The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has opened applications for its fully funded STEM Master’s Scholarship programme, offering outstanding graduates from developing and emerging countries the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies in Germany.
The scholarship, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, is designed to strengthen the skills and career prospects of future professionals by supporting Master’s degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at recognised German universities.
The application deadline has not yet been announced, and interested candidates are encouraged to begin preparing their application documents early.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive financial package throughout their studies, including a monthly stipend of €992.
The scholarship also provides health, accident and personal liability insurance, an annual study allowance of €460, and a travel allowance, which is available upon application.
Depending on individual circumstances, recipients may also qualify for additional support such as a monthly rent subsidy, financial assistance for accompanying family members, disability-related funding, and reimbursement for carbon offset payments on air travel.
Language Support for Scholars
To help students prepare for their studies in Germany, DAAD offers several language support options for scholarships lasting more than six months.
Awardees may receive funding for an online language course after receiving their scholarship award letter. Where necessary, DAAD may also sponsor a German language course before the Master’s programme begins.
The scholarship also covers the cost of recognised German language examinations, including TestDaF and DSH, while recipients can receive financial support for a German language course during their studies.
Applicants should note that the scholarship does not cover university tuition fees.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is intended for high-performing graduates from developing and emerging countries who wish to study STEM subjects in Germany.
Eligible applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or another first degree recognised in Germany before the application deadline.
Candidates who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible to apply.
The scholarship supports full-time, tuition-free Master’s programmes in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and engineering at state or state-recognised universities in Germany.
Programmes that include compulsory study periods outside Germany or those that have already commenced are not eligible for funding. The scholarship is available only for degree programmes beginning in the 2026/2027 winter semester.
Selection Process
DAAD said only complete applications submitted with all required documents will be considered.
Applications will first undergo a preliminary assessment based on academic performance and language proficiency. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an interview with an independent selection committee made up of university lecturers.
Interviews may be conducted either in person or online.
The committee will evaluate applicants based on their academic achievements, language skills, relevant work or internship experience, the quality of their study plans, career goals, motivation for studying in Germany and extracurricular involvement.
Equal opportunity considerations, including disability, long-term illness, refugee status, caregiving responsibilities and significant employment undertaken to finance previous studies, may also be taken into account during the selection process.
Application Deadline
DAAD has not yet announced an official deadline for applications.
Interested candidates are advised to prepare their academic documents, language certificates and admission plans in advance while monitoring the official DAAD Scholarship portal for updates on the application process.
