The scholarships are designed for outstanding current and prospective Master’s students whose studies are closely connected to artificial intelligence.
SECAI takes a broad, interdisciplinary view of AI. Eligible academic backgrounds can therefore extend beyond computer science to fields such as mathematics, engineering, law, psychology, medicine, social sciences and other disciplines where the student’s study programme has a strong AI-related focus.
The scholarship currently provides a monthly grant of €934 to help cover living expenses in Germany.
The programme is intended not only to support students financially but also to help them concentrate on their studies, begin developing a research career and build professional networks within the AI community.
Women in STEM are particularly encouraged to apply, while SECAI also states that special personal circumstances may be considered, including cases involving systematic disadvantage, persecution or war-related refugee status.
SECAI Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | SECAI Scholarship |
| Institutions | TU Dresden and Leipzig University |
| Country | Germany |
| Study Level | Master’s |
| Main Field | Artificial Intelligence and related disciplines |
| Funding | €934 per month |
| Funding Purpose | Living expenses in Germany |
| Main Selection Criterion | Academic excellence |
| Typical GPA Requirement | German grade 1.7 or better after conversion |
| International Students | Eligible if other requirements are met |
| Women in STEM | Particularly encouraged to apply |
| Application Period | April 1 to June 30 |
| General Deadline | June 30 |
| Early Consideration Dates | April 19 and May 19 depending on programme |
| Funding Duration | Normally remaining standard duration of studies |
| Extra Income Rule | Scholarship may be reduced if gross income exceeds €603 |
| Family Allowance | May be available to eligible foreign students |
| Application Method | Online application form |
What Is SECAI?
SECAI is a joint project involving TU Dresden and Leipzig University focused on artificial intelligence research, education and academic development.
The scholarship programme was created to support talented students pursuing AI-related Master’s studies at either university.
SECAI treats artificial intelligence as an interdisciplinary field.
This means it is not limited to computer science students.
The programme recognizes that AI increasingly intersects with areas including:
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Natural sciences
- Medicine
- Law
- Psychology
- Social sciences
- Human-machine interaction
- Bioinformatics
- Data science
- Computational modeling
This makes the scholarship potentially relevant to a wider group of Master’s applicants than many traditional AI scholarships.
What Does the SECAI Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship is primarily intended to support the recipient’s living expenses in Germany.
The current monthly grant is:
€934 per month
This funding can help students meet regular expenses while focusing more heavily on their studies and research development.
The scholarship should not automatically be described as a full scholarship covering every possible expense.
The supplied information confirms a monthly living allowance, but does not establish universal coverage of tuition, flights, visa fees, accommodation costs, insurance or other expenses.
Applicants should therefore plan their finances based on the exact scholarship regulations and their broader study costs in Germany.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is intended for highly qualified current or prospective Master’s students who want to pursue AI-related studies at TU Dresden or Leipzig University.
Applicants must normally satisfy several key conditions.
They must currently be enrolled, or expect soon to be enrolled, in a Master’s-level programme at:
- TU Dresden, or
- Leipzig University
It is possible to apply for the scholarship while also applying for a Master’s programme.
However, the university programme application and the scholarship application are two separate applications.
Receiving or applying for the scholarship does not replace the normal university admission process.
Academic Requirement
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong academic record.
SECAI states that candidates should typically have a cumulative grade point average equivalent to 1.7 or better under the German grading system.
Applicants whose academic results use another grading scale will therefore need their performance considered after conversion to the German system.
The programme may consider exceptions where an applicant has faced significant adverse personal circumstances.
AI-Related Master’s Programmes
Several degree programmes are specifically mentioned as closely aligned with SECAI research areas.
MSc Computer Science at TU Dresden
Students enrolled in or planning to join the MSc Computer Science programme at TU Dresden may qualify if their studies are sufficiently connected to AI.
Computer science is one of the most direct academic pathways into AI research.
Relevant areas can potentially include:
- Machine learning
- Algorithms
- Intelligent systems
- Data processing
- Computer vision
- Natural language processing
- Software systems
The precise academic fit will depend on the applicant’s study direction.
MSc Computational Modeling and Simulation at TU Dresden
Students in Computational Modeling and Simulation may also qualify, particularly those in the tracks:
- Applied Artificial Intelligence
- Computational Life Science
These pathways can be particularly suitable for students interested in applying computational and AI approaches to scientific or interdisciplinary problems.
MSc Data Science at Leipzig University
The MSc Data Science programme at Leipzig University is another explicitly relevant study option.
This may be especially attractive to applicants interested in:
- Machine learning
- Statistical modeling
- Data analysis
- AI systems
- Computational methods
MSc Nanoelectronic Systems at TU Dresden
Students pursuing Nanoelectronic Systems may also qualify where their studies connect sufficiently to SECAI’s AI research areas.
MSc Bioinformatics at Leipzig University
Bioinformatics is another explicitly mentioned field.
This highlights the interdisciplinary nature of SECAI.
AI increasingly plays an important role in areas such as:
- Biological data analysis
- Genomics
- Drug discovery
- Medical research
- Computational biology
Students working at the intersection of AI and life sciences may therefore find the scholarship especially relevant.
MSc Medical Informatics at Leipzig University
Students studying Medical Informatics may also qualify.
This can include AI-related work involving:
- Healthcare data
- Digital health systems
- Medical decision support
- Clinical information systems
- Data-driven healthcare
Other Eligible Study Programmes
Students are not necessarily excluded simply because their programme does not appear on the main list.
SECAI states that students from other programmes may also apply if they have developed a meaningful AI specialization through:
- Elective courses
- Projects
- Research
- Thesis topics
- Other academic work
Relevant programmes can include additional MSc or Diplom programmes in computer science and related disciplines.
Law Students Can Also Be Eligible
SECAI explicitly recognizes that artificial intelligence has important legal dimensions.
Students pursuing an LL.M. degree may qualify if their studies focus on legal aspects of AI.
Potential areas can include:
- AI regulation
- Data law
- Intellectual property
- Technology law
- AI governance
- Digital rights
This makes the scholarship particularly unusual compared with AI funding programmes restricted entirely to technical disciplines.
Social Science and Humanities Students
Master’s students at TU Dresden or Leipzig University can also be considered if their studies focus on the human and societal dimensions of AI.
This could include areas connected to:
- Ethics
- Society
- Governance
- Human behavior
- Digital transformation
- AI policy
Applicants will need to demonstrate that their academic work is genuinely related to the broader research areas of SECAI.
Psychology Students
Psychology students may also qualify where their Master’s studies focus on areas such as:
- Socio-technical systems
- Human-machine interaction
- Human behavior and AI
- Technology use
This further demonstrates SECAI’s interdisciplinary approach.
German Diplom Students
Students enrolled in German Diplom programmes can be considered at Master’s level once they have completed the first two years of their studies, known as the Grundstudium.
Can Prospective Master’s Students Apply?
Yes.
Students do not necessarily need to have already started their Master’s programme when applying.
SECAI allows prospective students to submit a scholarship application while they are also applying for an eligible Master’s degree.
However, applicants should remember that:
The scholarship application and university admission application are independent processes.
Candidates should therefore complete both correctly.
Are International Students Eligible?
Yes, the scholarship is designed in part to improve the internationalization of AI-related study programmes.
This makes it potentially relevant to international students planning to study at TU Dresden or Leipzig University.
However, international applicants must still meet:
- University admission requirements
- Scholarship eligibility rules
- Academic requirements
- Programme relevance criteria
The scholarship should not be interpreted as automatic university admission.
Women in STEM Are Encouraged to Apply
SECAI specifically states that women in STEM subjects are particularly encouraged to apply.
This forms part of the programme’s goal of improving diversity within AI education.
Candidates are still assessed primarily on academic excellence and the other stated selection criteria.
Special Personal Circumstances
The scholarship programme also says special personal circumstances can be taken into account.
Examples provided include students who:
- Have been systematically disadvantaged
- Face persecution in their home country
- Are refugees of war
This may influence how the Selection Committee evaluates an academic record or broader application circumstances.
Applicants who believe such factors are relevant should explain them clearly and accurately in their application.
Application Period
The SECAI scholarship application period runs from:
April 1 to June 30
The general deadline for all applicants is:
June 30
Applicants should aim to submit well before the final deadline wherever possible.
Early Selection Dates
SECAI may select a limited number of outstanding applications before the final June deadline.
Two earlier consideration dates are mentioned.
April 19
This earlier date is relevant to applicants pursuing the:
LL.M. International Studies in Intellectual Property Law and Data Law
Applying by this date is not mandatory.
It simply provides an opportunity to be considered earlier.
May 19
Applicants across all study programmes can apply by May 19 if they want to be considered during an earlier selection round.
Again, this is not the final deadline.
The general deadline remains June 30.
Should You Apply Early?
Opportunities Feed Assessment
Yes, applying early may be advantageous where the application is already strong and complete.
SECAI explicitly states that a limited number of outstanding candidates may be selected before the final deadline.
There is therefore little benefit in unnecessarily delaying an application until June if:
- You meet the academic requirements
- Your programme application is ready
- Your AI-related academic profile is clear
- Your documents are complete
However, applicants should prioritize quality over rushing an incomplete application.
Scholarship Duration
Funding is normally limited to the remaining standard duration of the recipient’s studies, based on the applicable model study plan.
This means funding length may differ depending on how much of the Master’s programme the recipient has already completed.
The Selection Committee may also approve a shorter funding period depending on:
- Available budget
- Student progress
- Individual study situation
The scholarship can end immediately if the recipient no longer satisfies the conditions required to receive it.
Monthly Scholarship Amount
The current SECAI scholarship allowance is:
€934 per month
This amount is based on the applicable scholarship regulations.
Candidates should verify the current rate when applying because scholarship regulations may change.
Can You Work While Receiving the Scholarship?
Additional income must be declared.
SECAI states that the scholarship may be reduced by the amount of gross income exceeding €603.
For example, if a recipient earns additional income above the applicable threshold, the scholarship amount may be adjusted.
Applicants should therefore understand the income rules before taking substantial paid employment alongside their studies.
Family Allowance for International Students
SECAI states that foreign students may be entitled to a monthly family allowance.
The source does not establish one universal family-allowance amount for all recipients.
Eligibility and the applicable amount should therefore be checked under the scholarship regulations.
Is the SECAI Scholarship Fully Funded?
The safest description is that SECAI provides a €934 monthly living allowance.
The supplied information does not establish that the scholarship universally covers:
- Full tuition
- International flights
- Visa costs
- Health insurance
- Accommodation
- Books
- Research expenses
It should therefore not automatically be called a fully funded scholarship unless the programme’s regulations explicitly confirm all major study and living costs are covered.
Why This Scholarship Matters
It supports AI studies across different disciplines
Many AI scholarships focus primarily on computer science.
SECAI takes a broader approach.
Eligible students can come from fields such as:
- Law
- Psychology
- Medicine
- Social sciences
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Bioinformatics
- Data science
This creates opportunities for students who are working on AI from interdisciplinary perspectives.
It provides recurring financial support
A monthly allowance of €934 can significantly reduce financial pressure during Master’s studies.
It supports research development
SECAI says the scholarship aims to help students begin developing a research career.
This may be particularly relevant to students considering:
- PhD programmes
- University research
- AI laboratories
- Research-intensive technology careers
It provides networking opportunities
The programme also aims to help scholarship recipients build professional networks.
Students studying within a major AI research environment may benefit from exposure to academics, researchers and other students working on related problems.
How Competitive Is the SECAI Scholarship?
Opportunities Feed Assessment
SECAI describes the scholarship as being aimed at outstanding students and makes academic excellence the primary selection criterion.
The minimum academic benchmark of approximately 1.7 or better on the German grading scale already sets a relatively strong academic threshold.
SECAI does not publish an acceptance rate or the total number of scholarship awards in the supplied information.
It would therefore be inappropriate to estimate a candidate’s probability of selection.
Applicants should assume the programme is selective and prepare accordingly.
How to Improve Your Chances
Demonstrate genuine AI alignment
Do not rely only on saying you are “interested in AI.”
Show evidence through:
- Relevant coursework
- Research
- Thesis work
- Academic projects
- Publications
- Technical projects
- Elective modules
Explain interdisciplinary relevance
Candidates outside conventional computer science programmes should clearly explain how their academic field connects to artificial intelligence.
For example:
A law student could discuss AI regulation.
A psychology student could focus on human-machine interaction.
A medical informatics student could explain the use of AI in clinical systems.
Highlight academic excellence
Because academic performance is central to the scholarship, your strongest academic achievements should be easy for the selection committee to identify.
Explain research interests
Students interested in research should show how the scholarship would help them develop a coherent research direction.
Explain special circumstances where relevant
If adverse circumstances affected your academic record or educational opportunities, explain them clearly.
Do not assume the committee will understand the context without being told.
Documents You May Need
The supplied page does not provide a complete document checklist.
Applicants should review the online application form and scholarship regulations carefully.
Depending on the process, applicants may need information or documents relating to:
- Academic transcripts
- Bachelor’s degree results
- Current or prospective Master’s programme
- Academic CV
- AI-related research interests
- Motivation
- Current university status
- Personal circumstances where applicable
- Additional income
Candidates should submit only documents requested through the official application system.
Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applying only for the scholarship
Prospective students still need to apply separately for their university Master’s programme.
Assuming any Master’s programme qualifies
Your studies need to be closely related to SECAI’s AI research areas.
Ignoring the 1.7 academic benchmark
Academic excellence is a central selection criterion.
Calling the scholarship fully funded without checking
The confirmed benefit is a €934 monthly allowance.
Missing the June 30 deadline
Early selection dates are optional, but June 30 is the general application deadline.
Failing to explain AI relevance
This is particularly important for applicants from law, psychology, social science or other interdisciplinary programmes.
Hiding additional income
Scholarship recipients are required to declare extra income.
Official Application Process
Applicants should complete the official SECAI scholarship application form.
A practical process is:
- Identify an eligible Master’s programme at TU Dresden or Leipzig University.
- Check whether your academic focus aligns with SECAI research areas.
- Confirm that your grades are competitive.
- Apply separately for admission to the university programme if necessary.
- Prepare the information required for the scholarship.
- Complete the official SECAI application form.
- Submit before the relevant deadline.
- Keep records of your submission.
- Monitor communication from the programme regarding selection.
Prospective students should remember that admission and scholarship decisions are separate.
Application Deadline
The general scholarship application deadline is:
June 30
Applications open on:
April 1
Applicants may also be considered earlier if they apply by:
- April 19 for the LL.M. International Studies in Intellectual Property Law and Data Law
- May 19 for all study programmes
The earlier dates are optional.
June 30 remains the general final deadline.
What Happens After Selection?
Selected students receive scholarship support for an approved period based on their remaining programme duration and study progress.
Recipients must continue satisfying the scholarship requirements.
Funding can end if eligibility conditions are no longer met.
Recipients must also declare additional income because earnings above the applicable threshold can reduce the scholarship amount.
Opportunities Feed Verdict
The SECAI Scholarships at TU Dresden and Leipzig University offer a strong funding opportunity for academically outstanding students planning AI-related Master’s studies in Germany.
The programme stands out for three reasons.
First, it provides a meaningful €934 monthly allowance, helping recipients cover living expenses while focusing on their studies.
Second, the scholarship recognizes AI as a genuinely interdisciplinary field. Computer science and data science students are obvious candidates, but students in law, psychology, bioinformatics, medical informatics, engineering and other fields can also qualify where their studies have a strong AI focus.
Third, the programme deliberately encourages internationalization and diversity. Women in STEM are particularly encouraged to apply, and exceptional personal circumstances can be considered during selection.
The main limitation is that applicants should not automatically interpret the scholarship as covering every cost associated with studying in Germany.
The confirmed benefit is the monthly living allowance, while other expenses should be verified separately.
For strong Master’s candidates with excellent academic records and a clear AI-related study direction, SECAI is an opportunity worth considering well before the June 30 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SECAI Scholarship?
It is a scholarship supporting outstanding Master’s students pursuing AI-related studies at TU Dresden or Leipzig University.
How much is the scholarship?
The current monthly allowance is €934.
Which universities participate?
The scholarship is connected to TU Dresden and Leipzig University.
What level of study is eligible?
The programme is primarily for current or prospective Master’s-level students.
What GPA is required?
Applicants should normally have the equivalent of 1.7 or better under the German grading system.
Can international students apply?
Yes, provided they meet the academic, university and programme requirements.
Can prospective students apply before starting their Master’s?
Yes. Students may apply for the scholarship in parallel with their university application.
Is university admission automatic if I receive the scholarship?
No. University admission and scholarship applications are separate processes.
Which subjects qualify?
Eligible areas include computer science, data science, computational modeling, nanoelectronics, bioinformatics, medical informatics and other AI-related fields.
Can law students apply?
Yes. LL.M. students with an academic focus on AI-related legal topics may qualify.
Can psychology students apply?
Yes, particularly where their studies focus on socio-technical systems or human-machine interaction.
Are social science students eligible?
Potentially, where their studies focus on human or societal dimensions of artificial intelligence.
Are women encouraged to apply?
Yes. SECAI specifically encourages women in STEM subjects to apply.
Are refugees eligible?
SECAI states that personal circumstances such as war-related refugee status can be taken into consideration.
Is the scholarship fully funded?
The confirmed benefit is a €934 monthly living allowance. The supplied information does not establish universal coverage of every study-related expense.
When do applications open?
Applications open on April 1.
What is the final deadline?
The general deadline is June 30.
What are the early consideration dates?
April 19 applies to the specified LL.M. programme, while May 19 applies across study programmes.
Do I have to apply by the early dates?
No. They provide an opportunity for early selection but are not mandatory.
How long does the scholarship last?
Normally for the remaining standard duration of the recipient’s studies, although the Selection Committee can approve a shorter period.
Can I earn money while receiving the scholarship?
Yes, but additional income must be declared. The scholarship may be reduced when gross income exceeds €603.
Is there a family allowance?
Foreign students may be eligible for an additional monthly family allowance, subject to the scholarship rules.
SEO Keywords
SECAI scholarship 2027, SECAI scholarship Germany, TU Dresden scholarship 2027, Leipzig University scholarship 2027, AI scholarships Germany, artificial intelligence scholarships Germany, Master scholarship Germany 2027, €934 scholarship Germany, SECAI AI scholarship, scholarships for international students Germany, TU Dresden AI scholarship, Leipzig University AI scholarship, MSc Data Science scholarship Germany, MSc Computer Science scholarship Germany, AI Master scholarship Europe, Germany scholarships for international students 2027, data science scholarships Europe, computer science scholarship Germany, bioinformatics scholarship Germany, medical informatics scholarship Germany, AI law scholarship Germany, psychology AI scholarship, women in STEM scholarships Germany, DAAD Zuse School scholarships, SECAI application deadline, SECAI eligibility, scholarships at TU Dresden, scholarships at Leipzig University, AI scholarships for Master students, Germany postgraduate scholarships 2027
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel
Also Check
United Nations University (UNU) Career Opportunities 2026: Global Jobs and Internship Openings
Shell Graduate Programme 2027 in the UK Applications Open September 2026
Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Program 2027 for Nonprofits Opens Spring 2027
Human Rights Watch Africa Division Intern 2026: Great Lakes Region Internship
