Germany SECAI AI Scholarships 2026 With €934 Stipend Open Until 30 June

International students planning to build a career in Artificial Intelligence now have another major opportunity in Germany. The Zuse School of Excellence in Embedded Composite Artificial Intelligence (SECAI) has officially opened applications for its 2026 scholarship intake, offering monthly financial support, AI-focused academic exposure, and research networking opportunities for outstanding master’s students at Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden) and Leipzig University.

Backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, SECAI is part of the prestigious national Zuse Schools initiative designed to strengthen Germany’s next generation of AI researchers and innovators. Unlike many scholarship schemes that focus only on computer science students, SECAI takes a broader approach to AI and actively encourages applicants from interdisciplinary backgrounds including engineering, medicine, psychology, law, computational sciences, and human-centered AI studies.

For students searching for funded AI master’s opportunities in Europe without complicated sponsorship arrangements, this scholarship may become one of the most attractive Germany-based funding options currently open.

What Makes the SECAI Scholarship Different?

SECAI does not simply provide tuition-related assistance. The scholarship is designed to support future AI researchers by covering living expenses in Germany so students can focus on academics, research development, and professional networking.

The program particularly aims to improve diversity and internationalization within AI-related education. Women in STEM fields are strongly encouraged to apply, while special personal circumstances are also considered during evaluation. This includes applicants who have faced systemic disadvantages, political persecution, conflict-related displacement, or refugee circumstances.

Germany’s growing AI ecosystem is increasingly looking for interdisciplinary talent rather than purely technical specialists, and SECAI reflects that direction clearly.

Scholarship Benefits and Funding Package

Selected applicants will receive:

• Monthly stipend of EUR 934
• Possible additional family allowance for eligible international students
• Opportunity to focus fully on research and academic work in Germany
• Access to SECAI’s professional AI research network
• Exposure to interdisciplinary AI projects and collaborations
• Academic and research integration within Germany’s AI ecosystem

The scholarship regulations also specify that students with additional income exceeding EUR 603 gross per month may see a reduction in scholarship amount after declaration.

Which Universities and Programs Are Supported?

The SECAI scholarship supports students enrolled — or planning to enroll — at TU Dresden or Leipzig University in AI-related master’s programs.

Eligible Master’s Programs

At TU Dresden:

• M.Sc. Computer Science
• M.Sc. Computational Modeling and Simulation (Applied Artificial Intelligence track)
• M.Sc. Computational Modeling and Simulation (Computational Life Science track)
• M.Sc. Nanoelectronic Systems

At Leipzig University:

• M.Sc. Data Science
• M.Sc. Bioinformatics
• M.Sc. Medical Informatics

Other AI-Related Degrees Also Accepted

One of the strongest aspects of the SECAI scholarship is its openness toward interdisciplinary AI studies.

Students from the following backgrounds may also qualify if their electives, thesis work, or research focus are AI-related:

• Computer Science master’s or Diplom programs
• LL.M programs focused on AI law and data law
• Social sciences and humanities programs examining societal dimensions of AI
• Psychology programs specializing in socio-technical systems and human-machine interaction
• Engineering and computational sciences connected to AI applications
• Medicine and healthcare informatics programs

This broader interpretation of AI eligibility makes the scholarship particularly attractive for applicants whose research connects AI with ethics, healthcare, policy, human behavior, or advanced simulations.

Who Can Apply for SECAI-AI Scholarships in Germany?

Applicants must satisfy all of the following conditions:

• Be current or future master’s students at TU Dresden or Leipzig University
• Study in an AI-related field connected to SECAI research areas
• Demonstrate excellent academic performance
• Usually possess a converted German GPA equivalent of 1.7 or better
• Submit separate university admission and scholarship applications if not yet enrolled

Importantly, applicants may apply for the scholarship while simultaneously applying for admission to their chosen master’s program. Both processes remain independent.

Students enrolled in German Diploma programs may also qualify after completion of the Grundstudium phase.

Duration of Funding

The scholarship normally covers the remaining standard duration of studies according to the official study plan (“Regelstudienzeit”).

However, SECAI’s selection committee may determine shorter funding periods depending on:

• Available budget
• Candidate progress
• Individual academic circumstances

Funding may also end immediately if scholarship conditions are no longer fulfilled.

Why Germany’s AI Scholarships Are Becoming Increasingly Competitive?

Germany has rapidly expanded investment into AI research, semiconductor systems, computational medicine, robotics, and data science over recent years. Universities such as TU Dresden and Leipzig University are becoming increasingly attractive alternatives to expensive English-speaking destinations because they combine:

• Research-intensive education
• Strong industry integration
• Affordable living compared to some Western countries
• Growing English-taught master’s programs
• Access to European AI research collaborations

SECAI scholarships further reduce the financial pressure on international students by covering monthly living support.

For applicants aiming to later continue toward a PhD, research fellowships, or European AI industry careers, programs connected to Germany’s federally funded AI ecosystem can also provide valuable long-term networking advantages.

How to Apply for the SECAI Scholarship

Applicants must submit their applications through the official SECAI application portal. Students not yet admitted into their master’s program should remember:

• University admission applications and scholarship applications are separate processes
• Both applications can run simultaneously
• Receiving admission does not automatically guarantee scholarship funding

Applicants are advised to prepare:

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Motivation-related documents
• AI-related academic or research evidence
• Proof of enrollment or admission application status

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the SECAI Scholarships 2026 at TU Dresden and Leipzig University is 30 June 2026. While the final deadline applies to all applicants, SECAI has confirmed that a limited number of exceptional applications may be selected earlier during preliminary evaluation rounds in April and May 2026.

As AI scholarships across Europe continue becoming more competitive each year, students interested in Germany’s research-based AI education system may benefit from applying well before the final deadline.