DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines 2027

The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines 2027 support high-achieving students from eligible developing and emerging countries who want to complete a Master’s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences or Engineering at a German university.

For the 2027 intake, the current DAAD application deadline is 3 September 2026. Funding is scheduled to begin in the winter semester of 2027/28, normally from 1 October 2027. The scholarship provides €992 per month, an annual study allowance of €460, insurance-related payments and a travel allowance upon application.

Important: This is a country-specific DAAD programme. DAAD identifies the eligible countries as “specified” rather than making the scholarship universally available to every international student. Applicants must verify that their country is covered by the current call before applying. DAAD Pakistan’s current country-specific Master’s scholarship overview does not list this STEM programme among its Pakistan-specific Master’s opportunities, so applicants from Pakistan should not assume eligibility without confirmation from DAAD.

DAAD STEM Scholarship 2027 Overview

Scholarship Detail	Information
Scholarship	DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines
Provider	German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Degree level	Master’s
Fields	Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences and Engineering
Study destination	Germany
University type	State or state-recognised German university
Study format	Full-time, on-campus
Programme requirement	Tuition-free Master’s
Funding duration	10–24 months
Monthly scholarship	€992
Annual study allowance	€460
Insurance	Health, accident and personal liability insurance payments
Travel allowance	Available upon application
Funding start	Winter semester 2027/28
Expected funding start	Usually 1 October 2027
Application deadline	3 September 2026
Funding decision	February 2027
Application method	DAAD online portal
IELTS	One accepted form of English-language evidence; university requirements also apply

The information above is based on the current DAAD call, updated 15 August 2026.

What Is the DAAD STEM Scholarship?

The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines are intended for high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries who want to complete a Master’s degree in Germany in a STEM field.

The programme specifically covers:

Mathematics
Computer Science
Natural Sciences
Engineering

The Master’s must be a complete, full-time, on-campus degree at a state or state-recognised university in Germany. Programmes with integrated study periods outside Germany are excluded. Interdisciplinary programmes must have a designated STEM focus.

This makes the scholarship particularly relevant to applicants looking for Master’s degrees in areas such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Data Science or related fields, provided the chosen programme satisfies DAAD’s STEM and tuition requirements.

Is the DAAD STEM Scholarship 2027 Fully Funded?

The scholarship provides substantial financial support, but it is important to describe the funding accurately.

DAAD currently provides:

€992 per month
Payments toward health, accident and personal liability insurance
€460 annual study allowance
Travel allowance upon application
Potential rent subsidy under applicable conditions
Potential family allowance under applicable conditions
Possible support for additional disability-related costs
Reimbursement of carbon-offset payments for air travel under the applicable rules
Certain language-course benefits for eligible scholarship holders

Does DAAD pay tuition fees?

No.

This is a critical condition of the scholarship.

The selected Master’s programme must be tuition-free, and DAAD explicitly states that it does not cover tuition fees under this programme.

Applicants therefore need to distinguish between:

Tuition fees: must not be charged by the selected Master’s programme
Semester fees/contributions: these are different from general tuition fees
DAAD scholarship: provides the monthly and additional financial support described above

DAAD explains that a tuition-free programme means that no general tuition fees are charged for the degree. If a university confirms in writing that the applicant is exempt from tuition fees for the entire study period, that evidence can be relevant to the scholarship application.

How Much Money Does the DAAD STEM Scholarship Provide?

The core scholarship payment is:

€992 per month

For example, the monthly scholarship alone would amount to:

Funding duration	Monthly payments
10 months	€9,920
12 months	€11,904
18 months	€17,856
24 months	€23,808

These calculations represent the €992 monthly payment only. They do not include the €460 annual study allowance, insurance payments, travel allowance or any additional benefits for which a scholarship holder may qualify.

The scholarship duration is determined by the standard period of study of the selected Master’s programme and can range from 10 to 24 months.

Who Can Apply for the DAAD STEM Scholarship 2027?

The programme is aimed at high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries.

Applicants must have completed a first university degree recognised in Germany, such as a Bachelor’s degree, by the application deadline at the latest.

Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree by the application deadline cannot apply for this scholarship.

In addition, applicants must:

Meet the admission requirements of their selected German Master’s programme.
Demonstrate above-average academic performance.
Meet the language requirements.
Select an eligible tuition-free Master’s programme.
Not have already started the Master’s programme in Germany.
Not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.
Normally have their most recent university degree dated no more than six years before the application deadline.

Eligible Fields of Study

The DAAD scholarship specifically identifies four STEM areas:

Mathematics

Eligible Master’s programmes can fall within mathematics and closely related mathematical disciplines where the programme has the required STEM focus.

Computer Science

Computer Science is explicitly included.

This makes the scholarship relevant to applicants interested in areas such as:

Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Machine Learning
Software Engineering
Computer Systems
Information Technology

However, the applicant must verify that the specific Master’s programme meets the scholarship’s STEM and admission requirements.

Natural Sciences

The scholarship also covers relevant programmes in the natural sciences.

Engineering

Engineering Master’s programmes are included, subject to the programme requirements.

Can Computer Science Students Apply?

Yes, Computer Science is explicitly listed by DAAD as an eligible STEM discipline.

However, this does not mean every Master’s programme containing a technology-related subject automatically qualifies.

DAAD requires the chosen programme to have a designated STEM focus where it is interdisciplinary.

Applicants should therefore check both:

The Master’s programme’s academic requirements.
Whether the programme satisfies DAAD’s STEM and tuition-free conditions.

Can Applicants From Any Country Apply?

No.

This scholarship should not be advertised as universally available to all international students.

The current DAAD scholarship database classifies the programme’s country eligibility as “Only specified.” The programme is aimed at applicants from developing and emerging countries, but the actual eligible-country rules must be checked for the applicant’s country.

Applicants from Pakistan

This point requires particular caution.

DAAD Pakistan maintains a country-specific page listing DAAD scholarship programmes available to Pakistani students and academics. Its current Master’s scholarship overview lists programmes such as EPOS, Helmut-Schmidt, Architecture, Fine Art/Design/Film, Music and Performing Arts, but does not list the STEM scholarship.

Therefore, Scholarships Central should not state that Pakistani students are eligible for the DAAD STEM Scholarship 2027 without direct confirmation from DAAD.

This is preferable to publishing an unsupported eligibility claim.

What Master’s Degree Can Be Funded?

The scholarship can fund a complete Master’s degree that satisfies DAAD’s conditions.

The programme must be:

Full-time
On-campus
In Germany
At a state or state-recognised university
In Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences or Engineering
Tuition-free
Starting in winter semester 2027/28

A Master’s programme that has already begun in Germany cannot be funded under this call.

Does DAAD Require Admission Before Applying?

Not necessarily.

Applicants can apply for the DAAD scholarship even if they have not yet received the final admission notification from their selected German university.

However, the admission letter must be submitted before the funding period begins.

DAAD also makes clear that the scholarship is only valid if the applicant is ultimately admitted to the Master’s programme in Germany.

Applicants remain responsible for submitting their university admission applications by the university’s own deadline.

This is important because:

The DAAD scholarship deadline and the university Master’s application deadline may be different.

Applicants should check both.

Is IELTS Required for the DAAD STEM Scholarship?

There is no rule stating that every applicant must submit IELTS specifically.

DAAD requires applicants to provide proof of their current proficiency in the language of instruction of their chosen Master’s programme and states that applicants must have reached at least B1 at the time of scholarship application.

For English-taught programmes, DAAD lists several forms of language evidence that can be submitted, including:

Cambridge English
Cambridge Business
IELTS
ISE
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL Essentials
TOEIC
PTE Academic
onSET English
Duolingo English Test

Important: university requirements still apply

The Master’s university can have its own language requirements.

A university may require a specific certificate, minimum score or additional evidence.

Therefore:

Do not describe this scholarship as “No IELTS Required.”

The accurate statement is:

IELTS is one accepted form of English-language evidence for the DAAD scholarship, but applicants must also satisfy the language requirements of their chosen German Master’s programme.

DAAD also states that applicants should check whether their country has specific documentation requirements.

What Is the Minimum English Level?

For the DAAD scholarship application, applicants must already have at least B1-level proficiency in the language of instruction of their chosen programme.

For an English-taught Master’s, this means the applicant must provide appropriate evidence of English proficiency.

The university may require a higher level.

For example, a Master’s programme could require a specific English certificate and score above B1. The university’s admission requirements take precedence for admission.

What Are the Academic Requirements?

Applicants must demonstrate above-average academic performance.

DAAD’s selection process considers academic achievements and the applicant’s course of study.

There is no universal GPA number published on the current programme page that guarantees eligibility or selection.

Therefore, applicants should not rely on claims such as:

“You need exactly 3.0 GPA.”

unless the specific university Master’s programme establishes such a requirement.

German universities may have their own academic admission requirements.

How Recent Must Your Degree Be?

As a general rule, the applicant’s most recent university degree should not date back more than six years at the application deadline.

The current application deadline is 3 September 2026.

Applicants should therefore calculate the six-year period using the date of their most recent qualifying university degree and the specific DAAD rules.

Can Someone With a Master’s Degree Apply?

No.

DAAD explicitly states that applicants who already have a Master’s degree by the application deadline cannot apply for this scholarship.

This is important for applicants who are considering using the scholarship to pursue a second Master’s degree.

Can Someone Already Living in Germany Apply?

There is a residence restriction.

Applicants cannot be considered if they have been resident in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.

The exact interpretation of residence should be checked against DAAD’s detailed scholarship information where an applicant’s circumstances are unusual.

When Is the DAAD STEM Scholarship 2027 Deadline?

The current application deadline is:

3 September 2026

The DAAD application period runs from 1 June until the stated deadline.

The funding decision is scheduled for February 2027, and funding begins in the winter semester of 2027/28.

Important

The scholarship deadline does not replace the admission deadline of the German university.

Applicants should identify the Master’s programme early enough to submit both applications correctly.

DAAD STEM Scholarship 2027 Timeline

Date/Period	Activity
1 June 2026	DAAD application period begins
3 September 2026	Scholarship application deadline
February 2027	Funding decision
Winter semester 2027/28	Scholarship begins
Usually 1 October 2027	Expected funding start

DAAD states that funding must begin in 2027 and usually begins on 1 October 2027, although an earlier German language course may affect the start arrangement.

Required Documents for the DAAD STEM Scholarship

Applicants must upload the required documents through the DAAD portal.

The current call includes:

1. Curriculum Vitae

A full CV in tabular format with a maximum length of three pages.

2. Motivation Letter

A 1–3 page motivation letter explaining the academic and personal reasons for the planned study project in Germany.

3. Master’s Admission Letter

The admission letter from the German host university should be submitted if already available.

If admission has not yet been received, DAAD allows the applicant to submit it later, but it must be provided before the funding period begins.

4. Preferred Master’s Programme Form

Applicants can list up to five Master’s programmes on the DAAD form.

The programmes listed must meet DAAD’s tuition-free requirement.

5. Current Transcript

Applicants must submit their current overview of grades/transcript of records with individual grades.

6. University Degree Certificates

Applicants must provide their university degree certificates and transcripts.

If the final degree certificate is not yet available, DAAD permits a provisional document initially, but the final certificate must be submitted before the scholarship begins.

7. Language Certificate

The language certificate for the selected Master’s programme should normally be no more than three years old and must demonstrate at least B1 proficiency for the DAAD scholarship application.

8. Recommendation Letter

One recent supporting letter of recommendation using the DAAD form from a university teacher is required.

Translation requirements

Documents submitted in a national language must also include German or English translations according to DAAD’s document requirements.

How the DAAD Selection Process Works

The selection process is competitive.

DAAD first conducts a pre-selection based on the submitted documents.

The pre-selection particularly considers:

Academic achievements
Language skills

Pre-selected applicants are then invited to an interview with an independent selection committee of university teachers. The interview may take place in person or virtually. DAAD describes the personal interview as a decisive part of the assessment.

What Does DAAD Consider During Selection?

The selection criteria include three major areas.

Academic qualification

DAAD considers:

Academic achievements
Course of study
Language knowledge
Relevant internships
Work experience, where applicable

Quality of the study project

The committee considers:

Quality of the proposed study project
Preparation for the project
Choice of degree programme
Choice of host university
Prior information gathering
Contacts established with the host university
Integration of the Master’s into the applicant’s academic career

Applicant potential

The committee also considers:

Motivation
Academic and personal reasons for studying in Germany
Career prospects
Potential professional development
Potential personal development
Extracurricular knowledge and skills
Social commitment

DAAD also considers equal-opportunity factors and allows applicants to provide information about relevant special circumstances.

How to Apply for the DAAD STEM Scholarship 2027

Step 1: Verify your country eligibility

Before preparing the application, confirm that your country is included in the current DAAD call.

This is especially important because the programme does not have universal country eligibility.

Step 2: Find a suitable Master’s programme

Search for a Master’s programme in:

Mathematics
Computer Science
Natural Sciences
Engineering

The programme must be tuition-free and meet DAAD’s conditions.

DAAD maintains an international programmes database that can be used to find degree programmes in Germany.

Step 3: Check the university’s admission requirements

Check:

Academic background
Required Bachelor’s subjects
GPA/grades
Language requirements
Application deadline
Required documents
Any programme-specific prerequisites

Step 4: Prepare the scholarship application

Prepare your:

CV
Motivation letter
Transcripts
Degree certificates
Language certificate
Recommendation letter
Preferred Master’s programme information

Step 5: Apply for university admission

Submit the Master’s admission application separately if required.

Do not assume that applying to DAAD automatically applies you to the German university.

Step 6: Apply through the DAAD portal

DAAD states that applications for this programme are submitted online.

Step 7: Submit before 3 September 2026

All required documents must be submitted by the deadline.

The DAAD portal closes at 24:00 Central European Time (CET/CEST) on the final application day. DAAD recommends not waiting until the final day in case technical problems occur.

Can You Apply to Five Master’s Programmes?

Yes.

The DAAD application requires an Information about your preferred master programmes form, where applicants can enter up to five Master’s programmes.

However, applicants should not simply list five programmes without checking their suitability.

Each selected programme must satisfy the scholarship conditions, including the requirement that the Master’s programme be tuition-free.

Does DAAD Apply to the University for You?

No.

The applicant is responsible for applying to the German university.

DAAD specifically states that applicants are responsible for ensuring that their admission application reaches the university by its deadline.

Therefore, applicants may have two separate processes:

DAAD scholarship application
German university Master’s admission application

The deadlines may differ.

What Happens After Applying?

After the deadline:

DAAD checks the application.
Incomplete applications are excluded for formal reasons.
Applications undergo pre-selection.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview.
The selection committee evaluates the applicants.
Funding decisions are expected in February 2027.
Successful applicants proceed with their Master’s admission and scholarship arrangements.

Important Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume the scholarship is open to every country

The current programme has specified country eligibility.

Verify your country before investing time in the application.

Do not claim that DAAD pays tuition

It does not.

The selected Master’s must be tuition-free.

Do not claim IELTS is mandatory

DAAD accepts several forms of language evidence for English-taught programmes, although the university can impose its own requirements.

Do not rely on the DAAD deadline alone

The university has its own Master’s admission deadline.

Do not submit an incomplete application

DAAD states that incomplete applications are excluded for formal reasons.

Do not list unsuitable Master’s programmes

The five preferred programmes must satisfy DAAD’s scholarship conditions.

DAAD STEM Scholarship 2027 for Computer Science Students

For Computer Science applicants, this scholarship is particularly relevant because Computer Science is explicitly one of the four eligible STEM disciplines.

Potentially relevant Master’s areas include:

Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Data Science
Machine Learning
Software Engineering
Computer Systems
Related computational disciplines

However, applicants should evaluate the actual curriculum and admission requirements rather than relying only on the programme title.

A programme with “Data”, “AI” or “Digital” in its name is not automatically eligible. The applicant should confirm that the programme has the required STEM focus and satisfies DAAD’s tuition-free condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DAAD Study Scholarship for STEM Disciplines?

It is a DAAD scholarship for high-achieving students from eligible developing and emerging countries who want to complete a Master’s degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Natural Sciences or Engineering at a German university.

What is the deadline for the DAAD STEM Scholarship 2027?

The current deadline is 3 September 2026.

How much does the DAAD STEM Scholarship pay?

The scholarship provides €992 per month, plus an annual study allowance of €460 and other applicable benefits.

Is Computer Science eligible?

Yes. Computer Science is explicitly included among the eligible STEM disciplines.

Is the DAAD STEM Scholarship fully funded?

It provides substantial financial support, including €992 monthly, insurance-related payments, a study allowance and a travel allowance upon application. However, DAAD does not pay tuition fees; the selected Master’s must be tuition-free.

Does DAAD require IELTS?

Not specifically. For English-taught programmes, DAAD lists IELTS among several accepted forms of language evidence. The chosen university may have additional language requirements.

What is the minimum English level?

For the DAAD scholarship application, applicants must have reached at least B1 in the language of instruction of their selected Master’s programme.

Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?

No. Applicants who already have a Master’s degree by the application deadline cannot apply.

Can final-year Bachelor’s students apply?

Applicants must have completed their first degree by the scholarship application deadline. Therefore, a final-year student can apply only if the required first degree will be completed by the deadline.

How long is the scholarship?

Funding is available for 10 to 24 months, depending on the standard duration of the selected Master’s programme.

Can I choose any Master’s programme in Germany?

No. The programme must satisfy DAAD’s conditions, including the STEM subject requirement and tuition-free requirement.

Can I apply without admission to a German university?

You can submit the DAAD scholarship application before receiving the final admission letter, but admission must be provided before the funding period begins. You remain responsible for applying to the university by its own deadline.

How many Master’s programmes can I list?

You can list up to five preferred Master’s programmes on the DAAD form.

When will the 2027 funding decision be announced?

DAAD states that the funding decision will be made in February 2027.

When does the scholarship start?

Funding starts in the winter semester of 2027/28 and usually begins on 1 October 2027.

Can applicants already living in Germany apply?

Applicants cannot be considered if they have been resident in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline.

Final Takeaway

The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines 2027 are a strong funding opportunity for eligible applicants seeking a Master’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Natural Sciences or Engineering in Germany.

The current application deadline is 3 September 2026, and successful applicants can receive €992 per month, an annual study allowance, insurance-related support and a travel allowance under the applicable conditions.

However, applicants should pay particular attention to three conditions:

Country eligibility is restricted to specified countries.
The selected Master’s programme must be tuition-free.
The university’s admission and language requirements must also be satisfied.

For applicants from Pakistan and other countries not clearly identified in the current country-specific rules, eligibility should be confirmed directly with DAAD before submitting an application. DAAD Pakistan maintains a separate country-specific scholarship overview for Pakistani applicants.

Official Sources

Last verified: 15 August 2026.

Disclaimer: Scholarship deadlines, eligibility rules, university admission requirements and available funding can change. Applicants should verify the current DAAD announcement and the official university programme information before submitting an application.