DAAD STEM Scholarship Opens — Tuition-Free Master's Study in Germany

Apply Here: www.daad.de
Deadline: 21 October 2026 (Applicants should confirm with the relevant sources)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is inviting applications for its Study
Scholarships for STEM Disciplines 2027/28, aimed at high-achieving graduates from developing
and emerging countries who wish to pursue a full-time Master's degree in Germany. Applicants
from Eswatini may be considered, though eligibility should be confirmed directly through the
DAAD application portal before a final application is prepared.
The scholarship covers mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and engineering.
Selected programmes must be full-time Master's degrees, taught on campus in Germany at a state
or state-recognised university, tuition-free, and scheduled to begin in the winter semester of
2027/28. An interdisciplinary degree may qualify if its core focus falls clearly within one of
these fields, though applicants are advised to examine the curriculum closely, as a programme
with only a handful of STEM modules may not meet the requirement.
The scholarship does not fund a Master's degree already underway in Germany, and programmes
involving study periods outside the country may not qualify. Funding typically runs between 10
and 24 months, depending on the length of the chosen programme, with funding expected to
begin around the start of the 2027 winter semester.
Financial support
Successful applicants receive a monthly scholarship of €992 to help cover living expenses. The
scholarship may also include contributions toward health, accident and personal-liability
insurance; a travel allowance; an annual study allowance of €460; a rent allowance and family
allowance where applicable; support for an eligible German-language course; reimbursement of
eligible carbon-offset costs for air travel; and possible additional support for scholars with a
disability or chronic illness.
Tuition fees are not covered, meaning applicants must select a tuition-free programme and
budget separately for costs such as visa fees, deposits and local transport. For this reason, the
opportunity is more accurately described as DAAD-funded support for tuition-free study, rather
than a fully funded scholarship in the broader sense.
Eligibility
 Citizenship of an eligible developing or emerging country
 A first university degree recognised in Germany, normally a Bachelor's degree, held or
completable by the application deadline

 The first degree should generally have been obtained no more than six years before the
application deadline
 Above-average academic performance
 Must meet the admission requirements of the chosen German university
 Must provide the required language certificate
 Must not already hold a Master's degree by the application deadline
 Must not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months at the application deadline
Meeting these general requirements does not guarantee selection. The selection committee also
weighs the applicant's academic record, motivation, study plan, professional experience,
leadership and social engagement.
Language requirements
The DAAD programme lists a minimum of B1 proficiency for the scholarship application itself,
though individual universities may set a higher bar — an English-taught programme may require
IELTS or TOEFL, for instance, while a German-taught programme requires a recognised
German-language qualification. Applicants are cautioned not to assume a B1 certificate is
sufficient for university admission and should check the exact requirement for every programme
under consideration.
Documents required
 A curriculum vitae in tabular form, normally no longer than three pages
 A motivation letter of approximately one to three pages
 A completed DAAD form listing up to five preferred Master's programmes
 A current transcript of records
 A university degree certificate, if already completed
 Academic transcripts for completed studies
 A language certificate
 One DAAD recommendation form completed by a university lecturer
 A passport or national identity document
 An admission letter from a German university, if already available

Applicants may also submit supporting evidence of professional experience, internships,
leadership roles or social engagement. Documents not in English or German generally require
translation into one of those languages.
Deadline and application process
The DAAD scholarship database currently lists 21 October 2026 as the application deadline for
the 2027/28 cycle, though a DAAD regional announcement has separately shown 30 September
2026, which may reflect a country-specific deadline. Applicants from Eswatini are advised to
confirm the deadline that applies to them directly through the DAAD portal, rather than relying
on a date from a social media post or third-party site.
The application involves two separate steps: applying for admission to one or more suitable
German Master's programmes, and submitting a scholarship application through the DAAD
portal. A DAAD scholarship application does not replace university admission, and the
scholarship can only be used if the applicant is admitted to an eligible programme.
Final advice
Applicants are encouraged to begin by identifying suitable programmes rather than applying for
the scholarship without a clear study option in mind, comparing curriculum, tuition policy,
language requirements and deadlines across universities. A programme should not be chosen
simply because it appears on a general scholarship list — it must meet the DAAD's STEM
conditions, and the university must confirm the applicant satisfies its own admission
requirements.
Disclaimer: Information correct at the time of publication. Deadlines, eligibility rules, funding
conditions and university requirements may change. Applicants should verify all information
directly with DAAD and the selected German universities before applying. Likusasa Letfu is not
responsible for changes made by the awarding institution.

Ongoing Scholarship
1. SBW BERLIN SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS COMMITTED TO SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

No fixed deadline — rolling intake
Apply at: sbw.berlin
The SBW Berlin Scholarship for International Students offers a fully funded opportunity for
talented young people from developing countries, including Eswatini, to pursue bachelor's or
master's degrees at universities in Berlin or Potsdam, Germany. The scholarship is distinguished
by its strong emphasis on social commitment, with recipients expected to develop and continue
non-profit projects in their home countries throughout and beyond the duration of their studies.
The scholarship is designed for young people who have already demonstrated a commitment to
social causes and who intend to apply the skills acquired during their studies to social projects
undertaken through a non-profit or social organisation in their country of origin.
What the Scholarship Covers
The SBW Berlin Scholarship provides a comprehensive package of support, including:
 Full tuition fees for the duration of the programme
 A furnished room in a shared flat in Berlin
 A monthly living stipend of €480
 Partial travel costs — up to €500 for applicants travelling from within Europe, and up to
€1,000 for applicants travelling from outside Europe
 Mentorship and advisory support for the development of the recipient's social project
 Funding for a period of between 30 and 48 months, depending on the length of the
chosen programme
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30, must hold professional or volunteer
experience in the non-profit or social sector supported by letters of recommendation, must not
have resided in Germany for more than 18 months prior to application, and must have no first-
degree family members permanently residing in Germany.
Additional requirements include a minimum academic grade equivalent to a German GPA of 2.0
broadly comparable to a B average at an equivalent institution as well as a recognised university

entrance qualification. Applicants must apply prior to commencing their studies or while
enrolled no later than the third semester at a recognised university, or apply for a master's degree
shortly before or after completing a bachelor's degree. Applicants must also demonstrate an
intention to work for at least 18 months in their country of origin following graduation, or to
engage in charitable activities in Germany until any repayment obligations are fulfilled, and must
be able to demonstrate a relatively low household income.
A Scholarship Tied to Social Responsibility
The SBW Berlin Scholarship extends beyond financial assistance. Recipients are required to
dedicate between two and eight hours per week to an approved social project throughout their
period of study. They are further required to participate in regular project meetings and
workshops hosted by SBW Berlin, submit written project reports, and present their work
formally.
Upon completion of their studies, scholarship recipients are expected to continue their social
projects in their home countries, applying the skills and knowledge gained during their time in
Germany. SBW Berlin continues to provide advisory support to graduates during this phase.
For Eswatini applicants already engaged in community organisations, youth development
initiatives, or civic and non-profit work, this requirement is less an obstacle than an opportunity
to formalise and expand efforts already underway.
How to Apply
The application process begins with a formal recommendation. A non-profit organisation must
submit a recommendation on behalf of the applicant by email to application@sbw.berlin.
Should this initial recommendation be approved, the applicant is then invited to complete a full
online application, which must include academic transcripts and grade conversion
documentation, a social project plan of two to five pages, proof of income, a copy of the
applicant's passport, and letters of recommendation from a non-profit or social institution.
All documentation must be submitted in English or German. Applications are reviewed during
two annual cycles between 15 May to 30 June, and 15 November to 31 December, corresponding
to September and March programme intakes respectively.
It should be noted that admission to a university or university of applied sciences in Berlin or
Potsdam must be secured separately from the scholarship application and remains the applicant's
own responsibility. Eswatini applicants are therefore advised to pursue university admission and
the scholarship application concurrently.
Key Facts
 No fixed application deadline — applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout
the year

 Review periods: 15 May to 30 June and 15 November to 31 December
 Approximately 20 scholarships awarded annually
 Multiple applications are permitted for applicants who remain eligible
 Decisions are typically communicated within three months of the applicable review
period
For full guidance and to initiate the application process, visit sbw.berlin or contact
application@sbw.berlin.
Information correct at time of publication. Likusasa Letfu is not liable for any changes made by
the awarding institution. Always verify details at the official scholarship portal.

2.

CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP 2027–2028 OPENS TO OUTSTANDING EMERGING
LEADERS
Deadline: 6 October 2026
Apply at: chevening.org
The Chevening Scholarship, the United Kingdom Government's flagship international
scholarship programme for outstanding emerging leaders, has opened applications for the
2027–2028 academic cycle. Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development
Office in partnership with a range of supporting organisations, the scholarship provides full
financial support for eligible one-year master's degrees at universities across the United
Kingdom. Eswatini is among the countries eligible to apply, with the application window closing
on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Since its establishment in 1983, the Chevening programme has supported nearly 60,000
professionals worldwide, with more than 1,000 scholarships awarded annually across the globe.
Successful applicants for the 2027–2028 cycle are expected to be announced in June 2027, with
studies commencing in September or October 2027.
What the Scholarship Provides
Chevening scholars receive a comprehensive package of support, including:
 Tuition fees for an eligible one-year master's degree
 Monthly living expenses for the duration of the programme
 Return flights to and from the United Kingdom
 Visa-related support and other approved allowances
 Access to networking events, workshops, talks, internships, and volunteering
opportunities
Beyond financial provision, scholars join a global Chevening alumni network, gaining academic,
professional, and cultural experience that extends well beyond the completion of their degree.
What the Programme Seeks in Candidates
The Chevening Scholarship is intended for applicants who can demonstrate leadership potential,
a strong academic background, a clear vision for creating positive change within their
communities or countries, and the ambition to build lasting professional, academic, and
international networks.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee
selection. Chevening is a highly competitive programme, and its selection process places

considerable weight on demonstrated leadership, influence, career direction, and anticipated
future impact.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, applicants must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country and must intend to support
and contribute to their country of award. Applicants must commit to returning to their home
country for a minimum of two years following the conclusion of the scholarship, and must have
at least two years of work experience after completing an undergraduate degree, equivalent to
2,800 hours.
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree that qualifies them for admission to a UK master's
programme, and must have completed their undergraduate studies at least two years before the
application deadline. Where a degree certificate remains outstanding at the time of application, it
must be available by the interview stage. Applicants are required to apply to three different
eligible UK university courses and must obtain an unconditional offer from at least one of these
courses by the deadline specified in the official application timeline.
Applicants who already hold a master's degree may apply for a second master's degree in the
United Kingdom, provided all other Chevening requirements are satisfied.
Who Is Not Eligible
An applicant is generally ineligible if they hold British or dual British citizenship, subject to
limited exceptions; hold refugee status in a country not eligible for Chevening; are resident in the
United Kingdom at the time of application, except in specified British Overseas Territories; or
are an employee, recent former employee, or immediate relative of an employee of a relevant
UK government department, the British Council, a partner UK university, or their wholly owned
subsidiaries. Applicants who have previously studied in the United Kingdom with UK
Government-funded scholarship support are also generally ineligible, subject to a specific five-
year rule applicable to former Chevening Fellows.
The official definition of immediate relative includes parents or step-parents, siblings or step-
siblings, children or step-children, spouses, civil partners, and long-term unmarried partners.
The Application and Selection Process
Applications are submitted online through the official Chevening application portal by selecting
the applicant's country of citizenship. Each application is reviewed by an independent reading
committee, which compiles a longlist of candidates.
Longlisted applicants are subsequently invited to submit references and to attend an interview at
the British Embassy or High Commission in their country of residence. During the interview,
candidates are expected to discuss their personal and professional goals, their leadership
experience, and their plans for creating positive change, as well as to explain how the Chevening

Scholarship and their chosen courses will support their broader career objectives. Interviews are
conducted in English by an official panel and assessed against Chevening's global selection
criteria.
Key Dates
Applications are currently open and will close on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Results are
expected to be announced in June 2027, with studies commencing in September or October
2027.
Applicants from Eswatini are advised to verify the latest country-specific information, along
with all document and offer deadlines, on the official Chevening application page before
submitting their applications.
Information correct at time of publication. Likusasa Letfu is not liable for any changes made by
the awarding institution. Always verify details at the official scholarship portal.