The STEM Study Scholarships in Germany 2026 provide a fully funded opportunity for high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries to pursue a Master’s degree in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, or engineering at a German university. This DAAD scholarship programme aims to support the qualification and employability of young academics and future professionals in innovation-driving STEM fields.
The scholarship is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), a major German organisation supporting international academic cooperation. It offers comprehensive financial support for a complete, tuition-free Master’s degree programme starting in the winter term of 2026/27.
STEM Study Scholarships Benefits
- Monthly scholarship payments of 992 euros
- Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance cover
- Travel allowance
- Annual study allowance of 460 euros
- Monthly rent subsidy (under certain circumstances, after start of funding)
- Monthly allowance for accompanying members of family (under certain circumstances)
- Subsidy for additional costs in case of disability or chronic illness (on application)
- Reimbursement of carbon offset payments for air travel
- Payment of course fees for an online language course (on application)
- German language course in Germany before the start of the research project (if necessary)
- Allowance for a personally chosen German language course during the scholarship period
- Reimbursement of the fee for a TestDaF or DSH test
STEM Study Scholarships Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries
- Applicants must have completed studies with a first degree recognised in Germany (e.g. Bachelor’s degree) by the application deadline at the latest
- Applicants cannot already have a Master’s degree by the application deadline
- University degree should not date back more than 6 years at the time of the application deadline
- Legal and subject-specific admission requirements for a Master’s degree programme in Germany must be fulfilled
- Applicants must not have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline
- Applicants must demonstrate above-average academic performance
- Applicants must have at least level B1 proficiency in the language of instruction (German, English, or both)
How to Apply for STEM Study Scholarships
- Register in the DAAD portal
- Request recommendation form in the DAAD Portal as a writable PDF under ‘Request recommendation form’
- Send the recommendation form to a university teacher and ask them to complete it
- Upload the completed recommendation form in the portal under ‘Letter of Recommendation’
- Prepare application documents
- If necessary, translate documents (unless they are already in German or English)
- Scan paper documents and save in PDF format
- Fill out the online application form and upload the application documents to the portal in PDF format
- Submit the application online
What is the objective of the STEM Study Scholarships?
The aim is to support the qualification and employability of young academics and future professionals from developing and emerging countries by offering them the opportunity to continue their academic and professional career in innovation-driving STEM fields in Germany with a Master’s degree.
Who is eligible to apply for these scholarships?
High-achieving students from developing and emerging countries who have completed a first degree recognised in Germany (e.g. Bachelor’s degree) by the application deadline and do not already have a Master’s degree. Applicants must not have been resident in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline.
What fields of study are funded?
Funding is available for Master’s degrees in the STEM subjects: mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and engineering. Interdisciplinary degree programmes must have a designated STEM focus.
What are the language requirements?
Applicants must provide proof of current proficiency in the language of instruction (German, English, or both) of their chosen study programme, having already reached at least level B1. Accepted certificates include TestDaF, DSH, IELTS, TOEFL, and others as specified.
What financial benefits does the scholarship provide?
Benefits include monthly payments of 992 euros, insurance cover payments, travel allowance, annual study allowance of 460 euros, and potential additional benefits like rent subsidy, family allowance, and language course support under certain conditions.
When does the funding begin?
Funding must begin in 2026. The scholarship usually begins on 1st October 2026, or earlier if the scholar takes a German language course prior to the study programme.
How long is the funding duration?
Funding is provided for 10 months to a maximum of 24 months, depending on the standard period of study of the chosen full-time Master’s degree programme.
What documents are required for application?
Required documents include a CV, letter of motivation, letter of admission (or submitted later), form ‘Information about your preferred master programmes’, transcripts, degree certificates, language certificates, a letter of recommendation, and passport/identity documents.
How are applicants selected?
Selection is based on academic qualification, quality of the study project, and potential of the applicant. A pre-selection is made from application documents, followed by an interview with a selection committee.
Can I apply if I am already studying in Germany?
Funding is not possible for a Master’s degree programme that has already begun in Germany. Funding is only available for degree programmes starting in winter term 26/27.
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