DAAD STEM Scholarship in Germany (2026-2027)

Scholarship Description

The DAAD STEM Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for international students wishing to pursue a Master's degree in Germany in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). DAAD is the world's largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers, promoting academic cooperation and cultural exchange.

The scholarship supports outstanding graduates from developing and emerging countries (including many African, Asian, and Latin American nations) who demonstrate above-average academic performance and a strong commitment to using their education to benefit their home communities. Scholars receive comprehensive financial support to study at top German universities, gaining world-class education and research experience while building bridges between Germany and their home countries.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at accredited public or state-recognised German universities. Scholars may study at any eligible university offering qualifying STEM Master's programmes throughout Germany, including Berlin, Munich, Heidelberg, Aachen, Karlsruhe, and many other academic hubs.

Scholarship Deadline

Applications are accepted annually between 1 June and the application deadline. For the 2026-2027 academic cycle:

Host Institution

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst / German Academic Exchange Service) – the largest German support organisation for international academic cooperation. Scholars study at their chosen German university after being admitted to a qualifying STEM Master's programme.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Master's degree programmes.

Fields: STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Eligible programmes include but are not limited to: Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Biotechnology, and related interdisciplinary STEM fields.

Important: The DAAD does not consider and formally excludes Master's programmes that charge tuition fees. Only programmes at public or state-recognised German universities without tuition fees are eligible.

Target Group

International students from developing and emerging countries (particularly African, Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern nations). The scholarship is designed for graduates who will return to their home countries to contribute to development through their STEM expertise.

Residency requirement: Your application cannot be considered if you have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration: Typically 24–36 months (standard duration of the chosen Master's programme).

Scholarship benefits include:

• Monthly stipend (amount varies by country and programme, typically €934 – €1,200+ per month for living expenses)
• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance coverage
• Travel allowance (partial or full reimbursement of travel costs to and from Germany, depending on country of origin)
• Study and research allowance (for study materials, books, etc.)
• Rent subsidy (in exceptional cases, if housing costs exceed the stipend)
• Family allowance (for accompanying spouses and/or children, if applicable)
• German language course (preparatory German language course before the start of studies, if needed)
• Intensive language course (during the study period, depending on language needs)

Additional note: Tuition fees at public German universities are generally waived or very low, and the scholarship may also cover semester fees and administrative costs at the host university.

Scholarship Eligibility

Academic requirements: Above-average academic performance. Your most recent university degree should not date back more than 6 years at the time of the application deadline.

Degree status: If you already have a Master's degree by the application deadline, you cannot apply.

Admission to German university: You must be admitted to a Master's programme in Germany. Master's programmes at German universities are generally consecutive — the Master's programme must build on your Bachelor's degree. If you have not yet received admission at the time of application, you must submit it before the funding period begins.

Residency in Germany: Your application cannot be considered if you have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline.

Language skills (at least B1 level required at application):

• For German-taught programmes: TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat (C1/C2 typically), or equivalent.
• For English-taught programmes: TOEFL iBT (min. 79), IELTS (min. 6.5), Cambridge English, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, or equivalent. Certificates must be no older than 3 years at the application deadline.

Note: You are responsible for ensuring your application for admission to your chosen German university is submitted by the due date.

Application Procedure

1. Register on the DAAD portal – Access the DAAD scholarship portal at https://portal.daad.de. Registration is required to complete the online application form.
2. Select eligible Master's programmes – Identify up to 5 German Master's programmes in STEM fields that meet DAAD requirements (no tuition fees, consecutive programme). Complete the form 'Information about your preferred master programmes'.
3. Prepare required documents – Gather all application materials in PDF format (scanned, non-certified copies are accepted initially; DAAD may request certified copies later).
4. Request recommendation form – Generate the DAAD recommendation form in the portal as a writable PDF. Send it to a university teacher who can provide a supporting letter of recommendation about your qualifications.
5. Complete the online application – Fill out the application form in the DAAD portal. Upload all required documents under the appropriate sections. Submit the application online before the deadline.
6. Apply for university admission – Concurrently apply for admission to your chosen German Master's programmes. If you receive admission after the scholarship deadline, you must submit it before the funding period begins (October 2027).
7. Selection process – Applications are reviewed by DAAD selection committees. Selection is based on academic merit, motivation, language proficiency, and the quality of the study project.
8. Notification – Successful applicants are notified after the selection in February 2027. Funding begins in October 2027.

Required application documents (to be uploaded to DAAD portal):

• Full CV in tabular form (max. 3 pages)
• Letter of motivation (1–3 pages) – academic and personal reasons for the planned study project in Germany
• Letter of admission to the study programme (or to be submitted before funding begins)
• Form 'Information about your preferred master programmes' (up to 5 programmes)
• Transcript of records with individual grades
• All university degree certificates obtained (with final grades and transcripts)
• Language certificate (German or English, at least B1, no older than 3 years)
• One supporting letter of recommendation (on DAAD form) from a university teacher
• Passport/ID card – personal data page
• School leaving certificate with all individual grades
• Proof of English language abilities (if programme is English-taught) – TOEFL iBT min. 79 or IELTS min. 6.5
• Valid identification document (passport, ID card, driver licence, or student ID) with photo and full name
• Other relevant documents (employment certificates, proof of extracurricular engagement, etc.)

Important notes:

• Applications are only valid if all required documents are submitted by the deadline.
• The DAAD portal closes at 24:00 (CET/CEST) on the deadline day.
• Incomplete applications cannot be considered.
• Use a desktop computer – mobile devices have limited portal functionality.
• Translations: If documents are not in German or English, include certified translations.

Official Website & Application Link

DAAD Scholarship Database – STEM Scholarship

DAAD Portal: https://portal.daad.de

Technical Portal Hotline: +49 (0) 228 882-8888 (weekdays 9-12 and 14-16 CET/CEST)

Email for technical issues: [email protected]

DAAD Regional Office Amman (for inquiries): [email protected]