The Zuse School of Embedded Composite Artificial Intelligence (SECAI) offers fully funded scholarships for outstanding Master’s students in artificial intelligence at TU Dresden or Leipzig University. The package covers tuition, living costs, travel and even a family allowance, making it a standout option for qualified African applicants.
ApplyMate Quick Verdict
This scholarship provides generous funding, including a €934 monthly living allowance and additional family support. It is highly competitive and expects applicants to have an excellent academic record (roughly equivalent to a 1.7 GPA or better in the German system). If you’re passionate about AI and planning to study in Germany, SECAI is worth the effort.
International students, including those from Africa, are eligible and encouraged to apply. Women in STEM and applicants with adverse personal circumstances are given extra consideration. Focus your application on how your studies and research align with SECAI’s AI mission areas. If English or German is not your first language, make sure your language proficiency meets university requirements.
Who This Opportunity Is Best For
Highly motivated AI‑focused students entering or already enrolled in Master’s or Diplom programmes at TU Dresden or Leipzig University. Ideal candidates have completed at least two years of study and achieved above‑average grades (1.7 or better). Applicants who value diversity and interdisciplinary AI research will thrive.
Who Should Think Twice Before Applying
This scholarship is not for undergraduates or those seeking to study outside TU Dresden or Leipzig University. Students with weak academic records or unrelated study tracks will struggle. If you cannot commit to living and studying in Germany for up to two years, or your interest in AI is superficial, consider other opportunities.
Why This Opportunity Matters
SECAI scholarships cultivate top AI talent and encourage diversity in one of Europe’s leading AI research hubs. The programme allows recipients to focus on coursework and research without financial stress. For African students, it’s a chance to gain cutting‑edge skills and networks that can help advance AI innovation on the continent.
Simplified Eligibility
You must be enrolled in or applying to a Master’s (or Diplom) programme closely related to AI at TU Dresden or Leipzig University. Applicants typically need a cumulative GPA equivalent to 1.7 or better in the German grading system. Women in STEM and students facing adverse circumstances are especially encouraged. There is no nationality restriction.
What This Scholarship Covers
The scholarship includes a monthly living allowance of €934 for up to 24 months, a family allowance for international students, and coverage of tuition fees. It also provides funding for travel costs to and from Germany and offers support for attending conferences or research trips.
No‑Stress Application Steps
- Confirm your eligibility and enrolment status at TU Dresden or Leipzig University (you may apply to SECAI and to the university in parallel).
- Prepare a motivation letter explaining your research interests and connection to SECAI’s AI domains, along with your CV, transcripts and any proof of admission.
- Email the complete application package to secai-office@tu-dresden.de before the deadline. Use the TU Dresden SecureMail portal if instructed.
Documents to Prepare Early
- Motivation letter outlining your AI interests and how they relate to SECAI research areas
- Updated CV highlighting academic achievements and projects
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcripts
- Proof of admission or application to a relevant Master’s programme (if available)
- Declaration of other sources of income or scholarships
Challenges African Applicants Should Not Ignore
- Converting grades to the German system can be tricky; work with your university registrar to obtain an official conversion or explanatory note.
- Visa and residence permit processing for Germany requires proof of funding and insurance; apply immediately after receiving your scholarship offer.
- If you are not familiar with German academic culture, seek mentorship from current international students at TU Dresden or Leipzig University.
- Language barriers: while many AI programmes are taught in English, learning basic German will help with daily life and integration.
Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Application
- Substituting a generic motivation letter instead of addressing SECAI’s AI mission and your research interests
- Sending incomplete applications or missing documents (e.g., transcripts, proof of admission)
- Underestimating the importance of academic performance – applicants with GPAs well below 1.7 rarely succeed
- Ignoring the stated deadlines and submission instructions (email vs. portal)
Deadline and Preparation Timeline
Deadlines: First round – 19 May 2026; Second round – 30 June 2026【410106445646885†L106-L110】. Applications received by the first date are reviewed earlier, which may help with planning. Begin gathering documents and drafting your motivation letter at least two months in advance.
Final Advice
SECAI scholarships are awarded by a prestigious AI school. Tailor your application to highlight how your past work and future goals intersect with embedded and composite AI. Reach out to potential supervisors or current students for insights and plan well ahead of the deadlines.
Ready to make your move?
Use the official link below and ensure you meet both university and scholarship requirements before applying.
Source and Verification
ApplyMate verification note: Scholarship details can change. Always verify deadlines, eligibility and submission procedures on the official SECAI website before applying.
