The DAAD, with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office, pays high-achieving graduates from selected developing and emerging countries to complete a full-time, on-campus master’s in mathematics, computer science, the natural sciences or engineering at a state or state-recognised German university.
The current round funds programmes starting in 2027, usually from 1 October 2027. Interdisciplinary programmes need a clear STEM focus.
Benefits & funding
- €992 a month, plus health, accident and liability insurance and a €460 yearly study allowance.
- Travel allowance on application; possible rent, family and disability allowances case by case.
- Lasts the programme’s standard length: 10 to 24 months; a preceding German course can be funded.
- Only tuition-free master’s programmes qualify; the DAAD pays no tuition.
Eligibility
- Living in, and applying from, one of: Belize, Cambodia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ghana, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Venezuela, Vietnam; applicants from another country must ask the DAAD whether they qualify.
- A first degree recognised in Germany (e.g. Bachelor’s) completed by the deadline; no master’s degree yet.
- Most recent degree, as a rule, no more than 6 years old at the deadline.
- No more than 15 months’ residence in Germany at the deadline.
- Language level of at least B1 in the language of instruction.
- Programmes with integrated stays outside Germany, and degrees already begun in Germany, are excluded.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Residence required
Belize · Cambodia · Colombia · Costa Rica · Dominican Republic · Ecuador · El Salvador · Ghana · Guatemala · Honduras · Indonesia · Jordan
+ 12 more
Kenya · Laos · Malaysia · Mexico · Myanmar · Nicaragua · Panama · Peru · Thailand · Timor-Leste · Venezuela · Vietnam
Education required
Bachelor Enrolled · Bachelor
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Application process
- 1Get one DAAD-form recommendation letter from a university teacher.
- 2Choose up to 5 German master’s programmes (or attach an admission letter).
- 3Upload the application as PDFs via the DAAD portal between 1 June and your country’s deadline — dates differ by country, so confirm yours with the DAAD office covering your country.
- 4Shortlisted applicants are interviewed by an independent selection committee.
Program timeline
Applications open.
Jun 1, 2026
Deadline for the Kenya/East Africa office only; other countries’ deadlines differ.
Sep 30, 2026
Funding usually starts (earlier with a German course).
Oct 1, 2027