Looking to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in science or engineering in Germany? The DAAD Scholarship for STEM Disciplines 2026 is a prestigious opportunity for high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries to study at a top-tier German university — tuition-free, with monthly stipends and travel support.

About DAAD

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) ranks among the world’s leading funding bodies supporting international academic exchange for students and researchers. For over 90 years, DAAD has enabled academic excellence and research innovation by offering thousands of scholarships annually to international students.

DAAD STEM Scholarship 2026 Overview 

Scholarship Name	DAAD STEM Disciplines Scholarship 2026
Funding Type	Fully Funded – Monthly stipend, travel, and health cover
Degree Level	Master’s (STEM only)
Eligible Subjects	Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
Host Country	Germany
Eligible Countries	Developing and Emerging Nations
Duration	10 to 24 months (based on program duration)
Application Deadline	3 September 2025
Scholarship Start Date	October 2026

Benefits of DAAD STEM Scholarship 2026

• Monthly scholarship of €992 for living expenses
• Full tuition fee waiver (only tuition-free Master’s programs are eligible)
• Payments for health, accident, and personal liability insurance
• Rent subsidy for accommodation (amount varies)
• Allowance for family members if accompanying
• Travel allowance for flights and visa-related costs
• Reimbursement of carbon offset payments for air travel
• Online and in-person German language courses, if required
• Exam fee reimbursement for TestDaF, DSH, or TOEFL

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• You have to be a citizen of some developing or emerging country
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree (completed no earlier than six years before the deadline)
• Be applying to a full-time, tuition-free Master’s degree in Germany in STEM fields
• Not be currently living in Germany for more than 15 months
• Not already possess a Master’s degree by the application deadline
• Must meet all admission and language requirements of the German university

Eligible Fields of Study

• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc.)
• Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.)
• Interdisciplinary programs with a clear STEM focus

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

To successfully apply for this scholarship, follow these steps:

• Step 1: Register & Fill DAAD Application
  • Create an account and complete your application online via DAAD Portal
• Step 2: Submit Required Documents (Upload in ‘Attachments’ section):
  • CV (maximum 3 pages)
  • Letter of Motivation (1–3 pages)
  • Admission letter from a German university (can be submitted later if unavailable at the time of application)
  • ‘Information about your preferred Master’s programmes’ form (up to 5)
  • Transcript of records and Bachelor’s degree certificate
  • Language proficiency proof (minimum B1 level, no older than 2 years)
  • Recommendation letter from a university professor (using DAAD form)
  • Copy of passport or national ID
• Step 3: Apply to German Universities
  • Parallel to your scholarship application, submit separate applications for admission to eligible German Master’s programs
  • Ensure your selected Master’s programs are tuition-free and taught in German or English
• Step 4: Wait for Results
  • Decisions are announced in February 2026
  • This scholarship will begin in October 2026, or can begin earlier if a German course is taken

Language Requirements

If the medium of instruction is English, accepted certificates include:

• IELTS
• TOEFL iBT
• TOEFL Essentials
• PTE Academic
• Cambridge English
• TOEIC
• onSET English

If the language of instruction is German, accepted certificates include:

• TestDaF
• DSH
• Goethe-Zertifikat
• DSD (Kultusministerkonferenz)
• telc Deutsch
• onSET Deutsch

Key Points to Remember

• Your Bachelor’s degree must not be older than six years at the time of application
• You cannot apply if you already have a Master’s degree
• You must apply to your selected German university separately
• The study program must start in winter semester 2026–2027
• Scholarships are awarded only for tuition-free public institutions

Comparison of DAAD STEM vs Similar Opportunities

Scholarship	Host	Monthly Stipend	Field	Eligibility
DAAD STEM 2026	Germany	€992 + travel/health	STEM	Developing countries only
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s	EU Universities	€1,400	All Disciplines	Open to all nationalities
Swedish Institute Scholarships	Sweden	SEK 11,000+	STEM & Others	Developing countries
EPOS DAAD Development Program	Germany	€934–€1,200	Dev. Focused	Relevant professional exp.

FAQs – DAAD STEM Scholarship 2026

1. Can I apply without a German university admission letter?
   Yes, you can apply and submit the admission letter later, but it must be provided before final selection.
2. What if I already have a Master’s degree?
   You are not eligible for DAAD STEM scholarship, especially if you already hold a Master’s degree by the deadline.
3. Can I select multiple universities/programs?
   Yes, you can list up to five Master’s programs in your application.
4. What if I have been living in Germany?
   You can’t avail this opportunity if you’ve been in Germany for more than 15 months at the deadline.
5. How long will funding last?
   Between 10 and 24 months, based on the program duration.
6. Is it limited to English-taught programs?
   No, both German- and English-taught programs are eligible, as long as they are in STEM fields.
7. Will DAAD help with language learning?
   Yes, language course costs and exam fees can be reimbursed.
8. Are family members supported?
   Yes, allowances are provided for accompanying dependents.
9. What if my Bachelor’s degree is older than 6 years?
   Your application will be disqualified unless you meet special conditions (rare).
10. Can I work part-time during studies?
    Yes, subject to visa regulations and university policies.

If you’re passionate about science, technology, or engineering and dream of pursuing your Master’s in Germany, this is your moment. The DAAD Scholarship for STEM Disciplines 2026 not only covers your tuition but also provides you with a generous monthly stipend, travel support, and health insurance. APPLY NOW.