DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines in Germany

The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines give high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries the opportunity to complete a full Master’s degree in Germany while receiving substantial financial support. The programme focuses specifically on mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and engineering, making it a strong option for students planning advanced careers in science and technology.

Selected scholars currently receive €992 per month, insurance support, a travel allowance and an annual study allowance of €460. However, applicants should understand one important rule: the chosen Master’s programme must be tuition-free, because DAAD does not pay tuition fees under this scholarship.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is aimed at applicants from developing and emerging countries who have already completed a first university degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree, that is recognized in Germany.

Applicants should have above-average academic performance and must meet the admission requirements of their selected German Master’s programme.

Students who already hold a Master’s degree by the application deadline are not eligible. DAAD also states that the applicant’s most recent university degree should generally not be more than six years old.

Which STEM Fields Are Eligible?

Funding is available for full-time Master’s programmes in:

• Mathematics

• Computer Science

• Natural Sciences

• Engineering

Interdisciplinary programmes can also qualify when they have a clearly defined STEM focus.

The programme must be taught on campus at a state or state-recognized German university. Master’s courses that include integrated study periods outside Germany are excluded.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

Current DAAD benefits include:

• €992 monthly scholarship

• Health insurance contribution

• Accident insurance

• Personal liability insurance

• Travel allowance

• €460 annual study allowance

• Possible monthly rent subsidy

• Possible family allowance

• Possible German language course support

Funding normally lasts from 10 months up to 24 months, depending on the standard duration of the selected Master’s degree.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the official DAAD portal.

Applicants should prepare:

• CV

• Motivation letter

• Academic transcripts

• Bachelor’s degree certificate

• Language certificate

• One academic recommendation

• Passport or national ID

• Information about preferred Master’s programmes

DAAD allows applicants to list up to five preferred Master’s programmes. Applicants are also responsible for applying separately to their selected German universities.

Language Requirements

The language requirement depends on the selected degree.

For German-taught programmes, students need suitable German proficiency. For English-taught programmes, accepted tests may include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge English and other accepted certificates.

DAAD requires applicants to provide evidence of their current proficiency in the programme’s language of instruction and states that they should have reached at least B1 level when applying.

How Selection Works

Only complete applications are considered.

DAAD first conducts a document-based pre-selection focusing on factors such as academic performance and language ability. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to an interview with an independent selection committee, which can take place in person or online.

Selection considers academic achievement, study plans, motivation, preparation for Germany, language skills, extracurricular involvement and the importance of the Master’s programme for the applicant’s future career.

Application Tips

Applicants should choose their Master’s programmes carefully and make sure each one is tuition-free and clearly connected to a STEM field.

The motivation letter should explain why Germany, the selected universities and the chosen Master’s degree fit the applicant’s academic background and future goals.

Students should also apply to German universities early because receiving the DAAD scholarship does not replace the university admission process.

Common Mistakes

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying to a Master’s programme that charges tuition

• Using the incorrect USD stipend amount

• Applying after already completing a Master’s degree

• Forgetting the separate university admission application

• Submitting weak or generic motivation letters

• Ignoring the B1 language requirement

• Providing incomplete academic documents

• Missing the official DAAD deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the DAAD STEM Scholarship fully funded?

It provides comprehensive funding including a monthly stipend, insurance, travel support and study allowance. However, DAAD does not pay tuition fees, so applicants must select a tuition-free Master’s programme.

How much is the monthly stipend?

The current scholarship payment is €992 per month.

Which degree level is eligible?

The programme funds a complete Master’s degree.

Can someone who already has a Master’s degree apply?

No. Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree by the application deadline cannot apply.

How long does the scholarship last?

Funding lasts between 10 and 24 months, depending on the standard duration of the chosen Master’s programme.

When does the programme start?

For the current cycle, funding must begin in 2027 and normally starts on October 1, 2027, or earlier if DAAD funds a preparatory German language course.

Where do applicants apply?

Applications are submitted online through the official DAAD portal, while university admission applications must be completed separately.

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