DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines: A Complete Guide for South Africans

DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines: A Complete Guide for South Africans

The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines offer an exceptional opportunity for high-achieving students from developing and emerging countries, including South Africa, to pursue a fully funded Master’s degree in Germany. This prestigious programme focuses on innovation-driven STEM fields such as mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and engineering, helping young academics build global careers.

Introduction to DAAD STEM Scholarships

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the world’s largest funding organisations supporting international academic cooperation. Through its STEM scholarships, DAAD aims to strengthen skills development, employability, and innovation by supporting future professionals who want to study in Germany’s world-class higher education system.

This scholarship is ideal for South African graduates who want international exposure, advanced technical training, and strong career prospects in science and technology fields.

Why the DAAD STEM Scholarship Matters

Opportunities for South African Graduates

• Access to top-ranked German universities with cutting-edge research facilities
• Internationally recognised Master’s qualifications
• Improved employability in South Africa and globally
• Exposure to Germany’s innovation-driven STEM ecosystem

Germany is known for engineering excellence, digital innovation, and applied sciences—making this scholarship highly valuable for STEM-focused career paths.

Who Can Apply?

You may apply for the DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines if you:

• Are from a developing or emerging country (South Africans are eligible)
• Hold a recognised Bachelor’s degree by the application deadline
• Wish to pursue a Master’s degree in a STEM field in Germany
• Do not already hold a Master’s degree

Important: Applicants who already have a Master’s degree are not eligible for this programme.

What the DAAD Scholarship Covers

Financial Benefits

• Monthly stipend of €992
• Travel allowance
• Annual study allowance of €460
• Health, accident, and personal liability insurance

Additional Allowances (Where Applicable)

• Monthly rent subsidy
• Family allowance for accompanying dependants
• Support for applicants with disabilities or chronic illness
• Reimbursement of carbon offset payments for flights

Language Support

• Online language course after receiving the award letter
• German language course in Germany (if required)
• Allowance for additional German language courses during studies
• Reimbursement for TestDaF or DSH exam fees

Note: DAAD does not cover tuition fees. Only tuition-free Master’s programmes at public or state-recognised universities are eligible.

Duration of Funding

The scholarship is awarded for a period of 10 to 24 months, depending on the standard duration of the chosen Master’s programme. Funding must begin in 2026, with most scholarships starting on 1 October 2026.

Academic performance is reviewed after the first year to determine continuation of funding.

Eligible Fields of Study

• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Natural Sciences
• Engineering

Interdisciplinary programmes are allowed only if they have a clear STEM focus. Programmes with study periods outside Germany are not eligible.

How to Apply for the DAAD STEM Scholarship

Application Process

1. Choose a tuition-free STEM Master’s programme at a German university
2. Prepare all required documents
3. Submit your application via the official DAAD portal

Official DAAD website: https://www.daad.de

Selection Process

Only complete applications are considered. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview (online or in-person) conducted by an independent academic selection committee.

Selection Criteria

• Strong academic performance
• Relevance and quality of the chosen study programme
• Language proficiency
• Motivation and career goals
• Extracurricular activities and social commitment

DAAD also considers equal opportunity factors such as disability, illness, family responsibilities, refugee background, or financial hardship.

Common Challenges for Applicants

• Finding a suitable tuition-free Master’s programme
• Meeting language requirements
• Preparing a strong motivation letter
• Meeting strict application deadlines

Tips for a Successful Application

• Start preparing at least 6–12 months in advance
• Choose a Master’s programme aligned with your academic background
• Write a clear, focused motivation letter
• Demonstrate long-term impact for South Africa
• Ensure all documents are complete and accurate

For more international scholarship and study guides, visit DAAD scholarships and study opportunities on Wikihii.

Useful Resources

• DAAD Official Website: https://www.daad.de
• Study in Germany Portal: https://www.study-in-germany.de
• German Universities Database: https://www.hochschulkompass.de

Stay updated with new scholarships and application tips by joining our WhatsApp channel: Wikihii Scholarships & Jobs WhatsApp Channel.

Conclusion

The DAAD Study Scholarships for STEM Disciplines provide South African students with a life-changing opportunity to gain world-class education in Germany while building skills that are in high demand globally. With generous funding, academic excellence, and strong career prospects, this scholarship is one of the best pathways for aspiring STEM professionals.

If you meet the requirements, start preparing early and take the first step toward an international STEM career.