The DAAD STEM Study Scholarships program, provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), is a prestigious initiative aimed at enhancing the academic and professional qualifications of talented students from developing and emerging countries. This scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for young professionals to pursue a Master’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields in Germany, supporting the development of future leaders in areas that drive innovation and technology.
The DAAD STEM Study Scholarships specifically target high-achieving students who wish to deepen their knowledge and gain advanced qualifications in fields such as:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Natural Sciences
- Engineering
The program is designed to nurture future professionals who will contribute significantly to the development of their home countries by acquiring cutting-edge knowledge and practical experience in Germany’s world-class educational institutions.
Scholarship Benefits
The DAAD STEM Study Scholarships offer a comprehensive package of financial and academic support, ensuring that recipients can fully focus on their studies. The main benefits include:
- Monthly Stipend:
- €934 per month to cover living expenses.
- Health, Accident, and Liability Insurance:
- Coverage of insurance expenses to support health and safety while studying in Germany.
- Travel Allowance:
- Financial support to cover travel expenses to and from Germany.
- Annual Study Allowance:
- A sum of €460 per year for study-related costs, such as books and research materials.
- Additional Benefits (where applicable):
- Monthly Rent Subsidy: For students whose rent exceeds a certain amount.
- Family Allowance: A monthly stipend for accompanying family members.
- Disability Support: Financial assistance for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
- Carbon Offset Reimbursement: Coverage of carbon offset payments for air travel.
- Language Improvement Support: This includes the cost of online language courses, in-person German language courses in Germany, reimbursement for TestDaF or DSH language exam fees, and other allowances for German language proficiency development.
Eligible Courses and Fields of Study
The DAAD STEM Study Scholarships support students in a variety of STEM fields, including:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Natural Sciences
Applicants can select a Master’s program in one of these fields at a German institution of higher education, ensuring that their chosen program aligns with the scholarship’s objectives and DAAD’s guidelines.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the DAAD STEM Study Scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality and Residence:
- The program is open to students from developing and emerging countries.
- Educational Background:
- Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent first degree) recognized in Germany by the application deadline.
- Candidates who already hold a Master’s degree are not eligible to apply.
- Language Proficiency:
- Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (typically German or English) through a recognized language certificate that is no older than two years.
- Academic and Personal Qualifications:
- Applicants must provide evidence of academic excellence and show personal motivation to pursue advanced studies in STEM fields.
- Financial Need:
- Candidates must demonstrate financial need, as the scholarship is intended to support students who cannot afford to study abroad without assistance.
Selection Criteria
The selection process is based on the following considerations:
- Academic Qualifications:
- Review of academic achievements, previous coursework, and any relevant professional or internship experience.
- Quality of the Study Project:
- Evaluation of the study project’s alignment with the applicant’s academic and career goals.
- Applicant’s Potential:
- Assessment of motivation, prospects for personal and professional development, and any extracurricular engagements.
- Equal Opportunity Considerations:
- The selection process takes into account applicants’ individual circumstances, such as disabilities, chronic illnesses, refugee status, childcare responsibilities, or extensive employment required to finance studies.
- Personal Interview:
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited for a digital interview with a selection committee comprising university professors and academic experts.
Required Documents for Application
To apply for the DAAD STEM Study Scholarships, candidates must submit the following documents:
- Online Application Form: Available through the DAAD portal during the application period.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A tabular CV (maximum 3 pages) outlining educational and professional experience.
- Letter of Motivation: A 1-3 page statement explaining the academic and personal reasons for choosing the study program in Germany.
- Admission Letter: Proof of admission to a Master’s program at a German university. If not available at the time of application, submit this document before the funding period begins.
- Preferred Master’s Programs: Complete the form listing up to five Master’s programs you wish to apply for.
- Academic Transcripts: Latest transcripts showing all individual grades. Master’s applicants should include transcripts from their Bachelor’s degree.
- University Degree Certificates: Certified copies of all university degree certificates, indicating final grades.
- Language Certificates: Proof of language proficiency for the language of instruction.
- Letter of Recommendation: One recent letter from a university professor (submitted using the DAAD recommendation form).
- Passport/National Identity Card: A copy of the applicant’s passport or identity card. For refugees, include the Refugee ID Card and UNHCR registration.
- Other Relevant Documents: Such as certificates of employment, proof of extracurricular activities, or awards.
Application Process
The entire application process is conducted through the DAAD Online Portal. Follow these steps:
- Register on the DAAD Portal: Create an account and log into the DAAD online portal.
- Prepare Application Documents: Ensure all documents are translated into German or English, scanned, and saved as PDF files.
- Submit Online Application: Complete the online application form and upload all required documents.
- Recommendation Form: Generate the recommendation form through the DAAD portal and send it to your university teacher for completion.
Important Application Notes
- The application deadline is December 15, 2024.
- Submit all required documents before the deadline. The portal closes at 24:00 hrs. (CET/CEST) on the last application day.
- Incomplete applications or submissions after the deadline will not be considered.
- All application materials will remain with the DAAD and are processed in accordance with the Federal Data Protection Act.
For More Information
For further details and to access the application portal, please visit the Official DAAD Website. This scholarship offers a unique opportunity to gain advanced qualifications in Germany’s leading STEM programs, contributing to academic growth and professional success.