DAAD SECAI Scholarships 2026 in Germany for Master’s Students in Artificial Intelligence

The DAAD SECAI Scholarships 2026 offer talented Master’s students a chance to study Artificial Intelligence and closely related fields at TU Dresden or Leipzig University while receiving monthly financial support. The current scholarship amount is €934 per month, and selected students also gain access to mentoring, research connections and networking opportunities that can help them build careers in AI.

SECAI is especially valuable because it connects academic study with interdisciplinary AI research. Applicants can come from traditional computing fields as well as areas such as bioinformatics, medical informatics, law and other subjects with a strong AI focus.

Who Can Apply?

The programme targets highly qualified current or prospective Master’s students at TU Dresden or Leipzig University.

Applicants normally need:

• A strong Bachelor’s academic record

• A German-equivalent cumulative grade of about 1.7 or better

• Admission to or planned enrollment in an eligible Master’s programme

• A study focus closely connected to SECAI research

• Strong academic potential

Students can apply for the scholarship while applying to the university, but these are two separate applications.

Which Study Programs Are Eligible?

SECAI supports a broad range of AI-related Master’s programmes.

Examples include:

• Computer Science

• Data Science

• Computational Modeling and Simulation

• Nanoelectronic Systems

• Bioinformatics

• Medical Informatics

Students from other programmes may also qualify when their specialization, electives, project work or thesis has a clear connection to AI.

How to Apply

Applicants should use the official SECAI scholarship page rather than third-party scholarship websites.

For the 2026 cycle, the official application period runs from April 1 to June 30, 2026. A limited number of exceptional applicants may be selected earlier, with optional early consideration dates during the application period.

Students should:

• Choose an eligible Master’s programme

• Apply separately to TU Dresden or Leipzig University

• Complete the SECAI scholarship application

• Prepare required academic documents

• Clearly show how their studies connect with AI

• Submit before June 30

Financial Support

The SECAI residency scholarship currently provides €934 per month to help cover living expenses in Germany.

Foreign students may also be eligible for a monthly family allowance. Applicants should note that additional income must be declared, and scholarship funding may be reduced when income exceeds the applicable threshold.

The scholarship duration normally depends on the remaining standard duration of the student’s programme, although the selection committee may approve a shorter period based on the applicant’s circumstances and available funding.

How to Build a Strong Application

Academic excellence is one of the main selection factors.

Applicants should clearly demonstrate:

• Strong Bachelor’s grades

• Interest in Artificial Intelligence

• Relevant projects or research

• Programming, mathematical or technical skills

• Clear academic goals

• A strong connection between their Master’s programme and SECAI research

Applicants from interdisciplinary fields should clearly explain how their studies contribute to AI.

Application Tips

Students should:

• Apply early where possible

• Check the exact university admission deadline separately

• Confirm their GPA conversion

• Choose an AI-related study programme

• Highlight relevant academic projects

• Use the official SECAI application form

• Submit before June 30, 2026

Common Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

• Using only a third-party scholarship page

• Assuming the scholarship application also applies for university admission

• Using the incorrect USD stipend amount

• Claiming automatic full tuition coverage

• Ignoring the GPA requirement

• Applying to a programme with no clear AI connection

• Missing the June 30 deadline

Academic and Career Benefits

SECAI is designed not only to fund students but also to connect them with AI research and professional networks.

Scholars can benefit from:

• Interdisciplinary AI research

• Academic mentoring

• Industry and university networking

• Research-group involvement

• Preparation for future doctoral study

• Career opportunities in AI and technology

SECAI specifically aims to help talented students transition into scientific and industrial careers, and scholars can become integrated into its research groups during their studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students apply?

Yes. International students can apply if they meet SECAI’s academic and university eligibility requirements.

How much is the SECAI scholarship?

The current official monthly grant is €934.

Is the scholarship fully funded?

SECAI describes the scholarship as financial support covering living expenses. The official main scholarship page does not state that the scholarship itself automatically pays all tuition fees.

What GPA is required?

Applicants typically need a cumulative grade equivalent to 1.7 or better on the German grading system, although exceptions may be considered for adverse personal circumstances.

What is the deadline?

The general deadline for the 2026 scholarship cycle is June 30, 2026.

Do I need to apply separately to the university?

Yes. The SECAI scholarship and the TU Dresden or Leipzig University Master’s admission applications are separate.

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