STEM Scholarship in Germany by DAAD (2025 Batch)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has announced its prestigious DAAD-STEM Scholarships for 2025, offering high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries an opportunity to pursue a fully-funded Master’s degree in STEM disciplines at top German universities.

This program is designed to enhance academic qualifications and employability in innovation-driven fields such as mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and engineering. Here’s a complete overview of the scholarship’s benefits, eligibility criteria, programs offered, application process, and deadline.

Benefits of the DAAD-STEM Scholarships

The DAAD-STEM Scholarships provide a range of benefits to support international students during their studies in Germany. These include:

• Monthly stipend: €992 to cover living expenses.
• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance: Comprehensive coverage during the study period.
• Travel allowance: Covers international travel costs to and from Germany.
• Annual study allowance: €460 for academic-related expenses.
• Additional benefits:
  • Rent subsidy for those with higher living costs.
  • Family allowance for accompanying family members.
  • Special financial support for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
• Language learning support:
  • Online language courses and, if necessary, a German language course in Germany before studies.
  • Reimbursement for the TestDaF or DSH language test fees.

Programs Offered

DAAD-STEM Scholarships are available for full-time, tuition-free Master’s degree programs at state-recognized German universities in the following disciplines:

• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Natural Sciences
• Engineering

Interdisciplinary programs with a clear STEM focus are also eligible. The scholarship covers the entire duration of the Master’s program, which typically lasts between 10 to 24 months. Students may apply for up to two years of funding, with their academic progress assessed annually.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the DAAD-STEM Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality: Applicants must be from developing or emerging countries.
• Educational background: A first university degree (e.g., a Bachelor’s degree) recognized in Germany, completed by the application deadline.
• Academic performance: Above-average academic achievement.
• Language proficiency: Applicants must provide proof of at least B1 level in the language of instruction (German or English) for their chosen Master’s program. Accepted certificates include TestDaF, DSH, TOEFL, IELTS, and others.
• Additional criteria: Applicants must have completed their Bachelor’s degree within the last six years, and must not have resided in Germany for more than 15 months prior to the application deadline.

Application Process

The application process for the DAAD-STEM Scholarships is conducted entirely online through the DAAD portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Complete the online application form: https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/?origin=111&status=3&subjectGrps=&daad=&q=&page=1&detail=57742130#prozess
2. Submit required documents:
   • Letter of motivation (1–3 pages) explaining your academic and personal reasons for pursuing a Master’s degree in Germany.
   • Curriculum vitae (max. 3 pages).
   • Language certificate (not older than 2 years).
   • Information about your preferred Master’s programs (up to 5 options).
   • Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
   • Admission letter from a German university for a STEM Master’s program (or proof of application if not yet admitted).
   • One letter of recommendation from a university professor (on a DAAD form).
   • Passport or ID documents, including any refugee identification if applicable.

Application Deadline

The deadline for applications is October 21, 2024.