DAAD STEM Master’s Scholarship 2027/28: €992/Month

DAAD STEM Master’s Scholarship 2027/28 at a Glance

Eligible STEM Fields

The scholarship supports eligible Master’s programmes with a clear STEM focus in:

• mathematics;
• computer science;
• natural sciences; and
• engineering.

Interdisciplinary programmes can be eligible when their academic profile is clearly designated as STEM.

Who Can Apply?

The programme targets high-achieving graduates from eligible developing and emerging countries who wish to complete a Master’s degree in Germany.

Applicants should generally:

• hold a first university degree that is recognised in Germany;
• have above-average academic results;
• apply for an eligible STEM Master’s programme at a state or state-recognised German university;
• not already hold a Master’s degree by the application deadline;
• normally have obtained their most recent degree no more than six years before the application deadline; and
• not normally have lived in Germany for more than 15 months by the application deadline.

Applicants are responsible for satisfying the admission requirements of the chosen German university. A DAAD scholarship offer does not replace university admission.

Language Requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of their current proficiency in the language of instruction of the selected Master’s programme—German, English, or both.

DAAD expects applicants to have reached at least B1 in the relevant language by the application stage. The submitted certificate should generally be no more than three years old.

Funding and Benefits

The current monthly scholarship is €992.

Additional benefits may include:

• health, accident and personal-liability insurance contributions;
• a travel allowance upon application;
• a €460 annual study allowance;
• possible rent subsidy;
• possible family allowance;
• additional support for scholars with disabilities or chronic illness;
• carbon-offset reimbursement for air travel; and
• German-language-course support and possible TestDaF/DSH fee reimbursement under the applicable rules.

Funding normally lasts 10–24 months, depending on the standard duration of the selected Master’s programme. Continued funding is subject to satisfactory academic progress.

2027/28 Application Deadlines

Applicants must open the official DAAD scholarship database, select their country of origin and use the deadline displayed for that route.

The application period normally begins on 1 June. The DAAD portal closes at 24:00 CET/CEST on the final day applicable to the selected country route.

Required Application Documents

The current DAAD application package includes:

• a tabular CV of maximum 3 pages;
• a motivation letter of approximately 1–3 pages;
• a DAAD form listing up to five preferred Master’s programmes;
• current academic transcripts / grade overview;
• all completed university degree certificates and transcripts;
• proof of language proficiency, generally no older than three years and at least B1;
• one recent supporting recommendation using the required DAAD format;
• passport or national-ID information;
• university admission letter, if already available; and
• optional supporting evidence such as employment, internships or extracurricular engagement where relevant.

If university admission is not available when the scholarship application is submitted, it must be provided before the DAAD funding begins.

How to Apply

1. Check your country route. Confirm that the STEM scholarship is available and record the exact deadline.
2. Identify eligible Master’s programmes. Choose full-time, on-campus, tuition-free STEM programmes in Germany.
3. Review university admission rules. Check academic prerequisites, language requirements and university deadlines.
4. Prepare the DAAD application. Complete the CV, motivation letter, programme-preference form, transcripts, recommendation and language evidence.
5. Apply to the German university separately. DAAD does not submit the university application on the applicant’s behalf.
6. Submit through the DAAD portal. Complete the scholarship application before the country-specific deadline.
7. Provide admission confirmation when required. Funding can begin only after all admission conditions are met.

How DAAD Selects Candidates

DAAD first conducts a document-based pre-selection. Academic performance and language ability are particularly important at this stage.

Pre-selected applicants may then be invited to an interview with an independent academic selection committee.

Evaluation can include:

• academic performance and progression;
• appropriateness of the selected Master’s programme;
• quality of preparation for study in Germany;
• language ability;
• relevant internships or professional experience;
• how the Master’s fits the applicant’s future career plan;
• motivation and personal potential; and
• extracurricular or social engagement.

Pre-Submission Checklist

• Country-specific DAAD route confirmed
• Exact deadline verified
• Eligible STEM field confirmed
• Programme is full-time and on-campus
• Programme is tuition-free
• No integrated study period outside Germany
• No existing Master’s degree
• Six-year degree-age guideline checked
• 15-month Germany-residence rule checked
• B1-or-higher language evidence ready
• 3-page CV completed
• 1–3 page motivation letter completed
• Up to five Master’s programmes listed
• Recommendation prepared
• University application submitted separately
• DAAD application submitted before the country deadline