Study Scholarships – Master’s Studies in STEM Subjects – fundsforNGOs

Deadline: 30-Sep-2026

The DAAD Master’s Scholarships in STEM Fields support high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries who want to pursue a tuition-free Master’s degree in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences or engineering at a German university. Successful scholars can receive a monthly stipend of €992, an annual study allowance, insurance, travel support and additional benefits, with funding lasting 10 to 24 months depending on the Master’s programme.

What Are the DAAD Master’s Scholarships in STEM Fields?

The DAAD Master’s Scholarships in STEM Fields are designed to support talented students from developing and emerging countries who want to pursue advanced STEM education in Germany

The programme is intended to strengthen the academic and professional development of future specialists and academics in fields such as:

• Mathematics
• Computer science
• Natural sciences
• Engineering

The scholarship aims to help talented graduates gain advanced knowledge and expertise that can contribute to innovation, research and professional development in their home countries

Scholarship recipients undertake a full-time, on-campus Master’s degree programme at an eligible German university

What Is the Main Objective of the Scholarship?

The programme focuses on developing highly qualified professionals and academics in STEM disciplines

The scholarship seeks to:

• Support talented students from developing and emerging countries.
• Enable access to advanced Master’s-level education in Germany.
• Strengthen expertise in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and engineering.
• Develop future specialists and academics.
• Contribute to innovation capacity in scholars’ home countries.
• Promote international academic cooperation.

The programme is particularly relevant for students who want to combine advanced STEM education in Germany with long-term academic or professional impact in their home countries

What Master’s Programmes Are Eligible?

The scholarship supports full-time, on-campus Master’s degree programmes in STEM disciplines at state or state-recognized universities in Germany

Eligible academic fields include:

• Mathematics
• Computer science
• Natural sciences
• Engineering

Are Interdisciplinary Programmes Eligible?

Yes. An interdisciplinary Master’s programme can be eligible if it has a clear STEM focus

Applicants should therefore make sure that the academic content of their chosen programme is strongly connected to one or more eligible STEM disciplines

Are Programmes With Study Periods Outside Germany Eligible?

Programmes that include integrated study periods outside Germany are not supported under this scholarship

Applicants should carefully check the structure of their intended Master’s programme before applying

Must the Master’s Programme Be Tuition-Free?

Yes. The selected Master’s programme must be tuition-free

Applicants should verify the tuition requirements of their chosen university and degree programme before submitting their scholarship application

How Long Does the DAAD STEM Scholarship Last?

The scholarship funding period ranges from 10 to 24 months

The exact duration depends on the standard length of the selected Master’s degree programme

Funding typically begins on:

1 October 2027

Funding may begin earlier if the selected applicant is required to complete a preliminary German language course

What Financial Benefits Does the Scholarship Provide?

Successful scholarship recipients receive several forms of financial and practical support

Monthly Scholarship Stipend

Scholars receive a monthly stipend of:

€992 per month

This provides financial support during the scholarship period

Annual Study Allowance

Recipients also receive an annual study grant of:

€460 per year

This allowance is intended to help with study-related expenses

Insurance

The scholarship includes:

• Health insurance.
• Accident insurance.
• Personal liability insurance.

These benefits help provide financial protection during the scholarship period in Germany

Travel Allowance

A travel expense allowance may be provided upon request

This can help cover eligible travel-related expenses associated with travelling to and from Germany

What Additional Benefits May Be Available?

Depending on individual circumstances, scholarship recipients may qualify for additional support

Potential additional benefits include:

• Rent subsidies.
• Monthly allowances for accompanying family members.
• Financial support for justified additional costs related to a disability or chronic illness.
• Other applicable scholarship-related allowances.

These benefits are subject to the relevant eligibility requirements and individual circumstances

What Language Support Is Available?

Language support is an important part of the scholarship programme

Depending on the applicant’s programme and language requirements, support may include:

• Coverage of online language course fees.
• Funding for a preliminary German language course before the Master’s programme.
• Reimbursement of language examination fees.

A preliminary German language course may be required before the academic programme begins

Who Is Eligible for the DAAD Master’s Scholarship?

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

Applicants must meet the academic and programme requirements established for the scholarship

Academic Qualification

Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree that is recognized in Germany by the application deadline

The degree should provide the appropriate academic background for the intended Master’s programme

Master’s Degree Requirement

Applicants must not already hold a Master’s degree at the time of application

The scholarship is intended to support students progressing from an undergraduate qualification to a Master’s degree

Academic Performance

Academic achievement is an important part of the selection process

Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and provide appropriate evidence of their educational qualifications and achievements

What Does the Selection Committee Consider?

Selection is based on several academic, professional and personal factors

Important selection criteria include:

• Academic performance.
• Professional qualifications.
• Language skills.
• Relevant academic or professional experience.
• Quality of the proposed study project.
• Integration of the study project into the applicant’s academic and professional plans.
• Motivation for studying in Germany.
• Potential future impact.

Applicants should therefore present more than strong grades. They should demonstrate a clear academic purpose, relevant preparation and a convincing reason for pursuing the selected Master’s programme

How to Prepare a Strong Application

A strong application should connect the applicant’s previous education, proposed Master’s programme and future goals

Step 1: Check Your Academic Eligibility

Confirm that you have completed an undergraduate degree that will be recognized in Germany by the application deadline

Also confirm that you do not already hold a Master’s degree

Step 2: Select an Eligible STEM Master’s Programme

Identify a full-time, on-campus Master’s programme at a state or state-recognized German university

Make sure the programme:

• Falls within mathematics, computer science, natural sciences or engineering.
• Has a clear STEM focus if interdisciplinary.
• Is tuition-free.
• Does not include an integrated study period outside Germany.

Step 3: Review the Programme Structure

Carefully check the university’s official programme information

Confirm:

• Standard programme duration.
• Location of study.
• Language requirements.
• Tuition arrangements.
• Curriculum and STEM content.
• Whether any compulsory study period takes place outside Germany.

Step 4: Prepare Your Study Project

The proposed study project is an important part of the selection process

Explain:

• Why you selected the Master’s programme.
• How it relates to your previous education.
• What knowledge and skills you want to develop.
• Why studying in Germany is important for your goals.
• How the programme fits into your future academic or professional plans.
• How the knowledge gained could contribute to future impact in your home country.

Step 5: Demonstrate Your Motivation

Your motivation should be specific and evidence-based

Avoid generic statements about wanting to study abroad

Instead, explain how the selected programme addresses your academic interests, professional objectives and long-term development

Step 6: Highlight Relevant Experience

Include relevant:

• Academic projects.
• Research experience.
• Internships.
• Professional experience.
• Technical skills.
• STEM-related achievements.
• Extracurricular activities.

Focus on experience that demonstrates your preparation for the intended Master’s programme

Step 7: Demonstrate Language Skills

Review the language requirements of both the scholarship and your selected Master’s programme

Provide the required evidence of language proficiency where applicable

Language skills are among the factors considered during scholarship selection

Why Is the DAAD STEM Scholarship Important?

The scholarship provides talented graduates with an opportunity to access advanced STEM education in Germany while receiving substantial financial support

Its significance extends beyond individual education

The programme is designed to contribute to:

• STEM skills development.
• Academic capacity building.
• Professional expertise.
• Research and innovation.
• International academic cooperation.
• Future development in scholars’ home countries.

For students from developing and emerging countries, the combination of Master’s-level education, financial support and international academic experience can provide a strong foundation for long-term professional and academic contributions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should carefully review the eligibility and programme requirements before applying

Common problems can include:

• Selecting a Master’s programme outside the eligible STEM disciplines.
• Choosing a programme that is not tuition-free.
• Applying for a programme with an integrated study period outside Germany.
• Failing to confirm that the undergraduate degree is recognized in Germany.
• Applying when already holding a Master’s degree.
• Providing a weak or generic motivation statement.
• Failing to explain the connection between previous studies and the proposed Master’s programme.
• Not clearly explaining the proposed study project.
• Overlooking language requirements.
• Failing to demonstrate relevant academic or professional experience.
• Choosing a programme without checking its full structure and duration.

Important Facts at a Glance

• Scholarship: DAAD Master’s Scholarships in STEM Fields
• Study level: Master’s degree
• Eligible fields: Mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and engineering
• Target applicants: High-achieving students from developing and emerging countries
• Study location: Germany
• University type: State or state-recognized German universities
• Study format: Full-time and on-campus
• Tuition requirement: Master’s programme must be tuition-free
• Scholarship duration: 10–24 months
• Standard funding start: 1 October 2027
• Monthly stipend: €992
• Annual study grant: €460
• Insurance: Health, accident and personal liability insurance
• Travel support: Travel expense allowance upon request
• Additional support: Possible rent subsidy, family allowance and disability or chronic illness-related support
• Language support: Online language courses, preliminary German course where required and language examination fee reimbursement
• Academic requirement: Undergraduate degree recognized in Germany by the application deadline
• Existing Master’s degree: Applicants must not already hold a Master’s degree

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does the DAAD Master’s Scholarship in STEM Fields cover?

The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €992, an annual study grant of €460, health, accident and personal liability insurance, and a travel expense allowance upon request. Additional benefits may be available depending on individual circumstances

2. Which subjects are eligible for the DAAD STEM Master’s Scholarship?

The scholarship focuses on mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and engineering. Interdisciplinary programmes can be eligible if they have a clear STEM focus

3. Can I study any Master’s programme in Germany with this scholarship?

No. The programme must be a full-time, on-campus Master’s programme in an eligible STEM discipline at a state or state-recognized university in Germany. The programme must also be tuition-free and must not include an integrated study period outside Germany

4. How long is the scholarship?

The funding period is between 10 and 24 months, depending on the standard duration of the selected Master’s programme

5. Can students who already have a Master’s degree apply?

No. Applicants must not already hold a Master’s degree. The scholarship is intended for eligible students progressing to Master’s-level study after completing an undergraduate degree

6. Is German language knowledge required?

Language requirements depend on the selected Master’s programme. The scholarship can provide language support, including online language course fees and a preliminary German language course where required

7. What factors are considered during selection?

Selection considers academic performance, professional qualifications, language skills, relevant experience, the quality and integration of the proposed study project, motivation and the applicant’s potential for future impact

Conclusion

The DAAD Master’s Scholarships in STEM Fields 2027 offer talented students from developing and emerging countries an opportunity to pursue a tuition-free Master’s degree in Germany in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences or engineering

The programme combines academic study with substantial financial and practical support, including a €992 monthly stipend, annual study funding, insurance, travel support and possible additional allowances

Eligible applicants should carefully select a qualifying STEM Master’s programme, confirm that their undergraduate degree is recognized in Germany, develop a strong study project and clearly demonstrate their academic preparation, motivation and future potential

For students seeking advanced STEM education with the goal of developing expertise that can contribute to innovation and professional growth in their home countries, the DAAD scholarship represents a significant international study opportunity

For more information, visit DAAD

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Source: www2.fundsforngos.org