Study scholarships for STEM disciplines

Critères d'éligibilité

Applicants must be from developing and emerging countries, possess a first degree recognized in Germany (e.g., Bachelor's) by the application deadline, and demonstrate above-average academic performance. They should not already hold a Master's degree by the application deadline. The scholarship is for a full-time, on-campus, tuition-free Master's degree in STEM (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, engineering) at a German university, starting in the winter term 2026/2027. Applicants must not have resided in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline and must have a minimum B1 level proficiency in the language of instruction of their chosen program, with the degree generally not dating back more than 6 years.

Présentation du programme

# DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines ## Overview The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines aim to empower promising young academics and future professionals from developing and emerging countries. This scholarship provides an exceptional opportunity to pursue a Master's degree in innovation-driving STEM fields in Germany, specifically in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and engineering. The program focuses on enhancing the qualification and employability of its recipients, supporting their academic and professional journeys within these crucial disciplines. Applicants must be prepared to commit to a full-time, on-campus Master's degree program at a state or state-recognized German university. The program exclusively funds tuition-free Master's degree programs and excludes those with integrated stays outside Germany. Funding is specifically for programs commencing in the winter term 2026/2027. ## Benefits Recipients of this scholarship will receive comprehensive financial and academic support. Key benefits include: * **Monthly Scholarship Payments:** 992 euros per month to cover living expenses. * **Insurance Coverage:** Payments towards health, accident, and personal liability insurance. * **Travel Allowance:** Funding to cover travel costs for arriving in Germany. * **Annual Study Allowance:** An additional 460 euros annually to support study-related expenses. Under certain circumstances, additional benefits may be available upon application after the funding period begins: * **Monthly Rent Subsidy:** To assist with accommodation costs. * **Monthly Allowance for Accompanying Family Members:** For those with dependents. * **Disability/Chronic Illness Support:** On application, a subsidy for justified additional costs incurred abroad that are necessary for the project and not covered by a third party. * **Carbon Offset Reimbursement:** For air travel. To enhance language skills, the DAAD offers (for funding periods over six months): * **Online Language Course Fees:** Payment for an online language course after receiving the Scholarship Award Letter. * **German Language Course in Germany:** Potentially funded prior to the study program, depending on German language skills and project needs. * **Allowance for Personal German Language Course:** During the scholarship period. * **TestDaF/DSH Fee Reimbursement:** For tests taken in the home country (after award) or in Germany (during funding). **Note:** The DAAD does not cover tuition fees. ## Eligibility This scholarship is designed for high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries who wish to pursue a Master's degree in STEM subjects at a German university. Specific eligibility criteria include: * **Nationality:** Open to students from developing and emerging countries. * **Academic Qualification:** Applicants must have completed a first degree recognized in Germany (e.g., Bachelor's degree) by the application deadline. Individuals already holding a Master's degree by the application deadline are not eligible. * **Academic Performance:** Demonstrated above-average academic performance. * **Degree Program:** Must be applying for a complete Master's degree (full-time, on-campus) in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, or engineering at a state or state-recognized university in Germany. Interdisciplinary programs must have a designated STEM focus. The program must be tuition-free. * **Commencement of Studies:** Funding is only available for degree programs starting in the winter term 2026/2027. Funding is not possible for Master's degree programs that have already begun in Germany. * **Residency in Germany:** Applicants should not have resided in Germany for longer than 15 months at the application deadline. * **University Admission:** Applicants are responsible for securing admission to a German university for their chosen study program by the due date. While admission notification is not required at the time of DAAD application, it must be submitted before the funding period begins. * **Degree Recency:** As a rule, your university degree should not date back more than 6 years at the time of the application deadline. * **Language Proficiency:** Applicants must demonstrate a minimum of B1 level proficiency in the language of instruction (German, English, or both) of their chosen study program. Specific eligible certificates for German include TestDaF, DSH, DSD, Goethe-Zertifikat, Österreichisches Sprachdiplom, telc Deutsch, and onSET Deutsch. For English, acceptable certificates include Cambridge English, IELTS, TOEFL iBT/Essentials, TOEIC, PTE Academic, and onSET English. The certificate should be no older than 2 years. ## Required Documents Applicants must submit a comprehensive set of documents through the DAAD portal. All documents in a national language must include German or English translations. The DAAD reserves the right to request certified copies. **Mandatory documents to be uploaded to the DAAD portal:** * **Curriculum Vitae:** Full, in tabular form (max. 3 pages). * **Letter of Motivation:** 1-3 pages, detailing academic and personal reasons for the study project in Germany (upload under 'study project/motivation'). * **Letter of Admission:** To the study program at the host university in Germany. If not yet received, it must be submitted before the funding period begins. * **Form 'Information about your preferred master programmes':** Duly completed, listing up to 5 Master's programs. Ensure listed programs do not charge tuition fees (upload under 'course profile'). * **Current Overview of Grades/Transcript of Records:** With individual grades (upload under 'transcript of records/academic achievements'). * **University Degree Certificates:** All obtained, with final grade(s) and transcripts for all academic years. If not yet available, a provisional document must be uploaded (upload under 'university degree certificates'). * **Language Certificate(s):** Proof of current proficiency (at least B1) in the language(s) of instruction, no older than 2 years (upload under 'language certificate'). * **Letter of Recommendation:** One recent, supporting letter from a university teacher on a DAAD form, providing information about your qualifications. * **Passport/National Identity Card:** And personal data page, plus any other identity/residency documents. For refugees, a Refugee ID card and UNHCR registration/official proof of asylum (upload under 'Passport / identity card'). **Optional documents:** * Other documents deemed relevant to the application (e.g., certificates of employment, proof of extracurricular engagement). ## How to Apply Applications for this scholarship are processed online via the DAAD portal. The application period typically runs from June until the specified application deadline. The application portal is only accessible during the active application period. **Application Steps:** 1. **Register:** Create an account on the DAAD portal. 2. **Complete Online Application:** Fill out the online application form completely and accurately. 3. **Upload Documents:** Upload all required application documents in the 'Attachments' section of the DAAD portal. Ensure all non-English/German documents are accompanied by translations. 4. **Submission:** Submit the complete application by the deadline. **Important Notes:** * Only complete applications with all mandatory documents will be considered. * Incomplete applications will be excluded for formal reasons. * The DAAD portal closes at 24:00 hrs (CET or CEST) on the final application day. It is highly recommended to submit applications before the last day to avoid potential technical issues. * Applicants are responsible for ensuring their applications are complete. * Application documents remain with the DAAD. Applicant data is saved in accordance with data protection regulations. ## Key Dates The application deadlines for the DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines are updated annually in the second quarter. While specific dates are not provided in the current document, they generally align with the previous year's schedule and will be published on the official website. * **Application Period:** Generally runs from June until the application deadline. * **Funding Start:** Funding must begin in 2026. The scholarship usually commences on October 1, 2026, or earlier if a German language course is taken prior to the study program. Applicants are strongly advised to regularly check the official DAAD scholarship database for the most current application deadlines. ## Selection Criteria The selection process for the DAAD Study Scholarships is rigorous and involves a pre-selection based on submitted documents, followed by an interview for short-listed candidates. The primary criteria for selection are: **1. Academic Qualification:** * **Academic Achievements:** Evaluation of grades and overall academic performance. * **Course of Studies:** Assessment of the relevance and quality of previous academic programs. * **Language Knowledge:** Proficiency in the language(s) of instruction or working language(s). * **Internships/Work Experience:** Relevance of any prior internships or work experience. **2. Quality of the Study Project:** * **Project Quality and Preparation:** Thoroughness of preparation, including preliminary information gathering, choice of degree program, host university, and established contacts. * **Career Integration:** How well the proposed study project aligns with and contributes to the applicant's academic career path. **3. Potential of the Applicant:** * **Motivation:** Academic and personal reasons for pursuing studies in Germany, including German language skills (if not the primary working language). * **Prospects:** The anticipated significance of the stay in Germany for the applicant's future academic, professional, and personal development. * **Extracurricular Commitment:** Demonstrated extracurricular knowledge, skills, and social engagement. The selection committee also considers aspects of equal opportunities, such as disability, chronic illness, raising children, caring for relatives, refugee background, or extensive employment required to finance studies, as self-declared by the applicant. ## Tips To maximize your chances of success when applying for the DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines, consider the following tips: * **Thorough Research:** Carefully research suitable tuition-free Master's programs in STEM fields at German universities that align with your academic and career goals. Ensure interdisciplinary programs have a clear STEM focus. * **Early Preparation:** Begin preparing your application documents well in advance of the deadline. This includes securing translations, obtaining transcripts, and requesting letters of recommendation. * **Language Proficiency:** Ensure your language certificates are up-to-date and meet the B1 minimum requirement for the language of instruction. If your chosen program is in German, strive for the highest possible proficiency. * **Strong Letter of Motivation:** Craft a compelling letter that clearly articulates your academic and personal motivations for studying in Germany, and how the chosen program fits into your long-term career aspirations. * **Complete Application:** Double-check that all mandatory documents are included and accurately uploaded to the DAAD portal. Incomplete applications will be rejected. * **Adhere to Deadlines:** Submit your application well before the final deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. * **Seek Feedback:** If possible, have someone review your application, particularly your letter of motivation, for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. * **Demonstrate Potential:** Highlight your academic achievements, relevant experiences, and any extracurricular commitments that showcase your potential and motivation. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines, please refer to the official DAAD scholarship database: [https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=&origin=&subjectGrps=&daad=&intention=&q=&page=1&lang=en&sd=1&detail=57742130&page=1](https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?status=&origin=&subjectGrps=&daad=&intention=&q=&page=1&lang=en&sd=1&detail=57742130&page=1) Additionally, explore the following DAAD resources for further guidance: * 'Important information for scholarship applicants' section on the DAAD website. * 'Study programmes and language courses' section on the DAAD website. * 'Plan your studies' section to help prepare for your stay in Germany. * The campaign website: [https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/](https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/)

Le descriptif détaillé du bailleur reste en anglais, car c'est la langue du dossier de candidature.

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