The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM disciplines support high-achieving graduates from eligible developing and emerging countries who want to complete a full-time master’s degree in Germany in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences or engineering. For the 2027/28 cycle, the scholarship is intended for programmes beginning in the winter semester of 2027/28 and provides €992 per month plus insurance support, a travel allowance where applicable and an annual study allowance.
This is a particularly useful scholarship for applicants who already know the academic field they want to pursue but need help financing a complete master’s degree in Germany. It is also more restrictive than a general DAAD award: the selected programme must be tuition-free, full-time, on campus and clearly within an eligible STEM field.
DAAD STEM Scholarship 2027/28: Key Facts
- Host country: Germany
- Study level: Master’s
- Eligible fields: Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences and Engineering
- Monthly scholarship: €992
- Annual study allowance: €460
- Funding period: 10 to 24 months
- Expected start: Usually 1 October 2027
- Study mode: Full-time, on-campus
What Kind of Master’s Degree Can Be Funded?
The award finances a complete master’s degree at a state or state-recognised university in Germany. The course must be in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences or engineering. Interdisciplinary programmes can qualify when they have a clearly designated STEM focus.
The degree must be tuition-free. A programme that charges tuition is formally excluded from consideration under this scholarship. The course must also be taught on campus; integrated study periods outside Germany are excluded.
Funding cannot be used for a master’s degree that has already started in Germany. For this cycle, the funded degree must begin in winter semester 2027/28.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants need a first university degree recognised in Germany, such as a bachelor’s degree, completed by the scholarship application deadline at the latest. The programme is targeted at applicants from eligible developing and emerging countries.
If you already hold a master’s degree by the application deadline, you are not eligible. DAAD also expects above-average academic performance and, as a general rule, the most recent university degree should not be more than six years old at the application deadline.
A Less Obvious Eligibility Rule: Residence in Germany
An application cannot be considered if the applicant has been resident in Germany for more than 15 months at the scholarship application deadline. This matters for candidates who are already in Germany for work, exchange study, language preparation or another programme.
Language Requirement: You Need Evidence at Application Stage
Applicants must show their current proficiency in the language of instruction of the selected master’s programme. DAAD states that the applicant should already have reached at least B1 level in the relevant language when applying for the scholarship.
For German-taught programmes, accepted evidence can include certificates such as TestDaF, DSH, Goethe, telc or onSET Deutsch. For English-taught programmes, examples include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge tests, PTE, Duolingo English Test and onSET English, depending on the programme and country-specific requirements.
The scholarship application language certificate and the university admission requirement are related but not identical. The university may require a higher score than the DAAD minimum, so applicants need to check both sets of rules.
What the Scholarship Pays
The main payment is €992 per month. DAAD also provides payments toward health, accident and personal-liability insurance, an annual study allowance of €460 and, where applicable, a travel allowance.
After funding begins, some scholars may qualify for additional support such as a rent subsidy, an allowance for accompanying family members or disability-related costs. DAAD can also support language learning for scholarships lasting more than six months, including certain online or in-country German courses and reimbursement for some language-test fees.
What the Scholarship Does Not Cover
DAAD does not pay tuition fees. That is why applicants must choose tuition-free master’s programmes. A university may still charge semester contributions or administrative fees, so applicants should calculate those separately when comparing study options.
How Long Can You Be Funded?
The funding period is based on the standard duration of the selected master’s degree and can range from 10 to 24 months. If a candidate chooses a two-year programme, the full intended two-year duration should be stated in the scholarship application.
After the first year, academic performance is reviewed. Funding continues as planned when progress indicates that the degree can be completed within a reasonable period.
The Application Is Not the Same as University Admission
One of the most important practical points is that the DAAD scholarship application does not replace the university admission application. Applicants are responsible for applying to their selected German universities and meeting each institution’s admission and enrolment deadlines.
A DAAD scholarship is only valid if the scholarship holder is ultimately admitted to an eligible master’s programme in Germany. If the admission letter is not available when the scholarship application is filed, it can be submitted before the funding period begins.
You Can List Up to Five Master’s Programmes
The application package includes a form for preferred master’s programmes. Applicants can list up to five options. This should not be treated as a random list of German STEM degrees. The selection committee evaluates how well the study plan fits the applicant’s academic history and career direction.
A stronger list usually has a clear academic theme: for example, several closely related data science, computer science or electrical engineering programmes rather than five unrelated degrees chosen only because they are available.
Documents You Should Prepare
- A full tabular CV of no more than three pages.
- A motivation letter of one to three pages explaining the academic and personal reasons for studying in Germany.
- The completed form listing preferred master’s programmes.
- Current transcripts with individual grades.
- University degree certificates and academic records.
- Proof of the language of instruction, normally no older than three years.
- One recent academic recommendation from a university teacher using the DAAD form.
- Passport or national identity documents and any country-specific documents.
- English or German translations where original documents are in another language.
How Selection Works
Only complete applications are considered. DAAD first makes a pre-selection based on the submitted documents, with particular attention to academic performance and language skills. Shortlisted applicants are then invited to an interview with an independent committee of university teachers.
The committee looks at academic achievement, course progression, language ability, relevant internships or work experience, the quality and preparation of the proposed study plan, motivation, future academic or professional prospects and extracurricular or social commitment.
This is why a motivation letter should not simply repeat the CV. It should explain why the proposed master’s degree is a logical next step and how the study in Germany connects with the applicant’s longer-term goals.
Application Timing
DAAD states that applications for this programme are possible between 1 June and the applicable deadline. The exact closing date depends on the applicant’s country or route in the DAAD scholarship database. Applicants should select their status and country of origin in the official database to see the correct deadline for their application.
How to Apply
Register in the DAAD portal, request the official recommendation form, prepare and translate documents where necessary, complete the online application and upload all required PDF files before the country-specific deadline.
The DAAD portal closes at midnight Central European Time on the final application day. Submitting earlier is safer because incomplete applications are formally excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I already have a master’s degree?
No. Applicants who already hold a master’s degree by the application deadline are not eligible for this programme.
Can the scholarship fund a private university programme with tuition fees?
No. The programme requires a tuition-free master’s degree at a state or state-recognised institution.
Do I need university admission before applying to DAAD?
Not necessarily. If the admission decision is not yet available, the letter can be submitted before the scholarship begins, but the scholarship ultimately depends on admission to an eligible programme.
Is there one universal deadline?
No. The official DAAD database shows the applicable deadline after the applicant selects the relevant country and status.
