Study scholarships for STEM disciplines
More details :
The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines support high-achieving graduates from developing and emerging countries who want to pursue a full Master’s degree in Germany. The programme focuses on innovation-driven STEM fields, including Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, and Engineering.
This scholarship is designed for applicants who have completed a first university degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree, and want to continue their academic and professional career through a full-time, on-campus Master’s programme at a state or state-recognised university in Germany.
The scholarship provides financial support for up to 24 months, depending on the standard duration of the selected Master’s programme. Applicants should carefully choose a tuition-free Master’s programme and make sure they meet both DAAD requirements and university admission requirements.
Eligibility :
Applicants must be high-achieving graduates from developing or emerging countries who want to complete a Master’s degree in a STEM field at a German university.
Applicants must have completed a first university degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree, recognised in Germany by the application deadline.
Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree by the application deadline are not eligible.
The most recent university degree should generally not be older than six years at the time of the application deadline.
Applicants must apply for a full-time, on-campus Master’s degree at a state or state-recognised university in Germany.
Applicants must meet the legal and subject-specific admission requirements of the chosen German university.
Applicants must demonstrate above-average academic performance.
Applicants cannot be considered if they have been resident in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.
Applicants must provide proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction of the chosen study programme. At the time of application, applicants must have reached at least B1 level.
Required documents :
Full curriculum vitae in tabular form, maximum 3 pages.
Letter of motivation, usually 1 to 3 pages, explaining the academic and personal reasons for studying in Germany.
Letter of admission from the German host university, if already available.
Completed DAAD form: “Information about your preferred master programmes.”
Current transcript of records with individual grades.
All university degree certificates already obtained, including final grades and transcripts for all academic years.
Language certificate for the language of instruction of the chosen study programme, usually not older than 3 years and at least B1 level.
One recent supporting recommendation letter from a university teacher using the DAAD form.
Passport, national identity card, or other identification document showing personal data and current residence status.
School leaving certificate with all individual grades.
Proof of English language ability if the degree programme is taught in English. DAAD lists examples such as TOEFL, IELTS, and other accepted certificates.
How to apply :
Applicants must apply online through the DAAD portal during the official application period.
First, applicants should select suitable tuition-free Master’s programmes in STEM fields at German universities. DAAD allows applicants to list up to five preferred Master’s programmes in the required study programme information form.
Applicants should then prepare all required documents, including a CV, motivation letter, transcripts, degree certificates, language certificate, recommendation letter, and identity documents.
After registering in the DAAD portal, applicants must complete the online application form and upload all documents in PDF format.
Applicants must also apply separately for admission to their selected German university. If the admission letter is not available at the time of the DAAD application, it must be submitted before the scholarship period begins.
Applicants should not wait until the final day because the DAAD portal closes at 24:00 CET or CEST on the deadline date.
The Scholarship Benefits:
Monthly stipend: Scholars receive 992 euros per month to support living costs in Germany.
Health insurance coverage: DAAD provides payments toward health, accident, and personal liability insurance.
Travel allowance: Scholars may receive a travel allowance according to DAAD rules.
Annual study allowance: Scholars receive an annual study allowance of 460 euros.
Rent subsidy: A monthly rent subsidy may be available under certain circumstances after the start of funding.
Family allowance: Scholars may apply for a monthly allowance for accompanying family members, where applicable.
Language course support: DAAD may cover an online German language course, a German language course in Germany before the programme, or an allowance for a personally chosen German course.
Test fee reimbursement: DAAD may reimburse fees for TestDaF or DSH under the programme rules.
Support for disability or chronic illness: Additional justified costs may be considered on an individual basis.

