DAAD 2026 Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines Open for Everyone
Germany has announced an exciting funding opportunity for international students from developing and emerging countries who aspire to pursue a Master’s degree in STEM disciplines. Offered by the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service), these scholarships aim to strengthen global talent in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and engineering. The program provides financial support, academic guidance, and career pathways in Germany’s innovation-driven industries.
Funding Package
The DAAD STEM scholarships provide generous financial coverage for international students:
- Monthly stipend of €992 to cover living costs.
- Health, accident, and personal liability insurance contributions.
- Travel allowance to and from Germany.
- Annual study allowance of €460.
- Additional benefits may include rent subsidies, family allowances, and special support for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
- German language courses, online or in-person, may be funded, along with reimbursement for recognized language test fees (TestDaF/DSH).
The scholarship covers 10 to 24 months, depending on the chosen Master’s program, with possible continuation after the first year based on academic performance.
Eligibility Criteria
The program is targeted at high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries who wish to pursue a tuition-free Master’s degree in Germany. Applicants must:
- Hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree (not older than 6 years at the time of application).
- Show above-average academic performance.
- Not already hold a Master’s degree.
- Demonstrate language proficiency (at least B1 level in German or English, depending on the program’s language of instruction).
- Not have been living in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.
Applicants must also secure admission to a German university program, either before applying or before the scholarship period begins.
Application to Selection Timeline
Applications are accepted annually, with deadlines updated in the second quarter each year. For the upcoming intake:
- Application Period: June 2025 until the official deadline (to be confirmed in 2026).
- Funding Start: October 2026 (or earlier if beginning with a DAAD-supported German language course).
- Selection Results: Announced after personal interviews with shortlisted candidates.
Applicants are strongly advised not to wait until the last date, as the DAAD online portal closes automatically at 24:00 CET on the final day.
Prospectus: https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database.pdf?detail=57742130.
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