The DAAD Zuse School of Embedded Composite Artificial Intelligence, known as SECAI, is offering fully funded scholarships for outstanding Master’s students who want to study Artificial Intelligence and related disciplines in Germany. The scholarship is open at two prestigious institutions: Leipzig University (UL) and Technische Universitat Dresden (TUD).
This SECAI AI Scholarship at Leipzig University is one of the most accessible fully funded AI scholarships for international students in Europe right now. It is open to students from every country in the world, it does not require IELTS, and it supports students across a wide range of academic backgrounds, not just computer science graduates.
SECAI was built on the idea that Artificial Intelligence is an interdisciplinary field. That means students from engineering, mathematics, law, psychology, medicine, social sciences, and the natural sciences are all welcome to apply, as long as their studies connect to AI research.
The scholarships cover your living expenses in Germany, support your research career, and help you build a strong professional network inside one of Europe’s most advanced AI academic environments. Up to 20 scholarships are awarded each year, and the programme actively encourages women in STEM fields to apply. Students from conflict-affected regions or who face systemic disadvantages in their home countries are also given special consideration.
| Scholarship Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Germany |
| Institution | Leipzig University (and TU Dresden) |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-Based (Residency Scholarship) |
| Eligible Countries | All Countries |
| Category | Postgraduate Scholarships / Masters Scholarships |
| Disciplines | Artificial Intelligence and Related Fields |
| IELTS Required | No |
| Monthly Stipend | EUR 934 |
| Duration | Up to 24 Months |
| Application Opens | May 1, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | June 30, 2026 (Second Round) |
| Contact | secai-office@tu-dresden.de |
SECAI AI Scholarship Eligibility for International Students: Who Can Apply
To be eligible for the SECAI AI Scholarship 2026 at Leipzig University in Germany, you must meet all of the following requirements:
You must be currently enrolled, or about to be enrolled, in a Master’s level programme at Leipzig University or TU Dresden. Note that you can apply for the scholarship at the same time as you apply for admission to a Master’s programme. These are two separate applications and they run independently.
The content of your studies, your chosen specialisation, or the topic of your planned project work must be closely related to the SECAI research areas in Artificial Intelligence.
You must be a student at either Leipzig University or TU Dresden, or you must be visiting a research group at one of these two institutions.
You must demonstrate an above-average academic track record. The typical benchmark is a cumulative GPA of 1.7 or better after conversion to the German grading system. However, exceptions are made for students who face adverse personal circumstances, including students who are refugees or who come from countries where access to quality education has been systematically restricted.
Students in German Diplom programmes are considered to be at the Master’s level once they have successfully completed the first two years of their studies (known as the Grundstudium).
There is no IELTS or language test requirement listed in the official scholarship conditions. Language requirements, if any, depend on the specific Master’s programme you apply for.
Criteria for Application: What the SECAI AI Scholarship Looks For
The SECAI AI Scholarship is primarily awarded based on academic excellence. The selection committee reviews your academic track record, the strength of your motivation letter, and how clearly your studies or research plans connect to the SECAI AI research agenda.
Beyond academic performance, the scholarship also places value on:
Internationalisation and diversity within AI-related teaching programmes at Leipzig University and TU Dresden. If you come from an underrepresented country or background in AI research, this works in your favour.
Personal circumstances. Students who are refugees, who are systematically disadvantaged in their home countries, or who face other significant personal challenges are given special consideration. You do not need a perfect academic record to be competitive if your circumstances explain any gaps.
Relevance of your studies to AI. Whether your degree is directly in AI or you are coming from law, psychology, or medicine with a clear focus on AI-related topics, what matters is the connection between your work and SECAI’s research.
Eligible Programs for the SECAI AI Scholarship at Leipzig University
The following Master’s programmes are specifically listed by SECAI as eligible for the scholarship:
At Leipzig University:
- MSc Data Science
- MSc Bioinformatik
- MSc Medizininformatik (Medical Informatics)
- MSc Medical Informatics (English-taught version)
At TU Dresden:
- MSc Computer Science
- MSc Computational Modeling and Simulation (in the tracks “Applied Artificial Intelligence” and “Computational Life Science”)
- MSc Nanoelectronic Systems
Beyond these specific programmes, students from other disciplines may also apply if they have oriented their elective courses, project work, or thesis topic toward an AI-related area. This includes:
- MSc or Diplom students in Computer Science
- LLM (Master of Laws) students focusing on the legal aspects of AI
- MA students at TUD or UL focusing on the human and societal dimensions of AI
- MSc students in Psychology focusing on socio-technical systems and human-machine interaction
Required Documents Checklist for the SECAI AI Scholarship 2026
Before you apply, prepare all of the following documents:
- Motivation Letter. This is the most important document. It must clearly explain your connection to SECAI research areas and describe how your planned or current studies at Leipzig University or TU Dresden relate to Artificial Intelligence.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV). A clear, academic-style CV that outlines your educational background, academic achievements, relevant experience, and research interests.
- Bachelor’s Certificate and Transcript of Records. If your Bachelor’s degree is already complete, include your degree certificate. If you have not yet graduated, include your most recent transcript of records. Include any other academic certificates that are relevant to your application.
- Declaration of Other Income Sources. You must declare any other sources of income you have, including any other scholarships you currently hold or have applied for.
- Reference Number and Submission Date (if applicable). If you are applying to a Master’s programme at Leipzig University or TU Dresden at the same time as you apply for this scholarship, include the reference number and the submission date of that parallel application.
Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered. Make sure every document is included before you submit.
Benefits of the SECAI AI Scholarship at Leipzig University Germany
The SECAI AI Scholarship package includes the following:
Monthly Living Stipend of EUR 934. This is a residency scholarship designed to cover your living expenses while you study in Germany. It is paid monthly for up to 24 months.
Family Allowance. Foreign students may be entitled to a monthly family allowance in addition to the standard stipend, depending on personal circumstances.
Full Tuition Waiver. The scholarship covers tuition fees for eligible students at Leipzig University and TU Dresden.
Research Career Support. Scholarship holders gain access to one of Europe’s leading AI research ecosystems, with opportunities to engage with research groups and build your academic network from day one.
Mobility Grants. SECAI also offers mobility grants to support international exchange for scholarship holders.
Professional Network Access. Being part of the SECAI community connects you to leading AI researchers, labs, and industry partners across Germany and Europe.
Income Declaration Note: If your gross income from other sources exceeds EUR 520 per month, the scholarship amount may be reduced by the amount over that threshold. Any extra income must be declared to the scholarship authority.
SECAI AI Scholarship Application Format: How to Structure Your Submission
The SECAI scholarship application is submitted by email. There is no online portal form to fill in. You send your complete application package directly to secai-office@tu-dresden.de, and the recommended method is through the TU Dresden SecureMail Portal at https://securemail.tu-dresden.de.
Your application should be submitted as a single, complete package. Every document listed in the required documents checklist must be included. Incomplete applications will be rejected without review.
Use PDF format for your documents unless otherwise instructed. Label your files clearly so the review committee can navigate your application easily.
If you are applying to a Master’s programme in parallel, remember that the scholarship application and the admission application are two completely separate submissions sent to different offices.
Step-by-Step Application Process for the SECAI AI Scholarship 2026
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Confirm that you are enrolled or will be enrolled in a Master’s programme at Leipzig University or TU Dresden, and that your studies relate to AI or SECAI research areas.
Step 2: Research SECAI research areas. Visit the official SECAI website at https://secai.org to understand the specific AI research themes SECAI focuses on. Your motivation letter must connect your studies to these themes.
Step 3: Prepare your documents. Gather your motivation letter, CV, Bachelor’s certificate or transcripts, income declaration, and any other relevant certificates. See the full checklist above.
Step 4: Write your motivation letter carefully. This is your strongest tool. Tailor it specifically to SECAI and Leipzig University or TU Dresden. Explain your topical connection to AI, your research interests, and why this scholarship supports your goals.
Step 5: Compile your complete application package. Review every item in the documents checklist and make sure nothing is missing.
Step 6: Submit your application by email to secai-office@tu-dresden.de. Use the TU Dresden SecureMail Portal at https://securemail.tu-dresden.de for secure delivery. The subject line and file naming conventions should be clear and professional.
Step 7: Apply for your Master’s programme separately if you have not yet been admitted. Remember these are two independent processes.
Application Opens: May 1, 2026. Deadline (Second Round): June 30, 2026. First Round Deadline: May 19, 2026 (decisions are made earlier for planning purposes).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting an incomplete application. This is the single most common reason applications are rejected. Every document must be present before you submit.
Writing a generic motivation letter. A letter that does not specifically mention SECAI, Leipzig University, or your connection to AI research areas will not score well. Tailor every line to this programme.
Missing the deadline. The second round deadline is June 30, 2026. There is no extension. Build your timeline backward from this date.
Confusing the scholarship and admission applications. If you are applying to a Master’s programme at the same time, remember these are two separate submissions to two different offices. Mixing them up will cause delays.
Failing to declare other income. All income sources must be declared. Failure to do so can affect your eligibility and your scholarship payments if you are selected.
Not converting your GPA correctly. The benchmark is 1.7 in the German grading system. Make sure you convert your home country GPA accurately and, if needed, explain any academic gaps or adverse circumstances in your application.
Tips for Winning Essays: Writing a Strong SECAI Motivation Letter
Be specific about your connection to AI. The first paragraph should make it immediately clear how your studies, thesis topic, or research interest connects to Artificial Intelligence and to the research areas of SECAI.
Show you have done your research. Mention specific SECAI research themes, ongoing AI projects at Leipzig University or TU Dresden, or faculty members whose work aligns with your own interests. This tells the committee you are serious.
Be honest about your background. If you are coming from law, medicine, or social science, own it. Explain how your interdisciplinary perspective adds value to AI research. SECAI was designed to welcome exactly this kind of applicant.
Address personal circumstances where relevant. If you are a student from an underrepresented region, a refugee, or someone who has faced systemic barriers, explain this. SECAI explicitly values diversity and considers these factors.
End with a forward-looking statement. Close your letter with a clear picture of what you plan to do with this scholarship, how it connects to your career goals in AI, and how your work will contribute to the research community.
Keep it concise and structured. Aim for one page. Use paragraphs, not bullet points. Write in clear, direct English.
Tips for Strong Reference Letters
Although the official document list does not specifically list reference letters as a separate required item, a strong academic reference is valuable for any scholarship application. If you plan to include one:
Choose referees who know your academic work well. A professor who supervised your thesis or a research project supervisor is far more useful than a general lecturer.
Brief your referee clearly. Give them information about SECAI, the scholarship criteria, and your specific connection to AI research. The more context they have, the more targeted and useful their letter will be.
Ask for the letter early. Give your referee at least three to four weeks before the deadline. A rushed reference letter shows.
The letter should speak to your academic ability, your research potential, and your connection to AI. It should not just be a list of your achievements. The best references describe what it is like to work with you and predict your future performance.
SECAI AI Scholarship-Friendly CV/Resume: What to Include
Your CV for the SECAI AI Scholarship should be academic in style. Focus on the following:
Education section first. List your degrees in reverse chronological order, including your GPA or grade equivalent and any academic distinctions.
Research experience. Include any thesis work, research assistantships, lab work, or conference presentations. Be specific about the topics you worked on and whether they connect to AI.
Relevant coursework. If you are coming from a non-computer science background, list courses in mathematics, statistics, data science, programming, or any AI-adjacent subject you have taken.
Technical skills. Programming languages, data tools, machine learning frameworks, or AI software you are proficient in.
Publications and presentations. Include any academic papers, conference posters, or presentations, even if they were at student-level events.
Language skills and international experience. Germany values international students who can demonstrate cross-cultural academic experience.
Keep the CV to two pages maximum. Use a clean, readable format. Do not include personal photos or unrelated hobbies.
Post-Application Phase: What to Do After You Submit the SECAI AI Scholarship
Once you have submitted your SECAI AI Scholarship application by the June 30, 2026 deadline, here is what to do next:
Keep a copy of your submission. Save your full application package and your email confirmation. If any technical issue arises, you will need proof of submission.
Follow up professionally if needed. If you do not receive an acknowledgment within two weeks, you may contact secai-office@tu-dresden.de to confirm receipt.
Prepare for a potential interview. While the official scholarship information does not confirm a formal interview stage, it is wise to be ready to discuss your motivation letter and your research interests.
Continue your Master’s programme application. If you applied to Leipzig University or TU Dresden in parallel, track the progress of that separate application and make sure you meet all of its own deadlines.
First-round applicants (who submitted before May 19) will receive decisions earlier in the cycle to help with planning. Second-round decisions will follow the June 30 deadline.
Visa Route for International Students: How to Get to Germany on the SECAI Scholarship
If you are an international student from outside the European Union, you will need a German student visa to take up this scholarship.
The process works like this: Once you have received your scholarship offer letter from SECAI and your admission letter from Leipzig University or TU Dresden, you apply for a German National Visa (Type D) at the German embassy or consulate in your home country.
Required documents for the student visa typically include your university admission letter, proof of financial support (your scholarship letter counts as evidence), a valid passport, passport photographs, proof of health insurance, and your academic certificates.
Germany’s student visa is generally processed within four to twelve weeks depending on your country, so begin this process as early as possible once you receive your scholarship offer. Do not wait until you arrive to sort this out.
Once in Germany, you will register your address and apply for a residence permit that allows you to study for the full duration of your programme.
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Work After Study Options in Germany: What Happens After Your SECAI Masters
Germany offers one of the most generous post-study work routes in Europe for international graduates.
After completing your Master’s degree at Leipzig University or TU Dresden, you are eligible to apply for an 18-month job seeker visa (sometimes called the Job Search Visa). This gives you a year and a half to find a job in Germany that matches your qualifications.
Once you secure employment, you can transition to a German work permit or an EU Blue Card. The EU Blue Card is particularly relevant for AI and tech graduates because it is designed for highly qualified professionals and comes with faster residency pathways.
Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkrafteeinwanderungsgesetz) actively encourages international graduates to stay and work in Germany. After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency. After eight years, you may be eligible for German citizenship.
AI and data science graduates from German universities are in high demand and the job search visa gives you a strong foundation to find placement.
Possible Job Opportunities After the SECAI AI Scholarship in Germany
Completing an AI Masters at Leipzig University or TU Dresden opens doors across Germany’s leading sectors. Graduates of AI-related programmes in Germany typically find work in the following areas:
AI Research and Development roles at companies like SAP, Siemens, Bosch, BMW, and Deutsche Telekom, all of which have major AI and data teams.
Data Science and Machine Learning roles across fintech, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing sectors.
Academic and Research Positions at German universities, Fraunhofer Institutes, and the Max Planck Society, which are among the most respected research networks in the world.
AI Policy and Ethics roles in government ministries, think tanks, and EU institutions. Germany is a key player in shaping AI regulation in Europe.
Startups. Berlin, Munich, and Leipzig itself have growing startup ecosystems with significant demand for AI talent.
Leipzig University graduates also benefit from the university’s career services and SECAI’s professional network, which connects students directly to research groups and industry partners during their studies.
Alternatives if You Do Not Win the SECAI AI Scholarship 2026
If you apply and are not selected, do not stop there. There are strong alternatives for AI and postgraduate students targeting Germany and Europe:
DAAD Scholarships. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a wide range of fully funded scholarships for international students in Germany across all disciplines. Visit daad.de to explore all current offers.
Deutschlandstipendium. This is a national scholarship open to students enrolled at German universities, co-funded by the government and private sponsors. Check directly with Leipzig University’s scholarship office.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees. These EU-funded programmes offer fully funded Masters degrees at multiple European universities. Several programmes focus on AI, data science, and computer science.
Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarships. Open to international students in Germany with a focus on green politics, democracy, and human rights. Some AI ethics and policy programmes qualify.
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships. Aimed at students with a commitment to social democracy and social justice. International students in Germany are eligible.
Apply again next year. SECAI runs two rounds per year. If you miss the June 30 deadline or are not selected, you can apply again the following May. Use the waiting time to strengthen your academic record and refine your motivation letter.
Also consider applying to the Master’s programme first and then applying for the scholarship once you are enrolled. SECAI permits this, and being an enrolled student may strengthen your application.
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Conclusion: Should You Apply for the SECAI AI Scholarship at Leipzig University in Germany?
Yes, and here is why this opportunity stands out. The SECAI AI Scholarship 2026 at Leipzig University is not just a funding opportunity. It is an entry point into one of Europe’s strongest AI research networks, in a country that is actively recruiting international talent and building long-term pathways for graduates to stay, work, and build careers.
The scholarship is open to all nationalities. It does not require IELTS. It welcomes students from a wide range of academic disciplines beyond computer science. And with a monthly stipend of EUR 934, a tuition waiver, and access to research infrastructure at both Leipzig University and TU Dresden, it is one of the most complete fully funded AI scholarships available to international students in 2026.
Application opens May 1, 2026. The second-round deadline is June 30, 2026. Start preparing your motivation letter and documents today.
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