your research.
- Submit before the deadline
Make sure you send in your application before August 29, 2025. Late applications will not be attended to. - Choosing and letting people know
In February 2026, candidates who were chosen will be told what happened with their application. Those who were chosen will start receiving their funding in June 2026.
Funding and research opportunities for postdoctoral researchers through the DAAD PRIME Program
Funding and research opportunities for postdoctoral researchers through the DAAD PRIME Program
DAAD Funding
The DAAD PRIME program offers a full funding package, such as
- An 18-month job contract at a German university
- 12 months to do research abroad at one or more host institutions
- A return phase in Germany after your research stay to get back into the German academic system.
The full funding package is to ensure that participants focus solely on research.
Research Opportunities
During the 12 months of the research abroad, participants will be able to work with some of the best research institutions in the world. This is a great opportunity to network and connect like-minded individuals, learn new research methods, and work on important projects with people from other countries.
How to Succeed as an Applicant to the DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers PRIME Program
Here are some tips for writing a good application that will help you stand out in a very competitive field:
- Write a good research proposal
Your research proposal should be well-defined, feasible, and aligned with both your long-term career goals and the objectives of the DAAD PRIME program. Be clear about which organizations you want to work with, what research questions you want to answer, and the impact of your research. - Talk about your skills and experience
Your resume and academic record should clearly show your qualifications and research experience. Your application will likely scale through if you back it up with strong letters of recommendation and past research projects. - Commitment to Germany
The DAAD PRIME program is for postdocs who have future plans of living and working in Germany. Your application should show that you really want to make a career in the German research community in the long term.
Frequently Asked Questions about the DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers PRIME Program
Q1: When is the last day to apply for the DAAD PRIME program?
A1: The deadline to apply is August 29, 2025.
Q2: How long does the DAAD PRIME program last?
A2: The program lasts for 18 months. It includes a 12-month research stay abroad and then a return phase in Germany.
Q3: Is it possible for me to apply if I’m not from Germany?
A3: Yes, postdocs from any country can apply to the program, but you need to have the right work permit for the research destination.
Q4: Is it possible for me to spend my research time at more than one institution?
A4: Yes, you can do research at more than one place, but you have to list all of the places you want to go in the application form.
Q5: What kind of funding does the program give?
A5: The program pays for the 12-month research stay and gives a salary. It also pays for the return phase in Germany.
Conclusion
The DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience (PRIME) is a great way to advance your research career on a global scale. This program gives you everything you need to succeed, including funding, the opportunity to work with top universities around the world, and the chance to reintegrate back into the German academic system.
This is an amazing chance that you shouldn’t miss. Visit the official website for the DAAD Postdoctoral Researchers PRIME Program for more information.
