DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines 2027/28: Fully Funded Master’s Opportunity in Germany for Students from Developing and Emerging Countries

The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines offer high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries an opportunity to pursue a full-time Master’s degree in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences or engineering at a university in Germany.

The programme is designed to support talented young academics and future professionals who want to build advanced expertise in innovation-driven STEM fields and use that knowledge to strengthen their academic and professional careers.

Funding can be provided for 10 to 24 months, depending on the standard duration of the selected Master’s programme, with funding beginning in 2027.

About the DAAD STEM Scholarship

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides scholarships to international students and researchers seeking to study or conduct research in Germany.

The Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines specifically target students from developing and emerging countries who have demonstrated strong academic performance and want to pursue a Master’s degree in one of the following areas:

• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Natural Sciences
• Engineering

The programme focuses on STEM fields that contribute to innovation, technological development and the future workforce.

Successful applicants can study at a state or state-recognised university in Germany, provided that their chosen programme meets the scholarship requirements.

What the Scholarship Covers

The scholarship provides substantial financial support throughout the funded study period.

Successful scholars receive:

• €992 per month as a scholarship payment.
• Payments toward health, accident and personal liability insurance.
• A travel allowance, subject to the applicable conditions and application.
• An annual study allowance of €460.

Depending on individual circumstances and eligibility, additional support may also be available.

Additional Benefits

Scholars may be able to apply for:

• A monthly rent subsidy.
• A monthly allowance for accompanying family members.
• Additional financial support related to disability or chronic illness where justified costs are not covered elsewhere.
• Reimbursement of carbon-offset payments for air travel.
• Language-learning support.

For scholarship periods longer than six months, DAAD may also provide support for language learning, including:

• Fees for an online language course.
• A German language course in Germany before the start of the study programme, where DAAD determines that this is necessary.
• An allowance for a personally selected German language course during the scholarship period.
• Reimbursement of fees for TestDaF or DSH examinations under the applicable conditions.

Important: The Master’s Programme Must Be Tuition-Free

One of the most important requirements is that applicants must select a tuition-free Master’s programme.

The DAAD scholarship itself does not cover tuition fees. Therefore, applicants should carefully check the tuition arrangements of their chosen university and degree programme before applying.

The selected programme must also be:

• Full-time.
• On-campus.
• At a state or state-recognised university in Germany.
• In mathematics, computer science, natural sciences or engineering.
• Tuition-free.
• Starting in the winter semester 2027/28.

Interdisciplinary programmes can qualify if they have a clearly designated STEM focus.

Programmes that have already started in Germany cannot receive funding under this scholarship.

Programmes that include integrated study periods outside Germany are also excluded.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is aimed at high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries who intend to pursue a STEM Master’s degree in Germany.

Applicants must have completed a first university degree recognised in Germany, such as a Bachelor’s degree, by the application deadline at the latest.

Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree by the application deadline are not eligible for this particular scholarship programme.

The scholarship is therefore particularly relevant to students who have completed their undergraduate studies and are now looking to advance their education through a STEM Master’s programme in Germany.

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Eligible Fields of Study

Applicants must choose a qualifying programme within the STEM disciplines.

1. Mathematics

This can include eligible Master’s programmes focused on areas such as mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics and related mathematical disciplines.

2. Computer Science

Relevant programmes may include computer science, information technology, software-related disciplines, artificial intelligence and other qualifying computing fields.

3. Natural Sciences

This category covers qualifying programmes within the natural sciences.

4. Engineering

Applicants may pursue eligible engineering disciplines offered by German universities.

For interdisciplinary programmes, applicants should ensure that the programme has a clearly defined STEM focus.

Duration of the Scholarship

The scholarship can support students for between 10 and 24 months.

The actual duration depends on the standard length of the selected Master’s degree.

For example, if the chosen Master’s programme normally takes two years to complete, the applicant should request the scholarship for the full two-year period in the application.

After the first year, the scholar’s academic performance will be reviewed.

If the academic progress indicates that the student is likely to successfully complete the programme within a reasonable period, funding can continue as planned.

Funding must begin in 2027 and normally starts on 1 October 2027, although it may begin earlier if the scholar is required to complete a German language course before starting the degree.

Selection Process

DAAD states that only applications containing all mandatory documents will be considered.

Incomplete applications can be excluded from the selection process for formal reasons.

The selection process involves several important stages.

1. Application Review and Pre-Selection

Applications are initially assessed based on the submitted documents.

Particular attention is given to:

• Academic achievements.
• Previous course of study.
• Language skills.
• Relevant internships.
• Relevant professional experience, where applicable.

Applicants who perform strongly during the initial assessment may be pre-selected.

2. Interview

Pre-selected applicants are invited to an interview with an independent selection committee consisting of university teachers.

The interview may take place either physically or virtually.

The interview is an important part of the selection process because it allows the committee to assess the applicant’s motivation, authenticity, academic plans and personal potential.

Key Selection Criteria

Applicants are assessed across several major areas.

Academic Qualification

The committee considers:

• Academic performance.
• Previous studies.
• Knowledge of the language of instruction or working language.
• Relevant internships and work experience where applicable.

Strong academic preparation is therefore an important part of a competitive application.

Quality of the Study Project

Applicants must demonstrate that they have carefully considered their proposed study programme.

The committee considers:

• The quality of the proposed study project.
• Preparation for the study programme.
• Knowledge of the selected degree programme.
• Choice of university.
• Evidence of preliminary research.
• Contacts established with the prospective university where applicable.
• How the proposed Master’s degree fits into the applicant’s broader academic and professional development.

Applicants should therefore avoid selecting a programme without explaining why it is relevant to their long-term goals.

Personal and Professional Potential

The committee also considers the applicant’s potential and motivation.

This includes:

• Academic motivation.
• Personal reasons for studying in Germany.
• German language skills where relevant.
• Expected academic development.
• Expected professional development.
• Personal development.
• Extracurricular activities.
• Social commitment.
• Relevant knowledge and skills.

Applicants should demonstrate not only that they are academically capable, but also that the opportunity will contribute meaningfully to their future plans.

Equal Opportunity Considerations

DAAD also takes equal-opportunity considerations into account during the selection process.

Applicants may provide information about special circumstances that may have affected their educational or professional journey.

Examples include:

• Disability.
• Chronic or prolonged illness.
• Raising children.
• Caring for relatives.
• Refugee background.
• Significant employment responsibilities required to finance studies.

Applicants who have experienced such circumstances can provide relevant information in the application form so that the selection committee can consider their situation appropriately.

When Does Funding Begin?

The scholarship funding must begin in 2027.

The normal starting date is 1 October 2027, although an earlier start may be possible when a German language course is required before the Master’s programme begins.

The scholarship is specifically intended for Master’s programmes beginning in the winter term 2027/28.

Application Deadline

Deadline: The information provided does not state a single universal application deadline.

Applicants should therefore check the official DAAD scholarship database and the specific application information applicable to their country of origin and programme before preparing their submission.

Because application deadlines can be tied to the relevant DAAD call and applicant country, prospective applicants should not assume that one deadline applies to everyone.

Visit HERE to learn about the DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines 2027/28

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Applicants should begin preparing well in advance rather than waiting until the application period is close to closing.

A strong application should clearly demonstrate:

1. Strong academic performance
   Highlight relevant academic achievements and STEM-related coursework.
2. A clear study plan
   Explain why the chosen Master’s programme is appropriate for your academic and professional development.
3. A suitable German university
   Research universities and tuition-free STEM Master’s programmes carefully before applying.
4. Strong motivation
   Clearly explain why studying in Germany is important for your future.
5. Relevant experience
   Include internships, employment, research, projects and other experiences relevant to your chosen field.
6. Language preparation
   Pay attention to the language requirements of the selected programme and demonstrate the required language skills.
7. Complete documentation
   Make sure every mandatory document is submitted because incomplete applications can be excluded from consideration.

Why This Opportunity Matters

The DAAD STEM scholarship can provide international students with an opportunity to gain advanced academic qualifications in one of Europe’s major centres for science, technology and innovation.

For students from developing and emerging countries, completing a STEM Master’s degree in Germany can provide access to advanced academic environments, international networks and professional development opportunities.

The scholarship is particularly valuable because it combines a monthly financial allowance with additional support for insurance, travel and study-related expenses, subject to the programme’s conditions.

Conclusion

The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines provide an important opportunity for talented students from developing and emerging countries to pursue a tuition-free Master’s degree in Germany in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences or engineering.

With funding of €992 per month, insurance support, a study allowance, travel assistance and potential additional benefits, the programme can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with studying abroad.

However, applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility requirements. They must have completed a recognised first degree by the relevant deadline, must not already hold a Master’s degree, and must choose an eligible tuition-free STEM Master’s programme beginning in the 2027/28 winter term.

Prospective applicants should begin researching eligible German universities and programmes early and consult the official DAAD scholarship database for the exact application deadline and country-specific requirements.

For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.