The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines programme supports high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries. The application which is still open till September 24 enables them to pursue a full Master’s degree in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, or engineering at a German university. Through this scholarship, young academics and future professionals gain the qualifications they need to advance their careers in innovation-driven STEM fields while studying in Germany.
In this guide, readers will discover the DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines 2027/2028, including eligibility requirements, funding benefits, duration of support, selection criteria, application deadlines, required documents, and the step-by-step application process. It will help doctoral candidates and early postdoctoral researchers understand the programme clearly and prepare a strong, competitive application. All the information you will be needing for DAAD Fully Funded Master’s Opportunities in Germany for Students from Developing Countries is available in these explanations.
DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines – Quick View
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines |
| Target Group | High-achieving students from developing and emerging countries |
| Degree Level | Full-time Master’s degree (on-campus) |
| Eligible Fields | Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Engineering (STEM focus required for interdisciplinary programmes) |
| Host Institutions | State or state-recognised universities in Germany |
| Tuition Fees | Must be tuition-free programmes |
| Duration of Funding | 10 to 24 months (depending on the standard length of the Master’s programme) |
| Monthly Stipend | €992 |
| Other Core Benefits | Health/accident/liability insurance, travel allowance (on application), annual study allowance of €460 |
| Additional Benefits | Rent subsidy, family allowance, disability support, language courses, carbon offset reimbursement (conditions apply) |
| Start of Funding | Winter semester 2027/28 (normally 1 October 2027) |
| Application Deadline | 24 September 2026 |
| Key Eligibility | First degree (Bachelor’s) recognised in Germany; no existing Master’s degree; degree not older than 6 years; above-average academic performance; max. 15 months prior residence in Germany |
| Language Requirement | At least B1 in the language of instruction (German and/or English) |
| Selection Process | Document pre-selection → Interview with independent committee |
| Application Portal | DAAD Portal (opens from 1 June) |
DAAD STEM Programme Objective
The scholarship aims to strengthen the qualification and employability of talented students from developing and emerging countries. It offers them the chance to continue their academic and professional journey in key STEM areas through a Master’s degree in Germany.
Who Can Apply for DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines?
The programme targets high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries who wish to complete a Master’s degree in STEM subjects at a German university.
You can apply if you have completed a first degree that Germany recognises (for example, a Bachelor’s degree) by the application deadline at the latest.
Important restriction: If you already hold a Master’s degree by the application deadline, you cannot apply.
What Can Be Funded in DAAD STEM?
The scholarship funds a complete, full-time, on-campus Master’s degree at a state or state-recognised university in Germany. Eligible fields include:
- Mathematics
- Computer science
- Natural sciences
- Engineering
Interdisciplinary programmes must have a clear STEM focus. Study programmes that include integrated stays outside Germany are not eligible.
The Master’s programme must be tuition-free. Funding is not available for a Master’s degree that has already started in Germany. Support applies only to programmes that begin in the winter term 2027/28.
Duration of Funding
Funding lasts between 10 months and a maximum of 24 months. The exact period depends on the standard length of your chosen full-time Master’s programme.
In your application, state the full period for which you request funding. For a two-year programme, for example, indicate two years as the desired duration.
After the first year, DAAD assesses your academic progress. If the assessment confirms that you can complete the programme successfully within a reasonable time, the scholarship continues as planned.
Funding must begin in 2027. The scholarship normally starts on 1 October 2027, or earlier if you attend a German language course beforehand.
Scholarship Value and Benefits
Successful applicants receive:
- Monthly scholarship payments of €992
- Contributions towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance
- Travel allowance (upon application)
- Annual study allowance of €460
Additional Benefits (Available Under Certain Conditions)
After funding begins, you may apply for:
- Monthly rent subsidy
- Monthly allowance for accompanying family members
- Subsidy for justified additional costs related to a disability or chronic illness
- Reimbursement of carbon offset payments for air travel
Language Support (for Funding Periods Longer Than Six Months)
DAAD also offers language preparation benefits on application:
- Payment of course fees for an online language course after you receive the Scholarship Award Letter
- German language course in Germany before the start of studies (subject to DAAD decision)
- Allowance for a personally chosen German language course during the scholarship period
- Reimbursement of the fee for a TestDaF or DSH test
Please note that DAAD does not cover tuition fees.
Selection Process
Only complete applications with all mandatory documents receive consideration. Incomplete applications are excluded for formal reasons.
A pre-selection based on the submitted documents focuses especially on academic achievements and language skills. Pre-selected candidates then attend an interview with an independent selection committee of university teachers. The interview may take place on site or virtually and plays a decisive role in assessing the authenticity and quality of each application.
Selection criteria include:
Academic Qualification
- Academic achievements
- Course of studies
- Knowledge of the language(s) of instruction or working language(s)
- Relevant internships or work experience (if applicable)
Quality of the Study Project
- Quality of the study project and preparation (preliminary information, choice of programme, host university, and contacts)
- Integration of the project into the academic career path
Potential of the Applicant
- Motivation (academic and personal reasons for the stay in Germany)
- Prospects (significance of the stay for further academic, professional, and personal development)
- Extracurricular commitment and social engagement
The selection committee also considers equal opportunities. You may provide information on special life circumstances such as disability, chronic illness, raising children, caring for relatives, refugee background, or extensive employment required to finance studies.
Eligibility Requirements
Confirm that you meet these conditions:
- Your most recent university degree should generally not date back more than six years at the time of the application deadline.
- You must fulfil the legal and subject-specific admission requirements for a Master’s degree programme in Germany. Most German Master’s programmes are consecutive and build on a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
- You are responsible for applying for admission to the German university by the required deadline. A DAAD scholarship becomes valid only after you receive admission to a Master’s programme in Germany.
- Your application cannot be considered if you have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline.
- You must demonstrate above-average academic performance.
- You cannot apply if you already hold a Master’s degree by the application deadline.
Language Skills
The language of instruction in Germany is usually German. International programmes may use English or a combination of German and English.
When you apply to DAAD, you must provide proof of at least level B1 in the language of instruction of your chosen programme.
Accepted certificates typically include:
- For German: TestDaF, DSH, Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD), Goethe-Zertifikat, Österreichisches Sprachdiplom, telc Deutsch, onSET Deutsch
- For English: Cambridge English, IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, and similar
German universities often set specific language requirements for admission. These certificates may involve fees that DAAD does not reimburse.
Application Deadline
The current application deadline is:
24 September 2026
Selection is expected in February 2027. The scholarship normally starts in October 2027 (with a possible language course beginning in June).
Applications open from 1 June each year.
Required Application Documents
After registering on the DAAD portal, complete the online application and upload the following documents:
Mandatory documents
- Full curriculum vitae in tabular form (maximum 3 pages)
- Letter of motivation (1–3 pages) explaining academic and personal reasons for the planned study project in Germany
- Letter of admission to the study programme at the host university in Germany (or a provisional document if not yet available)
- Form “Information about your preferred master programmes” (you may list up to 5 programmes; tuition-fee programmes are excluded)
- Current overview of grades / transcript of records with individual grades
- All university degree certificates already obtained, including final grades and full transcripts
- Language certificate(s) for the language of instruction (at least level B1, no older than 3 years)
- One recent letter of recommendation on a DAAD form from a university teacher
- Passport or national identity card (and refugee documentation if applicable)
Optional documents
- Certificates of employment
- Proof of extracurricular engagement
- Any other documents you consider relevant
Upload scanned (non-certified) copies. Include German or English translations for documents in other languages.
How to Submit Your Application
The application process takes place online through the DAAD Portal. Access opens at least six weeks before the deadline and remains available only during the application period.
Steps to follow
- Register in the DAAD portal.
- Generate and request the recommendation form (available only during the application period).
- Prepare, translate if necessary, and scan all documents in PDF format.
- Complete the online application form and upload the documents.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Important notes
- Your application is valid only if you submit all required documents by the deadline.
- The portal closes at 24:00 hrs (CET/CEST) on the final day.
- Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
- Submit early to avoid technical problems.
DAAD STEM Selection Criteria
DAAD uses a structured, multi-stage selection process for the STEM Master’s scholarships.
Stage 1: Pre-Selection (Document Review)
Only complete applications are considered. The committee focuses mainly on:
- Academic achievements (grades and consistency)
- Language skills
Stage 2: Interview
Pre-selected candidates attend an interview (on-site or virtual) with an independent committee of university teachers. The interview plays a decisive role in assessing authenticity, motivation, and personal qualities.
Main Selection Criteria
A. Academic Qualification
- Academic achievements (grade point average and grade development)
- Course of studies
- Knowledge of the language(s) of instruction or working language(s)
- Relevant internships or work experience (if available)
B. Quality of the Study Project
- Quality of the study project and level of preparation (research into the programme, choice of university, and contacts established)
- How well the project fits into the applicant’s overall academic career path
C. Potential of the Applicant
- Motivation (academic and personal reasons for studying in Germany)
- Prospects (importance of the stay for further academic, professional, and personal development)
- Extracurricular commitment and social engagement
Additional Consideration
The committee also takes equal opportunities into account. Applicants may mention special life circumstances such as disability, chronic illness, raising children, caring for relatives, refugee background, or extensive employment needed to finance studies.
German University Master’s Admission Rules
German universities set their own admission requirements, but most follow similar principles, especially for consecutive Master’s programmes (the most common type).
Core Requirements for Master’s Admission
| Requirement | Typical Expectation |
|---|---|
| Recognised Bachelor’s Degree | Must be equivalent to a German Bachelor’s (usually 3–4 years / 180–240 ECTS) |
| Subject Relevance | Bachelor’s degree must be in the same or a closely related field (consecutive rule) |
| Academic Performance | Usually a German grade of 2.5 or better (competitive programmes often require 2.0 or higher) |
| Language Proficiency | English-taught: IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL 80–92+ German-taught: TestDaF, DSH-2 or equivalent (often C1) |
| Additional Documents | CV, motivation letter, transcripts, sometimes recommendation letters or GRE |
Key Points About German Master’s Admission
- Consecutive vs Non-Consecutive
Most programmes are consecutive. This means your Bachelor’s subject must closely match the Master’s field. Switching fields is difficult unless the programme explicitly allows it. - Grade Conversion
German universities convert foreign grades using the modified Bavarian formula. A strong overall performance across all years of your Bachelor’s is important. - Language Requirements
You must meet the exact language level stated by the specific programme. DAAD requires at least B1 at the time of scholarship application, but universities often demand higher levels for actual admission. - Responsibility of the Applicant
You must apply separately for university admission. A DAAD scholarship becomes valid only after you receive formal admission to a Master’s programme in Germany. - Timing
Many programmes have early deadlines (often between December and July for the following winter semester). You should research and apply to universities well in advance.
Practical Advice for Applicants
- Choose only tuition-free STEM Master’s programmes.
- Ensure your Bachelor’s degree is recognised and subject-relevant.
- Prepare strong academic documents and a focused motivation letter that links your background to the chosen programme.
- Secure language certificates early.
- Apply to the university and the DAAD scholarship in parallel, keeping both deadlines in mind.
Would you like me to expand on any specific part (for example, how German grade conversion works, or tips for the DAAD interview)?
Contact and Further Support
GERMANY: DAAD Headquarters Address:
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V. (DAAD)
Kennedyallee 50
53175 Bonn
Germany
SOUTH AFRICA: DAAD Information Centre Johannesburg Address:
Jorissen Street, SM3151, Third Floor
Solomon Mahlangu House
University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa
Postal Address:
PO Box 269
Wits 2050
Johannesburg
South Africa
- Telephone: +27 (0) 11 717 9334
- Email: daad@wits.ac.za
GHANA DAAD Regional Office Accra
20 Osu La Crescent, Nyaniba Estates
Accra, Ghana
Tel.: +233 261 09 09 39
Email: info@daad-ghana.org
Website: https://www.daad-ghana.org
Useful Resources
- DAAD Important Information for Scholarship Applicants
- DAAD section on Study Programmes and Language Courses
- DAAD “Plan your studies” guidance
- Study in Germany campaign website: www.study-in-germany.de
- Overview of DAAD lecturers worldwide
- Apply for DAAD Study scholarships for STEM disciplines 2027/28
Closing Remarks
The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines offer an excellent pathway for talented students from developing and emerging countries to pursue a high-quality Master’s degree in Germany. Success depends on strong academic performance, careful programme selection, and a complete, well-prepared application.
Many programmes emphasise development-related research and practical application. Scholars are expected to maintain strong academic performance and, in many cases, return to contribute to their home countries after completing their studies. The programme also strengthens international research networks between German universities and institutions worldwide.
There is no application fee. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted. You can take a look at How to Verify Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants, and Financial Aid Funding. You can also learn How to Avoid Scholarship Scams.
Start your preparations early, confirm admission requirements at your chosen universities, and submit your application well before the 24 September 2026 deadline.