Germany DAAD AI Scholarships 2026 with €934 Monthly Stipend for International Students

Germany’s growing investment in artificial intelligence talent is now creating another funded pathway for international students. The DAAD-supported SECAI Scholarships 2026 in Germany are officially accepting applications from outstanding Master’s applicants planning to study AI and related disciplines at TU Dresden and Leipzig University. With financial support aimed at covering living costs during studies, the programme is designed for students who want to build careers in Artificial Intelligence research, engineering, and interdisciplinary AI applications.

For many international applicants facing rising tuition and living costs across Europe, the SECAI scholarship programme stands out because it focuses specifically on academic talent in AI-related fields while also supporting diversity and internationalisation within German higher education.

The DAAD Zuse School of Embedded Composite Artificial Intelligence (SECAI) Scholarships 2026 are funded scholarships for highly qualified Master’s students studying Artificial Intelligence or related disciplines at TU Dresden or Leipzig University in Germany. The programme provides a monthly stipend of 934 EUR for up to 24 months and is open to current or prospective Master’s students with excellent Bachelor’s academic records.

Why the SECAI Scholarship Matters for AI Students?

Unlike many generic international scholarships, the SECAI Scholarship Programme is tightly connected to Germany’s long-term AI research strategy. The programme supports students working in interdisciplinary AI areas including computer science, engineering, mathematics, medicine, natural sciences, law, and social sciences.

This broader interpretation of Artificial Intelligence makes the DAAD SECAI Scholarships particularly relevant for applicants whose academic profiles combine AI with practical application sectors. Students pursuing machine learning for healthcare, AI ethics, embedded systems, computational sciences, or intelligent engineering systems may find this programme strategically aligned with their future research goals.

The funding also arrives at a time when European universities are competing globally to attract strong AI talent amid increasing international demand for AI specialists.

What the DAAD SECAI Scholarships 2026 Cover?

The scholarship primarily supports living expenses in Germany so students can focus fully on research and academic development.

The DAAD SECAI funding package currently includes:

• Monthly stipend of 934 EUR
• Funding duration of up to 24 months
• Possible monthly family allowance for eligible international students
• Research networking and AI-focused academic environment
• Access to AI-related teaching and research ecosystems in Germany

Students should note that additional income exceeding 520 EUR monthly may reduce the scholarship amount.

Who Should Apply for the SECAI AI Scholarships in Germany?

The programme is designed for highly qualified Master’s students with strong academic achievements during their Bachelor’s studies. Applicants must either already study or plan to study Artificial Intelligence or related subjects at TU Dresden or Leipzig University.

The selection process strongly emphasizes academic excellence, but the programme also considers diversity and inclusion factors. Women in STEM disciplines are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants facing difficult personal circumstances, including refugees or students from systematically disadvantaged backgrounds, may also receive consideration during evaluation.

Competition for these scholarships is expected to remain high because only 20 scholarships are available each cycle.

Required Documents for the SECAI Scholarship Application

Applicants must prepare a complete application package that includes:

• Motivation letter explaining connection to AI and SECAI
• Updated CV
• Bachelor’s certificate and academic transcripts
• Other relevant certificates if applicable
• Declaration of other income sources or scholarships
• Master’s admission application reference number if applying simultaneously

Incomplete applications are not considered during selection.

Strategic Advantage of Studying AI in Germany Through SECAI

Germany continues expanding its AI research ecosystem through collaborations between universities, research institutes, and industry. For international students seeking long-term academic or industrial AI careers in Europe, programmes such as the DAAD SECAI Scholarships 2026 can provide both funding and research visibility.

Students aiming for PhD pathways, European AI labs, or applied AI industries may particularly benefit from entering Germany’s research network through institutions like TU Dresden and Leipzig University.

Application Deadline: Applications for the DAAD SECAI Scholarships 2026 starting in the winter semester must be submitted by 30 June 2026.